Dommi Raye
- Nov 17, 2021
- 3 min read

What's in my HS toolkit?

It has been a very long time since I have felt the energy to create a blogpost. I've missed being in the fold with you guys! This season has been brilliant to say the least. I have been in active battle with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Managing HS is literally a roller coaster ride. You never truly know just how deep the pain will go. Boils, itching, swelling, drainage, mental exhaustion, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and fever are all symptoms of this chronic disease. My heart goes out to every family that is affected by HS on a daily basis. It can get rough but, there is always light outside of the darkness. I have learned that zinc, vitamin C, B complex, iron, vitamin D and vitamin E are essential for our healing process. At my recent doctor's visit, I learned that low vitamin D and Zinc levels are associated with patients of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. It is directly related to the increased lesion count. I have added a chart below to provide basic benefits of each supplement for HS. I enjoy using zinc in tincture and powder form. I use the powder form in baths and skin products that are applied directly to the boils. My preferred brand is Mary Ruth Organics. This company carries a great Liposomal Vitamin C (nice flavor) and Zinc tincture (that I ADORE). This is the first zinc supplement that did not upset my stomach. Woot Woot!

Zinc	Vitamin C	Vitamin D	B-complex	Iron
Antibacterial	Brightens	Reduce Skin Rashes	Supports healthy cell function	Prevents anemia (common addition to HS)
Powerful Antioxidant	Wound healing	Helps in the absorption of calcium	Supports healthy skin and nails	Helps cognitive function
Speeds healing time of rashes and wounds	Reduces inflammation	Boosts the functioning of the immune system	Supports heart health	Supports energy levels
Relieves itchy boils	Skin smoothing	Reduces inflammation	Red blood cell production	Helps regulate body temperatures
Natural deordorant	Promotes collagen	Supportive of mental health	Aids in anxiety management	Acts as a carrier of oxygen

I have also done many different experiments with my diet. In recent, I introduced fish back into my diet in June,out of fear that I was not getting the proper protein intake. That didn't last long lol. While I do find fish appetizing, I cannot always stand the idea of flesh given that I eat lots of raw meals. Some of the fish types also appeared to cause inflammation. I have since been making diligent strides to avoid grains, gluten and dairy. I try to cook meals with minimally processed ingredients. All of this involves getting extremely creative in the kitchen. It is a challenge but I'm determined to reduce my HS flares and hopefully place it into remission. I recommend that you look into avoiding one or all of these food groups if you are struggling with stubborn flare ups. It's amazing what reduction of processed foods can do for any lifestyle. The food we eat has the ability to trigger mental reactions, rob our bodies of energy, and cause disease. On the flipside, food is nourishment, healing, a means for survival and it's real love. I believe that to be true.

For skincare maintenance I like to keep Hibiclens near during bathing. Mama AU also has a wonderful Manuka Honey Salve that aids in clearing flare ups faster than normal. Hydrogen peroxide is good at keeping them sterile in attempts to avoid infection. Whatever you do, avoid scented products with perfume as they may irritate your abscess. If you're into essential oils you may also try diluting tea tree and/or lavender in 100% coconut, castor or vitamin E to bring the boil to a head, relieve itching and pain all in one. Be sure to use a trusted brand of essential oils as it is dangerous to use any essential oil that is not 100% pure in content.

Our health is always connected to our spiritual being. With that being said, be sure to take time to rest and listen to your intuition. Focus on what deserves your attention and let go of what is no longer serving you. It's a beautiful journey to use intention with your wellbeing and watch new experiences unfold before your eyes.

Be well love bugs!

Style for style,

Dommi Raye