The Hidden Triggers of HS: What You Touch, Eat, and Feel Could Be Fueling Flare-Ups
Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is more than just managing pain—it’s managing the unknown. Why did that flare-up happen now? What triggered it this time? If you’ve asked yourself those questions, you’re not alone.
While HS isn’t caused by anything you did wrong, certain everyday triggers—from friction and food to heat and emotional stress—can make symptoms worse.
This guide uncovers some of the most common (and sneaky) HS flare-up triggers, and shares practical tips to help you avoid them so you can feel more in control.
1. Friction and Tight Clothing
Areas where skin rubs together—like the underarms, groin, thighs, or under the breasts—are already HS hotspots. Add tight clothing, rough fabrics, or seams in the wrong places, and it’s a recipe for irritation.
What to Do:
- Choose loose, breathable clothing made of cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics
- Use anti-chafing balms or barrier creams in high-friction areas
- Avoid underwire bras or tight waistbands when flaring
2. Heat, Sweat, and Humidity
Hot weather, intense workouts, or even stress-induced sweating can trap moisture in sensitive areas. This creates a breeding ground for inflammation and infection.
What to Do:
- Stay cool with fans, cooling towels, or breathable fabrics
- Shower and change out of sweaty clothes right after exercise
- Apply talc-free powder or antiperspirant in HS-prone areas
3. Certain Foods and Dietary Sensitivities
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” HS diet, but some people find that foods high in sugar, dairy, gluten, or brewer’s yeast can spark flare-ups. These foods may promote inflammation or alter gut bacteria in ways that affect your skin.
What to Do:
- Track your symptoms in a food journal to identify potential triggers
- Try reducing processed sugars, dairy, or fried foods to see if symptoms improve
- Some people benefit from an anti-inflammatory or dairy-free diet
4. Stress and Emotional Ups and Downs
Stress doesn't just affect your mood—it can trigger inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. Many HS warriors report flare-ups during emotional stress, anxiety, or big life events.
What to Do:
- Practice stress management daily: deep breathing, journaling, yoga, or therapy
- Don’t downplay emotional health—your skin responds to your stress levels
- Find support through HS communities or mental health professionals
5. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a big role in HS—especially around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Fluctuations in estrogen and androgens may worsen inflammation or oil gland activity.
What to Do:
- Track flare-ups around your menstrual cycle or hormone shifts
- Talk to your doctor about birth control, spironolactone, or hormone therapy
- Work with a dermatologist who understands HS and hormone-related patterns
6. Skin Trauma (Like Shaving or Popping)
Shaving, picking, or squeezing lesions might seem harmless, but these small traumas can inflame follicles and worsen lesions—or even trigger new ones.
What to Do:
- Switch to gentle hair removal methods or avoid shaving during flare-ups
- Never pop or squeeze HS nodules—see a professional instead
- Use soothing, non-comedogenic products to calm the skin
Final Thoughts: Know Your Triggers, Reclaim Some Control
Hidradenitis Suppurativa can feel unpredictable and unfair. But learning your personal triggers is a powerful step toward fewer flares, less pain, and more peace of mind.
You didn’t cause HS—and you’re not in this alone. But you can create a lifestyle that gives your body a better shot at calm skin and fewer flare-ups.
Small shifts can make a big difference. And you deserve that difference.
Tags: Hidradenitis Suppurativa, HS Triggers, Flare-Up Prevention, Chronic Skin Conditions, Heat and HS, Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Skin Friction, Stress and Skin
