Living With HS: Why We Looked Beyond Steroids
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is one of the most misunderstood and undertreated chronic skin conditions. If you have it, you already know: the painful nodules, the recurring abscesses, the flares that seem to come out of nowhere. And if you've been through the conventional treatment cycle — antibiotics, steroids, biologics — you may be wondering if there's another way.
At Earnest Remedies, we believe there is. Not a cure, not a miracle, but a gentler path that works with your skin rather than suppressing it.
What Triggers HS Flares?
HS flares are complex and individual. Common triggers include:
- Friction and heat — tight clothing, sweating, and areas where skin rubs together
- Hormonal shifts — many people with HS notice flares around their menstrual cycle
- Diet — some find dairy, refined sugars, or nightshades worsen symptoms
- Stress — chronic stress is a well-known inflammation amplifier
- Harsh skincare products — fragrances, sulfates, and synthetic preservatives can aggravate already-sensitive skin
Understanding your personal triggers is step one. Step two is having a soothing, non-irritating topical option ready when a flare begins.
Plant Ingredients That May Help Calm HS Skin
We formulated The Earnest Oil around a set of botanicals with long histories of use for inflamed, irritated skin:
Comfrey
Comfrey root contains allantoin, a compound known to support cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. It's been used traditionally to soothe swollen, tender tissue — exactly the kind of relief HS skin often needs.
Arnica
Arnica is well known in natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with HS nodules when applied topically to unbroken skin.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal contains berberine, a naturally occurring compound with documented antimicrobial properties. For HS-prone skin, this may help address the bacterial environment that contributes to recurring breakouts.
Clove
Clove oil has both analgesic and antimicrobial properties. It can offer temporary relief from the tenderness that accompanies active HS lesions.
How to Use a Botanical Oil During a Flare
Topical oils are not a substitute for medical care — always work with your dermatologist. But as a complementary approach, here's how to incorporate a clean botanical oil into your routine:
- Apply to clean, dry skin around (not on top of) open wounds
- Use a small amount — a few drops go a long way on inflamed tissue
- Be consistent — daily application between flares may help maintain the skin barrier
- Avoid synthetic fragrances and alcohols, which can worsen irritation
If you're ready to try a plant-based option made specifically with conditions like HS in mind, The Earnest Oil was created for you.
A Note From Our Founder
We built Earnest Remedies because we were frustrated with the "steroid first" approach to chronic skin conditions. Steroids have their place — but so does listening to your skin and reaching for something gentler first. Every ingredient in The Earnest Oil is there for a reason, and none of them are there to mask symptoms with synthetic chemistry.
You deserve options. We're here to give you one.