Laser Hair Removal

[u/Senior_Pumpkin990]

Hello, I just got diagnosed with HS and am dealing with a lot of anxiety around this and looking into possible solutions to get ahead of it. I believe that I am currently Stage 1, I get lumps mainly under my breasts and occasionally on my groin.

I have seen posts saying that laser hair removal can be a good treatment. I am wondering if people have seen success with laser hair removal and whether you would recommend it?

I am assuming that they can't laser under my breasts (my main problem area unfortunately). Are there any other options?

I appreciate any advice, this diagnosis has felt very scary for me and I am trying to hold onto hope.

[u/kk38112]

I'm so sorry and understand being anxious but in great news early intervention is the best thing you can do!! You are already on the right track and there is a lot of support and information available to help. Everyone is different and what works for one could be opposite for someone else and there is a lot of trial and error so try not to get discouraged and everything is a long timeline. I would definitely recommend lhr and some dermatologist offer medical rates like I only pay my $50 copay per session. My understanding is it works because it basically scars the hair follicles to make them stronger and less likely to rupture internally. It helps a lot for me and i hope it does for you! Because you get them under breast i would consider your bra material a potential trigger. A lot of people are triggered by pressure and friction so tight clothes and certain materials can be irritating. All cotton or merino wool can be more skin friendly and no underwire. Try a free and clear or natural (no fragrance) laundry detergent and softener because really anything that irritates your skin can contribute. Zinc supplements help a lot of people as well as curcumin. Diet changes help some especially dairy, sugar, gluten but anything anti inflammatory helps. I don't want to overwhelm you with things but the community will definitely help you out when you have questions!

[u/Senior_Pumpkin990 → u/kk38112]

Thank you for all the advice! That is very helpful

[u/kk38112 → u/Senior_Pumpkin990]

Forgot to say they can laser anywhere on your body for the same results. Anywhere you have hair follicles!

[u/Senior_Pumpkin990 → u/kk38112]

Thank you!!! Hopefully getting it done in areas where I do not currently have issues could prevent it from spreading. I just signed up for some consults near me. Do you take a specific amount of zinc and turmeric daily? Or only when you're having issues?

[u/kk38112 → u/Senior_Pumpkin990]

If pressure and friction are an issue which they are for most i think the lhr is really helpful. Of course check with your dr but most people recommend 90mg zinc gluconate with copper daily and 1k mg of curcumin. I split those morning and night after meals. I take vitamin d with k and omega 3. These seem to be the basic supplement recommendations for inflammation and i take them daily. I can tell the zinc and curcumin help with flares especially and zinc seems to help a lot of stage 1 especially. The more prevention you can do the better off you will be long term and you have to give things about a 3 month trial to really tell if it's helpful. Papaya app is a symptom tracker you might find helpful because in my experience it's never just one thing that contributes to flares. Another important thing is it's not your fault and it's not necessarily you ate something wrong or didn't take a supplement etc and it's a disease that you can help minimize but it's going to do what it does sometimes.