HS Toolbox: Preparing Patients for Unexpected Flares

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving recurrent nodules and abscesses that have the potential to develop into sinus tracts and scarring. Lesions can cause pain, pruritus, drainage, and odor in affected areas. HS can also have a significant impact on mental health and reduce quality of life for those affected.¹

HS flares can be unpredictable. Patients may be at work, attending a social event, or traveling when a flare occurs, leaving them unprepared to manage developing symptoms. Studies have shown that flares can increase depression and anxiety and negatively affect quality of life compared with non-flare periods in patients with HS.²

Having an HS toolbox ready with supplies to help manage symptoms when they arise may help patients feel more prepared. Research has found that preparedness can increase confidence. For patients with HS, having accessible supplies may provide a sense of security and control when dealing with an unexpected flare.³

A toolkit can be stored in a patient's vehicle or desk at work or carried in a backpack or purse. A contact lens case, pill box, or another small container with separate sealed compartments can also provide compact storage for several products.

What Can Go in an HS Toolbox?

The contents of an HS toolbox should be individualized based on the patient's symptoms and treatment plan. Potential items may include:

• Oral analgesics, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)⁴
• Topical lidocaine ointment
• Topical diclofenac
• Benzoyl peroxide wash
• Antiseptic cleansers, such as chlorhexidine⁵
• Zinc pyrithione cleansers⁵
• Clindamycin 1% gel or lotion, when prescribed
• Topical resorcinol 15% cream
• Soothing or barrier ointments, such as petrolatum or zinc oxide–based products
• Aloe vera cream, which may help soothe irritated skin⁵

Patients may also report finding relief from products such as witch hazel, Vicks VapoRub, Boil Ease products, Dermeleve, My Magic Healer salve, and CBD-containing products. Because evidence and individual tolerability vary, patients should discuss topical products with their clinician before incorporating them into their flare-management routine.⁴

Preparing for Wound Care and Drainage

The toolbox can also contain supplies needed to cleanse an active abscess and manage drainage. Having these items readily available may prevent patients from having to leave work, return home for supplies, or interrupt their day with an unexpected trip to the pharmacy.

Useful supplies may include:

• Round cotton pads or gauze for cleansing
• Travel-size scissors
• A small roll of dressing tape
• A washcloth for a warm or cold compress
• Hydrocolloid dressings, when appropriate, which are waterproof and absorb drainage⁴
• Menstrual or nursing pads for additional absorbency

Menstrual and nursing pads may offer an inexpensive alternative to traditional absorbent dressings. The adhesive side can also be applied to clothing rather than directly to the skin, potentially avoiding additional irritation from tape.

Keeping supplies together in a resealable or reusable plastic bag can help patients keep treatment and wound care items organized and readily accessible.

Clothing and Personal Care

Clothing and personal care items can also be considered when preparing for a flare. Patients may benefit from carrying a gentle, travel-size, fragrance-free deodorant, depending on individual tolerability.⁶

Dark, breathable, loose-fitting clothing made from materials such as cotton or rayon may also be useful. Undergarment options can include dark, breathable, wire-free bras, sports bras, or supportive camisoles that help reduce chafing in affected areas.⁴

For patients who experience significant drainage, keeping an extra piece of clothing or an undergarment with the toolbox may provide another practical option when away from home.

Bringing the HS Toolbox Into Clinical Practice

Examples of HS toolboxes could be created in the office setting to help patients understand the concept and integrate one into their daily lives.

Clinicians may also consider including a business card with provider and office information, along with reminders about what to do if a flare cannot be managed with the supplies available. Depending on the individual patient, additional treatment may include an intralesional corticosteroid injection, a short course of medication, or another clinician-directed intervention.

Most importantly, providing patients with an available resource to contact when a flare develops may help ease some of the uncertainty surrounding an unpredictable disease.

An HS toolbox does not replace a patient's established treatment plan. Instead, it can provide patients with practical supplies to help manage symptoms, drainage, and discomfort when a flare occurs unexpectedly—and help them feel more prepared to navigate HS in their daily lives.

References

1. Pandey A. Essentials of hidradenitis suppurativa: a comprehensive review of diagnostic and treatment perspectives. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024;86(9):5304-5313. doi:10.1097/MS9.000000000000234
2. Caravan S, Andres-Terre H, Harbour V, et al. How do flares impact psychosocial outcomes in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? J Invest Dermatol. 2025;145(11). doi:10.1016/j.jid.2025.09.236
3. Carroll P, Briñol P, Petty RE, Ketcham J. Feeling prepared increases confidence in any accessible thoughts affecting evaluation unrelated to the original domain of preparation. J Exp Soc Psychol. 2020;89:103962. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2020.103962
4. Roland W. We've Got Your HS Emergency Toolkit. HealthCentral. Published January 12, 2026. Accessed September 13, 2026.
5. Climan A, Morcell M. 5 Over-the-Counter Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa To Try. MyHSTeam. Published February 23, 2026. Accessed September 12, 2026.
6. Cutler B, Hagstrom E, Greiling TM. Deodorant/antiperspirant use and hair removal practices for hidradenitis suppurativa: recommendations from a single-center survey. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2023;9(1). doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000028