Navigating wound care for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be overwhelming, especially with so many products claiming to help. Let’s break down three popular options—Aquaphor, plain petroleum jelly, and CeraVe Healing Ointment—to help you make an informed choice for your skin.
Aquaphor: Pros and Cons
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Reduces inflammation, boosts hydration.
- Glycerin: Locks in moisture.
- Bisabolol (chamomile extract): Soothes redness and irritation.
- Mineral oil + ceresin: Forms a protective barrier.
Drawbacks:
- Contains lanolin alcohol, a potential allergen. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named lanolin the 2023 “Allergen of the Year” due to rising allergic reactions.
- Studies show higher rates of skin reactivity (e.g., 52% of surgical wounds treated with Aquaphor developed redness vs. 12% with plain petroleum jelly).
- More risky for those with broken skin, eczema, or sensitive skin.
Plain Petroleum Jelly: Simple but Effective
Benefits:
- Minimal ingredients: Just petrolatum, making it hypoallergenic.
- Safe for compromised skin: Yes, it contains no lanolin, fragrances, or preservatives.
- Proven gentleness: Studies show significantly less redness/swelling compared to Aquaphor.
Drawbacks:
- Lacks added moisturizers like glycerin or panthenol.
- May feel more greasy than other options.
CeraVe Healing Ointment: A Lanolin-Free Alternative
Benefits:
- Lanolin-free: Reduces allergy risk.
- Ceramides + hyaluronic acid: Strengthens skin barrier and retains moisture.
- Non-comedogenic: Less likely to clog pores.
Why It Stands Out:
Balances the protective power of petrolatum with skin-repairing ingredients, making it ideal for HS patients wanting both healing and hydration.
The Bottom Line for HS Patients
- Avoid Aquaphor if you have sensitive or broken skin: Its lanolin content raises allergy risks, especially for those prone to eczema or open wounds.
- Choose plain petroleum jelly for safety: Best for irritated, post-flare, or newly drained wounds.
- Opt for CeraVe Healing Ointment for added benefits: Ideal if you want moisture retention without lanolin.
Why Recommendations Have Shifted
Recent research and clinical experience highlight that while Aquaphor’s extra ingredients (like panthenol) sound beneficial, its lanolin component poses unnecessary risks for HS patients. As one dermatologist notes:
“I’ve switched my general recommendation to petroleum jelly or CeraVe. For HS patients with compromised skin, simpler is often safer—and just as effective.” – Katherine Scherling ARNP, CWCN-AP, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Services | MultiCare Health System
Always patch-test new products and consult your care team to personalize your wound care routine.
Sources: Morales-Burgos et al. (2013), American Contact Dermatitis Society (2023), DermNet NZ.
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