When using ointments/creams, don't be afraid to really slather it onto the area.

This is something my derm told me and its really helped. With HS, its a 'skin' issue but much of the lesion is often quite a bit below the skin. Any ointment you guys have, be it anti-bacterial /w zinc or an ant inflammatory, you want to really, really slather it in. The more that is absorbed into the area, the deeper it penetrates, the better.

I used to just put a small dab of Bactrim with zinc on maybe once a day. It didn't do anything. Most likely it simply was not penetrating deep enough into the skin or was just staying on the top layer. I started to really kinda over-do it, putting a thick layer on top every 6-7 hours, and it was a night and day difference.

With anti-inflammatory NSAID ointment (diclofenac), from what I understand you shouldn't go too crazy with it though. It can end up being bad for you. I am not 100% sure for that though, I only use that when I have a particularly bad one.