One of my earliest memories of living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) was the overwhelming shame and embarrassment. My first HS flare-up occurred when I was around 13. I was unsure what was happening with my body. Adolescence can be a scary time due to all the hormonal shifts taking place in the body and the brain. If I am being honest, it was one of the worst times in my life.
Not understanding what was happening and too scared to share with my parents, I suffered in silence. This was until it got to the point where I needed medical intervention. I’ll never forget the day I had to show my mom the areas under my arms. The sheer terror on her face let me know that it was really bad. At that moment, I felt so scared and alone.
Read more: Living with Hidradenitis SuppurativaThough much research is still needed to fully understand HS and its impact on the human body, knowing what I know now would have saved me a lot of trouble and mental anguish.
Through the “Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa” series that I am creating, my hope for any person reading this blog post is that it helps them take their power back. Knowledge is power, and with power, you can lead a better quality of life.
What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a condition that causes painful bumps under your skin in the hair follicles. Also known as acne inversa, HS is a chronic inflammatory disease that can negatively impact quality of life and other health problems. With HS, the bumps can become infected, forming pockets under your skin that fill with pus. When they break open, they can smell bad and leave behind scars.
There is no cure for HS, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help improve quality of life significantly. Because the condition comes and goes, it can be frustrating and take an emotional toll on even the strongest individuals. This reason is why I wanted to educate others on the condition and provide something I wish I had amid the confusion and not understanding what was happening to my body – the gift of hope.
What Causes Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
The cause of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is unknown. However, research has shown that it is closely linked to genetics and lifestyle. HS is more common in women than men and typically begins to appear during adolescence.
It is more likely to occur in individuals who are overweight, smoke, or have had acne. But where does the problem really start? The problem begins when the hair follicle gets blocked. No, it is not because you are not washing enough, nor can you catch it from or give it to another person.
Symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can affect both sides of your body and other places, such as between the breasts, the groin area, and even the buttocks. The first warning sign may be a single painful bump that gets inflamed. It can last days or even months, which is why this condition can be so frustrating, especially for young people whose bodies are just developing.
The bumps can become very itchy, and you may notice small pitted areas with blackheads. Some people even develop tunnels or scars under their skin known as sinus tracts, which connect different areas of HS flares – something I have experienced over the course of my adult life.
What Can You Do If You Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
First things first, take a deep breath. The number one thing you can do if you have HS is listen to your body. One thing I have learned over the years is that there is no one tip that works for everyone. Trial and error will become your best friend. Here are some general tips that might help.
Keep the Affected Areas Clean and Dry
Use antibacterial soap and pat the area dry with a clean towel. If you need suggestions, I’ve got them covered. Check out my post 7 Best Soaps for Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce friction and irritation so that your skin can breathe and release any body heat from being trapped, which can aggravate HS lesions.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight management is crucial for living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Excess weight can increase inflammation, worsen hormonal imbalances, and lead to more friction in areas where HS lesions commonly develop, such as the underarms and groin. The added friction and pressure can worsen symptoms and contribute to new flare-ups.
Additionally, obesity is linked to impaired immune function, which can hinder the body’s ability to heal from HS-related infections. By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, individuals can reduce inflammation, improve hormone regulation, and enhance immune function, all of which can help minimize the severity and frequency of HS symptoms—leading to better overall health and quality of life when living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can exacerbate Hidradenitis Suppurativa symptoms. Smoking increases inflammation, which can worsen HS symptoms and lead to more severe and frequent flare-ups. The toxins in cigarettes can impair skin healing, making it harder for the body to recover from HS lesions and infections.
By quitting smoking, you can reduce this risk. If you need help quitting smoking, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Start Your Quitting Journey.
Consult a Dermatologist
Consulting a dermatologist is crucial for effectively managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and ensuring you receive personalized, comprehensive care. Dermatologists have the expertise to accurately diagnose HS, which is often mistaken for other skin conditions and can develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
I can’t tell you how many times I’d been wrongly diagnosed before my dermatologist finally helped me figure out what was going on. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist are essential for monitoring your progress, adjusting therapies, and maintaining overall skin health. Additionally, dermatologists provide valuable education and support, helping you understand HS and navigate the emotional challenges it presents.
Consider Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are essential for managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and improving overall well-being. Key adjustments include adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while avoiding processed foods and potential triggers like dairy or gluten. Regular physical activity, such as swimming or yoga, helps with weight management and reduces inflammation.
Stress management techniques, like mindfulness and proper sleep hygiene, can also lessen the frequency of flare-ups. Establishing a gentle skincare routine with non-irritating products is crucial to protect and soothe sensitive skin. In the post How to Create a Skincare Routine for Hidradenitis Suppurativa I share the essential steps to building a skincare routine tailored specifically for HS.
Navigating life with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to manage the condition effectively. By understanding the nature of HS, consulting with a dermatologist, and making thoughtful lifestyle changes, you can reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups and improve your overall quality of life.
Whether it’s maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, or adjusting your skincare routine, every small change can make a significant difference. Remember, it’s a journey, but with the right support and information, you can navigate it with strength and resilience.
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