What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa and How to Live with It

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes recurrent and painful nodules, boils, abscesses, and skin lesions.

It can appear almost anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the groin, thighs, buttocks, and armpits.

There is no known cause of HS, but it is thought to be related to abnormalities in the immune system.

Some studies have shown it is hereditary and 1/3 of patients have a family history of the condition. Doctors believe the primary mechanical problem is follicular occlusion.

HS can be very debilitating. It causes chronic pain, constant sores, and fatigue. But you can live a full and happy life despite HS.

In this article, we're going to share some tips on how to live your best life with HS.

Take care of your sanity

HS affects us physically, but it can also seriously affect our mental health. So it's important to take care of ourselves and make sure we get the support we need.

This can be done through peer support groups or through talking to friends or family members. Finding ways to deal with stress is also very helpful, as stress can make HS symptoms worse.

People with HS often shy away from social events, so it is important to let people know what is going on so they can better understand the disease and the impact it can have on your life. Access it and find support.

Also, take care of your physical health!

It can be daunting when a doctor tells you to lose weight or quit smoking because of a misconception that these are the only factors causing HS. While they can add to HS education, it is not your fault that you have this disease.

The healthier you are, the better. People with hidradenitis suppurativa are at risk for various metabolic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. There is also an increased risk of infection due to open wounds.

It is generally a good idea to take care of your health. Try to maintain a healthy weight and include healthy foods in your diet. Reduce your sugar intake and increase your fruits and vegetables.

Try to get some exercise. And watch your sleep – sleep is important in reducing inflammation in the body, but getting a good night's sleep can be difficult when you are in pain.

To adjust

You may need to take a break from some of the things you enjoy doing, such as: B. Swimming or running if you have an HS flare for example. However, you can adjust your lifestyle and find new things to enjoy.

Gentle exercise can be good, learning to stretch your body through simple yoga or even walking can be beneficial.

You may need to adjust your working hours to make treatments easier. Some days you may have to work from home.

A lot of people work from home these days. So maybe find a job that makes this easier and you can be more flexible with your time.

Learn resilience

Life with HS is a roller coaster ride. The flare-ups can be unpredictable. Sometimes they last a long time, and when you think it will turn out to be batter, a new one may appear.

It is important to learn coping skills and how to deal with negative thoughts that you may have. If you need extra assistance, that's no shame. We all struggle in life sometimes, just don't go alone.

About the author:

Suzanne Moloney is a HS patient from Ireland. She has lived with HS since her early teens and works to raise awareness about the disease and help people with HS around the world.