12 years now.

[OutgoingIntrovert]

I’ve been suffering with HS for a long time. Only started getting worse though, past 5 years. My body feels ruined. I diagnosed myself pretty much, because my Doctor didn’t know. A nurse actually suggested that I use Hibiclens wash in the shower. Helps with new ones coming in or starting so that’s a small plus. But as for the scars covering most of my body, it’s extremely embarrassing. I have them under both armpits, under both breast, under lower stomach, and inner thighs. I’am obese and I know that is a factor in this skin condition. But I also suffer from anxiety and depression. Which doesn’t help. Probably also due to my ashamed feeling of my body. Very hard for me to even get intimate with someone. Not trying to go into too much detail. Just hard being a woman trying to overcome this as well as so many other things. I would love any tips or tricks with having HS. More knowledge about this condition would be very helpful, besides me just knowing the causes. Thanks for listening. 😊

[Arya97]

Hey. I'm sorry youve been suffering so long. My advice is change your diet. Its the hardest thing you will ever have to do. But please research hs and food. Maybe you'd be able to seek a dietician. I don't believe its the weight that causes or worsens hs. I belive its partly caused by whats going into your body that prompts the inflammatory response. The best way to learn about hs imo is science journals. Healing is specific to the individual. I healed myself through food and lifestyle changes. Good luck.

[OutgoingIntrovert in reply to Arya97]

Thank you for your advice. Anything helps when dealing with this. I know the diet is probably extremely hard, but I’m ready to do anything. You’re definitely inspiration. I appreciate your words and feels good to talk to people who knows exactly what I go through.

[Igurl]

The biggest thing that helped me was birth control. I started it 3 years ago and have been pretty much outbreak free since. Also I started laser scar therapy. I have scars on my inner thighs and the combination of laser + birth control has been amazing.

[OutgoingIntrovert in reply to Igurl]

Really?! What birth control if you don’t mind me asking? I just worry about BC because I just don’t want any weight gain, being overweight already. & I definitely have thought about laser! My scars are most embarrassing to me. Do you mind me asking around how much it would cost? How many treatments? Sorry for all the questions. Haha Thank you though for all your help, I really appreciate it. Knowing more about this skin condition helps a lot, all I know about HS is from my own learning. Thanks for making me feel not alone.

[smithm21 in reply to OutgoingIntrovert]

My Dermatologist has prescribed me a birth control, forgot what its called, but as soon as I get the name I will let you know and let you know the results

[Rshahrok]

Ask your dermatologist or humira it is the one and only FDA-approved medication for HS I also suffer in the same areas as you do and also am obese and I have diabetes

[mommy483]

My dermatologist gave me a hard time 2 years ago. Said it was my weight. I was feeling so hurt about this i stopped going to see him. Finally it was diagnosed as HS and they put me on Humira! It works wonders! I am 8 month breakout free! Speak to them about it. Good luck!