Same, I feel incredibly self conscious. I had a partner who was very understanding despite my feelings towards my body. I already had HS when I met them albeit not as bad as it is now. I spoke about HS and told them I had this condition before any intimacy.
By the time we became intermate she said it was far more worse in my mind which was her way of putting me at ease.
Being able to talk about HS so that it becomes normalised is easier said than done because of that fear of what others will think so we tend to hold back but having that conversation may be the way to go.

That is super sweet and encouraging. Since I went through PPD almost 3 years ago, I have not dated or even tried to talk to anyone 😭

I was just up front and honest. This is the deal... It is not contagious... It can affect our sex life sometimes... I may not want to be touched at all sometimes... etc. id rather them know from the get go then find out later down the road. Im lucky enough to have an amazing man that understands and also "plays Doctor" (what i always call it when i need him to help bandage or drain)

You know what I am so used to dealing with this issue it has become a part of my life and I talk about it all the time to whom ever I meet or know I'm not ashamed of it now but I use to be in my younger years but not now . But yes talk about it so people can understand what it is and never feel ashamed I hope this helps you