It really should be recognised as a disability as some times it's painful when I walk when I get flare ups. I think a misconception is that you get it because of obesity but lots of people who aren't get it too.

It definitely is a disability.

A common misconception is that it is hygiene related. A second one is that it is not that serious for the person suffering with it.

It also isn’t the easiest to have confidence with and can cause the opposite

Hi, I’ve had HS for about 25 years. I have tried everything under the sun to help lessen my flair ups. I mainly have flair ups in my groin area which can make it very difficult and painful to walk.

I am happy to report I have not had a flair up in 15 months. This is what I am doing to keep the flair ups away.

1. I had certain bumps that would constantly come back, drain, never completely heal and then return again. I started applying heat to these areas (I had to do one at a time because of the soreness). I’m sure you can use almost any safe heat source but I chose to use the “hot hands” product. I could wear it under my clothes, the heat lasted for many hours and it did not become too hot. I continued to use heat until the infection was all out and the drainage was blood only. I would then disinfect the area and apply a band aid temporarily.

2. Since my flare ups are mainly in my groin area, I had to make a decision to stop wearing underwear. It created constant friction in the area and would almost always irritate my skin.

3. I started taking luke warm baths daily vs showers. This was a big adjustment for me because I loved my showers. Once I started with my baths, I could almost immediately tell a difference in my skin.

I honestly believe making these 3 changes is the reason I have not had a flare up in 15 months. I pray this information will help others. 🙏🏻

Much love XO ❤️