Hidradenitis Suppurativa: My Story, Symptoms, and Treatments That Help Me
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: My Journey as an Esthetician and HS Warrior
As the owner and lead esthetician at Smoothe & Co., skin health is not just my profession. It is my passion. But there is one skin condition I know on a deeply personal level: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
I have lived with hidradenitis suppurativa for many painful years. Also known as acne inversa, HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, boil-like lumps under the skin. These lesions often appear in areas where skin rubs together. For me, that means flare-ups in my underarms, groin, and sometimes under the breasts. HS is not contagious, but it is life-changing, both physically and emotionally.
What Hidradenitis Suppurativa Feels Like
Living with hidradenitis suppurativa means living with unpredictability. Some days I am fine, and other days I am dealing with painful lumps that make even simple tasks uncomfortable. For me, symptoms include:
- Tender, boil-like lumps under the skin
- Flare-ups that rupture and drain
- Scarring in areas where flare-ups have healed
- Emotional frustration from the pain and limitations HS can bring
I have learned that HS flare-ups can be triggered by stress, heat, friction, and even certain foods. Knowing your personal triggers is key.
Causes and Myths About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is not fully understood. Doctors believe it starts with blocked hair follicles that rupture under the skin, triggering inflammation. HS is also considered to have an autoimmune component, meaning the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to ongoing inflammation.
It is important to remember that HS is a medical condition that should be diagnosed by your healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist. Self-diagnosing can delay proper treatment and allow symptoms to worsen over time.
It is not caused by poor hygiene, which is a frustrating myth that people with HS hear too often. As an esthetician, I want my clients and my community to know that HS is a medical condition, not something you can “scrub away” or “just keep clean.”
Treatments That Have Helped Me or Clients
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for hidradenitis suppurativa, but here is what I have personally found helpful, along with what doctors often recommend:
Medical Options
- Topical antibiotics to calm inflammation and prevent infection
- Steroid injections
- Oral medications for more severe flare-ups
- Biologic therapies such as Humira for ongoing inflammation (I have not personally chosen this route, although I have client’s who have had success with this option)
- Surgical procedures for stubborn or recurring lesions (typically used for late stages of HS)
- Laser treatments
- Waxing
Lifestyle and Skincare Adjustments
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction
- Using antibacterial or antiseptic washes daily (at Smoothe & Co., we sell an amazing Glycolic body wash along with an antimicrobial and antibacterial exfoliating mitt that has helped me tremendously). Book a product pick-up appointment to purchase!
- Avoiding shaving in areas prone to flare-ups
- Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking if applicable
- Managing stress, which is easier said than done but worth the effort
- Diet (knowing my triggers, such as sugar and gluten, has also personally helped my flares)
In my own life, I have had to make peace with adjusting my skincare routine to be extra gentle on my HS-prone areas.
How Smoothe & Co. Supports HS Clients
Because I have lived with HS, I understand the emotional and physical toll it can take. At Smoothe & Co., we approach skincare with compassion, respect, and a deep understanding that some conditions need more than just surface-level care.
While HS requires medical management, there are professional treatments and home-care routines we can recommend to improve skin health, reduce irritation, and support your confidence.
A Message to Anyone Living With Hidradenitis Suppurativa
If you are struggling with hidradenitis suppurativa, I see you. I understand the frustration, the pain, and the emotional weight it carries. This condition can be isolating, but you are not alone.
Early diagnosis and consistent management can make a huge difference. Please do not wait to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider if you think you might have HS.
And if you just need someone to talk to who understands, my door is always open at Smoothe & Co.
With love,
Lindsey