Hidradenitis Suppurativa: My Story, Symptoms, and Treatments That Help Me

Lindsey Westendorf on August 11, 2025

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.

Understanding Acne: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Lindsey Westendorf on February 18, 2025

Acne isn’t just a teenage problem—it’s a skin condition that can persist into adulthood, affecting up to 50 million people in the U.S. annually. Let’s explore the science behind acne and the proven treatments to manage it.Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While genetics, hormones, and lifestyle play significant roles, the underlying causes are tied to four primary factors.