Thought Catalog: What is your personal experience with HS?
When were you diagnosed, and what was it like?
I tried to treat it myself and told no one.
When I was around 17, I couldnt ignore it anymore.
I had to confide in my Mum.
She took me to the doctor and thats when the very long path to diagnosis began.
I was prescribed endless antibiotics, steroid injections and what felt like every other medication under the sun.
Even since my diagnosis, it hasnt been an easy road.
Ive had more surgeries, tried more medications and quite often find myself educating my healthcare professionals about HS.
I am not one to dwell on the bad things in life.
For me, the worst part is not being able to do the things I once loved.
As a child, I was very sporty.
Sports are pretty much out of the question for me now.
But instead of dwelling on that, I have taken up yoga and love it.
I am very entrepreneurial and passionate about my work.
Before this, I owned and worked in my own commercial bakery.
While I have accepted it and adapted to it, I am always dreaming for a cure.
TC: What inspired you to start HidraWear?
I got so frustrated with the current dressings available.
They were so time-consuming to put on and to change.
Ive always been entrepreneurial, so I decided to take it into my own hands.
TC: What is HidraWear?
SM:HidraWear is the worlds first adhesive-free garment and dressing solution specifically designed for people living with HS.
TC: How can other HS sufferers invest, or purchase it?
SM:HidraWear is not yet available to buy but we hope to launch it very soon.
TC: Why is HidraWear different than standard wound care?
SM:HidraWear is different for several reasons.
It is adhesive-free which makes it very skin-friendly.
Its very easy to use so changing a dressing will no longer be a tedious task.
TC:What do you think are the biggest misperceptions about HS?
SM:For me, the biggest one is that it cant be that bad.
But its not just that, people forget about the mental effects of HS too.
All of this can lead to poor self-esteem and self-confidence and increase the risk of developing depression or anxiety.
Its a vicious circle that isnt apparent to the naked eye and can often be overlooked.
TC: What do you ultimately hope your company accomplishes long-term?
SM:Our primary goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with HS.
We believe the HidraWear garment will do this, but we dont just want to sell a product.
We are also funding research into HS.
There is a lot we dont know about it and still want to find out.
On a personal level, the ultimate accomplishment would be a cure.
