These abscesses often appear in clusters close to each other and sometimes reoccur in the same spot.
They scar the skin and sometimes leave sinus tracts under the skin, limiting mobility.
The abscesses are painful, itchy, and inflammatory.
Inflammation can be seen on top of the skin, but HS also increases inflammation internally.
This means that HS is systemic.
HS also affects quality of life and mental health.
If you have HS and youve seen a dermatologist, you have probably taken a DLQI.
DLQI stands for Dermatology Life Quality Index.
A DLQI is a simple, self-assessment tool evaluating the quality of life for a patient with skin disease.
For someone with HS, this is key.
HS severely impairs the quality of life.
As a person with HS, I generally answer very much for each of these.
HS is a debilitating disease that causes pain, fatigue, and discomfort.
Feeling comfortable in our bodies and around our peers is paramount to mental health.
These questions reflect parts of our life that affect our mental health.
When we are unable to feel or do these things, it negatively affects our quality of life.
If you have HS and feel any of these things, just know that you are not alone.
There are treatment options and coping techniques.
I have answered the DLQI at least 5 times with as many dermatologists.
My mental health treatment is just as important as my physical treatment of HS.
I have struggled for nearly 17 years with fear, anger, frustration, and loneliness because of HS.
It took me a long time to admit that HS affects my quality of life and learn coping strategies.
I still struggle with my mental health.
I am just now giving myself permission to recognize and respect my limitations.
I started medication to help with my depression after telling my doctor that I feel depressed.
I started letting my friends and family see my struggles with HS and they have stepped up.
After having HS for about 15 years, I started discussing and addressing mental health with my doctors.
It took me a long time to ask for help.
Doing so has empowered me to treat my mental health as an equal partner to my physical health.
I do not have anything to prove to other people.
I can live at my pace.
If you are a patient, ask your doctor for help with your mental health.
If you are a doctor, make mental health an integral part of your treatment plan.
This way they can learn about HS and you do not need to do too much teaching.
it’s possible for you to also follow HS support groups.
There are several groups on Facebook and Instagram that I find to be validating and supportive.
it’s possible for you to generally find them by searching for Hidradentis Suppurativa.
You should also consider telling someone that you are struggling.
People often want to help but they dont know when or how.
This allows you to open up a conversation with someone.
If they shut you down, then you know they are not a safe person for your feelings.
Additionally, ask your doctor for help: Ask them for a reference to a mental health counselor.
Ask if it is possible to take antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
Sometimes doctors need to be reminded that there are other facets of you.
This ensures that you address each item on that list!
You do not owe your doctor anything, especially if they are not receptive to your mental health concerns.
