Imagine waking up to a painful boil, then another, and another. They don't go away, and soon, daily life revolves around managing painful flares and messy drainage. This isn't a horror movie, it's the reality for many with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition often misdiagnosed for a staggering 10 years.
For some, HS erupts like a storm, leaving terrible scars and requiring 30-minute bandaging just to step outside. Others experience a slow burn, with small, recurring bumps dismissed as shaving lumps or ingrown hairs. Years tick by, filled with doctor visits, wrong diagnoses, and mounting frustration. By the time the correct diagnosis arrives, the disease has often progressed, making treatment more challenging.
It's no wonder patients hesitate to keep visiting the medical community. They've been told it's "just a boil," "nothing serious," or worse, left without answers altogether. This leads to a feeling of being unheard and dismissed, adding emotional stress to an already physically demanding condition.
The good news? You're not alone. HS affects millions worldwide, and awareness is growing. If you suspect you might have HS, don't give up. Be your own advocate, gather information, and seek out healthcare professionals with HS expertise. Together, we can break the cycle of misdiagnosis and empower patients to get the treatment they deserve.
Christopher Sayed is a dermatologist.
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