My Journey with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Community of Support

Life has a way of surprising us. Some surprises inspire us, while others challenge us in ways we never thought possible. For me, one of the challenges I’ve been navigating since the age of 18 is living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition characterized by extremely painful boils. If you haven’t heard of HS before, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of it. However, for those managing this chronic condition, it’s a significant part of our lives. That’s why I’m opening up a new chapter here on Driven by Publishing, where I’ll share my HS journey, spread awareness, and build a much-needed community of understanding and support.

Why This Matters to Us

This new section of the blog isn’t just about me. It’s a space for anyone who feels overwhelmed, isolated, or misunderstood because of HS. It’s about creating a community where we can feel connected, seen, and, most importantly, empowered.

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)?

- the armpit region where HS boils usually flare-

To start, I want to share a bit about the condition itself. HS is a chronic skin condition that causes painful bumps, lesions, and inflammation, often in areas like the underarms, groin, or other areas where skin rubs together. It’s not merely "just a skin issue." HS can profoundly affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours managing flare-ups, researching treatments, and quietly hoping for effective solutions. Living with HS can be exhausting—not only because of the physical pain but also due to the stigma and misconceptions that frequently surround it.

Let's take a moment of silence for the actual physical pain...

- Oprah crying, probably not from a boil, but you get it -

Because HS isn’t widely discussed, many of us suffer in silence. It’s easy to feel alone when the world doesn’t seem to understand. However, here’s what I’ve learned on this path—we are not alone.

My Journey with HS

For years, my relationship with HS was filled with frustration and isolation. I often felt the need to hide my condition, cover my scars, and pretend everything was "fine." But beneath the surface, I battled constant physical pain and emotional struggles that came with living with a condition I couldn’t control.

There were days I felt defeated. I questioned my worth and wondered if anyone could truly understand my struggle. Over time, I found strength in small moments—in the resilience I used to get through the day and in the stories of others who bravely opened up about their experiences with HS.

HS has taught me that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s courage. It has shown me the importance of community, of sharing our stories, and creating spaces where our voices matter. That’s exactly what I hope this new blog section will provide.

Why I’m Sharing This

Writing has always been a way for me to process, connect, and heal. Through my publishing work, I’ve been privileged to mentor others and help them find their voices. Now, I’m choosing to use my voice to shed light on something heartfelt that means so much to me and to countless others navigating this condition.

This space will be there for moments when you feel unseen or unheard. It’s for the encouragement you need when things feel too heavy. It aims to provide practical tips, emotional support, and simple reminders that you don’t have to walk this road alone.

What You Can Expect

This HS-focused blog section will be an open, judgment-free space where I share experiences, insights, and helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.

Here’s some of what we’ll explore together:

• Understanding HS: Breaking down what HS is and how it’s managed.

• Self-Care That Works: Sharing habits, routines, and products that have made a difference for me.

• Finding Strength in Community: Stories from other HS warriors who inspire us to keep going.

• Mental Health Matters: Recognizing the weight of HS, both emotional and physical.

  
  

Most importantly, this space will be designed for connection. I want it to be a place where you feel empowered to share your thoughts, your stories, and your strength.

An Invitation to Connect

- a diverse online community of people like yourself, suffering from painful boils and flareups-

If there’s one goal I have for this space, it’s to remind you that, even on your toughest days, you are not alone. Living with HS may often feel overwhelming, but there is immense strength in simply showing up and doing your best.

Your story matters. Whether you’re living with HS, a caretaker, or someone just beginning to understand this condition, I want to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments, reach out if you have questions or topics you'd like covered, or tell me your story if you feel comfortable.

Together, we can build a supportive community, one conversation at a time. We can raise awareness, create change, and remind each other that we are so much more than this condition.

Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share this part of my life with you. Here’s to connecting, healing, and growing together.

With love and resilience,

Ericka