By: Cristina Curp, HS Patient Advocate, NTP If you’ve got hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you’ve probably heard this one before: “Have you tried antibiotics? What about Humira? Maybe birth control?” It can feel like the wild west of treatments out there, with everyone throwing something different at you. HS is tricky. It’s not like a regular […]
By Eriel Lauffer As the new school year approaches, parents and guardians are busy gathering supplies and planning for a successful year ahead. For families with children diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), additional considerations are necessary to ensure their child’s comfort and success at school. At HS Connect, we are here to help you navigate […]
By: Cristina Curp, HS Patient Advocate, NTP What Is the Hurley Staging System, and Who was Hurley? Let’s start at the beginning. The Hurley clinical staging system is a simple, three‑stage classification developed by dermatologist H.J. Hurley in 1989 to help clinicians describe HS severity based on visible lesions; without needing fancy tests or complicated […]
Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) often involves managing abscesses and wounds, which can vary significantly in healing time and severity. This guide provides detailed tips for handling typical HS wounds—not surgical or deep wounds—while offering product recommendations, home remedies, and insights to help you heal effectively. ATTENTION: This article does NOT apply to surgical wounds […]
How many times have you been told that losing weight will cure your Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) or that being overweight is the cause of your condition? We’ve heard it from doctors, support groups, our own mothers… It’s time to set the record straight and debunk some common misconceptions about weight and HS. Retain this to […]
By: Cristina Curp, COO If you live with hidradenitis suppurativa, summer can feel like a mixed bag. Warm weather, sunshine, and outdoor fun sound amazing, but the heat and humidity that come with it can trigger irritation, pain, and flare-ups. When sweat and friction are added to the equation, even a simple day outside can […]
As summer heats up, a common question arises: Is it safe to swim with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)? The answer is typically yes! With a few precautions, you can enjoy swimming without compromising your skin health. HS already takes so much; don’t let it rob you of the joys of swimming, too. Essential Product Tips Swimming […]
Hot, cold, moist heat, dry heat… When it comes to treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) abscesses, choosing the right therapy can make a big difference. Let’s break down the pros and cons of heat and cold so you can find the best option for relief. Cold Therapy: Tame Inflammation, Ease Pain Ice packs are your go-to […]
Have you ever heard someone on social media mention, “I had my glands removed”? If so, you’re not alone! The idea of gland removal as part of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) surgery is a topic many of us have encountered, but the details can often be misunderstood. Typically, when people refer to this, they mean the […]
Navigating wound care for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be overwhelming, especially with so many products claiming to help. Let’s break down three popular options—Aquaphor, plain petroleum jelly, and CeraVe Healing Ointment—to help you make an informed choice for your skin. Aquaphor: Pros and Cons Key Ingredients & Benefits: Drawbacks: Plain Petroleum Jelly: Simple but Effective […]
Understanding your personal triggers can be difficult. For some, triggers are easily identified and for others, it can be more difficult to identify. This is all part of the process when it comes to HS. It’s important to keep in mind that triggers vary greatly from person to person. What is a trigger for one, […]
Surgical procedures are increasingly integrated into HS care, regardless of disease severity. With many surgical options now considered earlier in treatment—alongside medication—it’s important to remember that no two surgeries or patient experiences are alike. Procedures are tailored to individual needs, so keep an open mind! Is Surgery Right for You? Choosing surgery is deeply personal. […]