Meet Sara, a 31-year-old woman living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Sara first noticed the symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) when she was 15 years old. Over the years, she developed painful boils and abscesses in her armpits, groin, and other areas, which she hid from others due to fear and shame.

Receiving her diagnosis was a long and complicated process. Sara’s obesity, combined with the boils, made her feel ashamed, and she was reluctant to be examined by a doctor, fearing judgment. When she finally gained the courage to see a doctor, the experience was disheartening—the doctor simply advised her to wash with antibacterial soap, which did not help. It took years for Sara to gather the strength to seek medical help again, and only then was she finally diagnosed with HS.

The disease has significantly impacted Sara’s self-esteem, leading her to avoid relationships and physical activities, such as sports, which might expose her condition. For Sara, the constant, severe pain and drainage from the abscesses are sometimes unbearable. The pain interferes with her sleep, leaving her exhausted during the day. Living with daily pain and fatigue has made it extremely difficult for her to maintain a normal quality of life or hold a full-time job over the years.

Sara continues to find new boils forming from time to time, and treatments offer only limited relief. She has tried several different therapies, but none have proven effective in treating her condition. However, she has now found a doctor who is knowledgeable about HS, understands her situation, and is committed to continuing the search for a treatment that can help her. This gives Sara hope. More than anything, she wishes the HS would disappear entirely, allowing her to live a normal, active life, free from constant pain and embarrassment.

“I have accepted that my disease will not go away and that I may never live a normal life. Pain and fear are now part of my existence. I feel isolated, and my options are limited, as disease controls my life. It truly is a cruel disease.”