Two people having a supportive conversation in a quiet living room.

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Prepare a conversation

Work through a specific situation, separate facts from stigma, and — only if you want to — create an editable draft.

Prepare a conversation

Choose only what applies to you. Every step is optional, and you can stop at any point without anything being saved.

You do not owe anyone an explanation. This tool exists only in case thinking it through or a draft would make something easier for you.

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What brought you here today?

Nothing is preselected. This choice only changes which facts appear below as a reminder.

What brought you here today?

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Where is the pressure coming from?

This is not a diagnosis — only a way to help you notice what is happening.

Where is the pressure coming from?

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What do you want in this situation?

Choose whatever is true for you right now. Every option is a complete outcome.

What do you want in this situation?

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Your result

Choose whatever is true for you right now. Every option is a complete outcome.

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These routes are available regardless of what you chose above.

Read patient stories See community questions When to get medical help Back to Living With Acne Inversa
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Evidence and editorial review

Last editorially reviewed: · Next review:

That HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene is well established and matches this site’s scientifically researched and editorially reviewed disease overview.

That HS can affect body image, self-esteem and quality of life is described across several studies. Most of that research is cross-sectional: it shows an association, not proof of cause.

More recent research on internalized stigma in HS finds associations with disease activity, pain and depressive symptoms, and argues for psychosocial support to be considered as part of care.

This tool does not replace psychotherapy or medical advice. It supports reflection and preparation — nothing more.

Editorial policy and review process

Shame, Body Image, and Acne Inversa A longer article on why HS is uniquely shame-inducing and what can help. What is Acne Inversa? The basics of the condition, scientifically researched, editorially reviewed, and readable without prior knowledge. Patient stories Accounts from people living with HS — lived experience, not medical evidence. Ask the HS community Moderated questions and answers that keep lived experience and evidence clearly apart. Supporting Someone With HS For partners, family and friends — plus a private card you can use to say what helps. When to get medical help The one page to fall back on whenever it is unclear whether something needs looking at.

Sources

  1. Hidradenitis suppurativa — overview, including that the condition is not contagious NHS (United Kingdom) · Link checked: 2026-08-05
  2. Hidradenitis suppurativa self-care — why washing and scrubbing do not prevent the condition American Academy of Dermatology · Link checked: 2026-08-05
  3. Internalized stigma in hidradenitis suppurativa — associations with disease activity, pain and quality of life PubMed, US National Library of Medicine · Link checked: 2026-08-05
  4. Body-image quality of life in hidradenitis suppurativa compared with other skin conditions PubMed, US National Library of Medicine · Link checked: 2026-08-05
  5. Stigmatization and perceived health status in hidradenitis suppurativa — the case for psychosocial support PubMed, US National Library of Medicine · Link checked: 2026-08-05
  6. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation — patient organisations working to reduce the stigma around HS HS Foundation · Link checked: 2026-08-05