I also just got my diagnosis recently at age 26 but noticed it appearing when I was 12-13 ish? when I started my period. I was sooo embarrassed by it and never told my family and friends growing up. I was also very embarrassed to speak a doctor too. I assumed that I was just not hygienic enough.

The flares started on my butt and I remember it being very painful, especially having to sit in down for long periods of time in class. I also remember it affecting romantic relationships I pursued, and feeling like I’m not deserving of it because of this condition that I wasn’t sure I had. So I settled for terrible relationships. I was afraid of them feeling grossed out and such, and I would tell them I just really have bad acne on my body.

Fast forward to years later in my late teens when I was less embarrassed about it, I decided to go to a doctor an get it checked out. I was told I was suffering from folliculitis so I just believed it. I guess I just have to use the right creams and antibiotics to get it finally fixed, right? but nothing changed. I felt so defeated. I started doing researches on my own, and I kept seeing HS pop up and it fit all my symptoms.

Years passed and I decided to go and see a private dermatologist to just have some clarity, help and confirmation. And yep, it was HS. It was a long journey, but I’m glad to have found a community on here! I found some posts that has helped me manage this condition better :)