1. HS is not contagious, and it isn’t caused by poor hygiene, poor nutrition, or being overweight.

2. Don’t be afraid to talk to loved ones about your pain and frustrations. It helps to get your feelings out and to express any confusion you might have around the situation.

3. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a great idea too, because it will help you manage your stress.

4. Exercise, healthy eating, and good habits are also effective ways to mitigate stress, which can in turn reduce the frequency of the flare-ups you experience.

5. Educate yourself and your loved ones about HS so they can understand your condition better.

6. Through a referral from your doctor, find a wound care clinic or service that will help dress and pack your wounds. This kind of care is monumental when you’re in the midst of a painful flare-up.

7. Figure out specific ways to manage your pain that work for you. For example, some people find that regular exercise is the most beneficial approach while others prefer to focus on meditation or listen to soothing music.

8. There are a lot of different surgical procedures worth considering as an HS patient, so talk to your doctor to explore all of your options.

9. You are not alone and there are plenty of online support groups and forums available to help you connect with others suffering from HS. These people will provide emotional and psychological comfort as well as practical remedies and helpful words of wisdom.

10. It’s completely normal to have off days when you just want to stay in bed and avoid everyone because of the pain. Don’t feel bad for feeling this way.

11. It’s okay to cry uncontrollably when the pain is overwhelming.