When I was younger I avoided intimacy due to being self concious about my outbreaks. No doctor I talked to had any advice or help. Even now that I am married I don't like to be naked with the lights on in front of my husband. (12 years) I am becoming more confident now that I actually have a name for the condition and can explain it to people, but I think after suffereing in silence for 15 years It is still gonna take a bit to overcome the negative thoughts. I can tell you that my husband has always told me I was beautiful with or without clothes but I still get down when I am having a bad flare up

It depends on the person you're with. I hid my condition for a long time and when I finally showed my hubby (we were dating at the time) he had some questions about it. Mainly people just assumed I would give it to them and I was dirty. He knew I wasn't. At that point I had only showed him my underarms. He was ok with it and never really judged. Now I wear whatever I want when we are home. He never acts like it's a big deal- unless it's a really painful day and he is concerned.

I just wish I knew about these groups, didn't realize it was that hard to talk about. I would have tried to explain then have him read these articles. At least he would have known what the future holds.

You might find this article helpful https://hidrawear.com/hidradenitis-suppurativa-... 💜

This is the single worst part of this disease. I can deal with pain and cysts on my armpits and anus. But the outbreaks on my groin make me not even want to try dating.

Don't have any great advice, but yes its definitely a common and serious problem. 😥