Thank You,For Your Response.

Mantras. It can feel a bit crazy at first and you probably won't believe them at first but they are powerful coping mechanism for me. Try repeating words in the mirror with your HS visible and say things routinely every week or day even. Examples could include 'my HS is beautiful', 'i am not defined by my skin', 'my HS is part of my story', 'my scars show my resilience'.

If you are creative you can use art to express you embarrassment. I painted self portraits, did a little photo shoot.

When I get negative thoughts like the daily ones when I notice the HS touching my clothes or I stretch and theres pain or I start mindless picking... I challenge my thoughts and journal them.

But I feel you, it feels embarrassing. But our body's are nothing to be embarrassed about.

Thanks

Hi, firstly i try to remind myself that it's a condition I have - not something i cause. I clean my hotspots daily with hibiclens - an antibacterial and antimicrobial wash that clears any bacteria- and is available from most pharmacies or grocery stores without prescription. If i feel like a lump may be appearing I rub some metronidazole - an antibiotic gel - on that I get on prescription from my dermatologist. If you get a lump in an area that makes it hard to keep cool, like armpit or inner thighs etc, and you have to be out working/errands etc and you worry about it popping whilst out, try putting an adhesive free gauze pad taped over the lump, just in case. It's not always easy to carry on with life when a lump appears and can have a huge emotional impact on you.. But there are work arounds you can do to help minimise its affect on your life. Remember there is always someone you can talk to or ask for more information, you are not alone and support is available. I hope i've helped at least a little , good luck :)