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A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭

Ive had one very painful very large cyst that made me unable to walk. I couldnt do it my mother who also deals with similar issues i found out took me to the dr. We went to three that day before ending up in an office where it was removed finally. The dr told me it was most likely hs and its common in the black community and to watch what I ate. I tried to get more information from the nurse once I collected myself from the pain. But she was practically yelling about how much pus the dr had said… read more

June 30
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A myHSteam Member

Also, afyer years of dealing with this, it never occurred to me until recently to see a pain specialist. See a pain specialist or show to your primary doctor so they can prescribe something! Dermatologist tend to focus on inflammation and do not help with the excruciating pain! You may even consider a wound specialist depending on severity. Things I've learned after 25 years.
HS has come a long way but still more to go. I finally tried My Magic Healer and now I make sure I have it at all times, really helps with pain outside of topical stuff Derms presrcibe. I hope this helps. Your mindset matters also, picture your skin healed, ive done that many nights to ease the pain. Singing and humming helps too. 😉🤗

July 3
A myHSteam Member

I'm sorry to hear your experience as a teen. Back when, many doctors were clueless and lacked empathy. SMH, some still do. Yes, Black women experience it 3 times more than counterparts. You didn't say where you had them but I encourage you to incorporate turmeric into everything. Eat more sardines, mackerel, and/or salmon. I eat these along with spinach, and yes I put turmeric in them too, lbs! It helps greatly with inflammation. I also take D3 with K2 daily. For showers, I use dettol, follow up with plain dove soap or Head and Shoulders Shampoo. I dont use washcloths as often. If you use wqshcloths, in est in 100% cotton and thick or even Turkish cotton. I use my hand to wash and occasionaly African net to lightly wash. Also, important to still use your smell good body wash on unaffected areas, for smell and make you feel good. ☺️ The African net makes your whole body super smooth too. I sleep "aired out" as much as I can. You can't go wrong with a nice cup of green tea, turmeric, pinch of black pepper, and lots of organic honey in the morning, or even at night. A few tips to help. I encourage you to keep asking questions, this is a great community. Sending hugs!

July 3
myHSteam

First, that experience as a teen sounds genuinely awful — you deserved so much better care and compassion than you received. What you went through is unfortunately not uncommon, and it makes complete sense that it left you hesitant to seek help again.

Getting a formal diagnosis as an adult is absolutely the right next Show Full Answer

First, that experience as a teen sounds genuinely awful — you deserved so much better care and compassion than you received. What you went through is unfortunately not uncommon, and it makes complete sense that it left you hesitant to seek help again.

Getting a formal diagnosis as an adult is absolutely the right next step, and it's never too late. Here's generally what the diagnosis process looks like:

- A doctor will take a full medical history, including any family history of similar skin issues (your mother's experience is very relevant here)
- They'll examine the affected areas of your skin and note the locations of breakouts
- They'll ask about when symptoms started, how long they last, and whether they come and go
- They may take a sample from any active lesions or order blood tests The most important thing is finding a dermatologist who has experience with HS specifically. It's completely okay to ask a doctor upfront if they have experience treating HS patients — and if they don't, ask for a referral to someone who does.

People of color have historically faced longer delays in getting a proper diagnosis, sometimes up to seven years or more. Having an informed, experienced doctor can make a real difference in getting the right treatment sooner. When you do see a doctor, here are some tips for making the most of the visit:

- Be open and detailed about your symptoms, including how they affect your daily life and work
- Mention your family history — your mother's similar issues are a meaningful clue
- Ask about all available treatment options and their success rates
- Ask about any side effects of treatments
- Ask about payment assistance programs if cost is a concern

You deserve a doctor who listens, takes your pain seriously, and gives you hope — not one who makes you feel embarrassed or dismissed. A good doctor will be honest about the challenges of HS while also helping you work toward better days ahead. The impact HS has had on your work and social life is real and valid. Many people with HS share that same experience of cancelling plans and isolating due to flare-ups. Seeking treatment early — even now — can lead to better outcomes and more good days ahead.

You're not alone in this, and reaching out for help is a brave and important step.

June 30

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