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A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Yateley, UK

Im sick of always being in pain having to put plasters on because it damages all clothing. My partner wants to be intimate but sometimes its hard because where they r its embarrassing 😔😢😩

July 22
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myHSteam

Living with HS flares in sensitive areas is genuinely exhausting — the pain, the dressings, the worry about clothing... it's a lot to carry, and those feelings are completely valid. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many myHSteam members share the same frustrations around intimacy. The pain, fear of leakage, scarring Show Full Answer

Living with HS flares in sensitive areas is genuinely exhausting — the pain, the dressings, the worry about clothing... it's a lot to carry, and those feelings are completely valid. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many myHSteam members share the same frustrations around intimacy. The pain, fear of leakage, scarring, and embarrassment are some of the most commonly talked about challenges. One myHSteam member shared, "I'm constantly thinking about what will happen if my boils leak or if they are smelling — and sex is a thing of the past now." When it comes to intimacy, open communication with your partner can really help. Some tips include:

- Name the pain — let your partner know how a flare actually feels for you, not just what it looks like
- Set the tone — you can tell your partner beforehand whether you just need them to listen without questions
- Be honest about touch — let them know if you don't want to be touched in certain areas during a flare
- Invite questions — giving your partner space to ask things can ease tension for both of you

One myHSteam member simply said, "Talk to your partner. Mine has been really supportive." It's also worth remembering that intimacy doesn't have to look one specific way during a flare. Focusing on areas that aren't affected can still allow for closeness and connection without adding to your pain or discomfort.

If the emotional weight of this is feeling really heavy, speaking with a therapist — ideally one familiar with chronic conditions — could also be a helpful support alongside your medical care. 💙

July 22
A myHSteam Member
August 16
A myHSteam Member
August 16
A myHSteam Member

I’m answer to that question 🙋‍♀️ is Hidrawear for certain reason
1) they are available from the NHS
2) because they are actually the only dressings and clothing available for and designed for HS on the market
Best option is to Google it and you will see what they do
For example underwear for women and men
Tops for women and men
And other clothing is available
But I have them but I don’t get on with them because the dressings don’t stay in place it’s a bad design fault in that respect ✊ but you could find other ways around that bit

August 16
A myHSteam Member

Aw hun I can relate to you🫂 I get them inside my bum cheeks so I understand the hesitation when it comes to intimacy. My partner is very supportive and reassures me a lot that it never bothers him and tells me I’m beautiful. But I do understand we may not feel that way in ourselves and sometimes just don’t want them “down there”. I’m a freak when it comes to having to being really clean before intimacy. I always have to shower and patch myself up beforehand if there is any flare I’m feeling more insecure about. You are not alone❤️ and it’s ok to say no, not today babe. Hope the flare up doesn’t last long for you x

July 23

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A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
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