The holidays can bring celebrations, family time, travel, and traditions. They can also mean crowded schedules, long gatherings, and less privacy than usual.

For people living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), those demands may come on top of pain, wounds, and everyday self-care needs. HS can cause painful lumps, wounds, and flares that may affect movement, sleep, and daily activities.

The results show that members take different approaches to holiday stress, with pushing through and skipping events when needed being the most common responses.

Beyond the poll, myHSteam members have shared ways they protect their comfort, manage symptoms, and make room for rest and connection. Here are six strategies drawn from their experiences.

Knowing what to expect may make a holiday gathering feel more manageable. Some people prefer to have details about the time, place, food, and activities in advance so they can decide what works for them.

One myHSteam member shared: “I try to get people to schedule dates, times, food, and/or places where I feel comfortable. Otherwise, I just do my best and am learning to say no (kindly).”

“I try to get people to schedule dates, times, food, and/or places where I feel comfortable. Otherwise, I just do my best and am learning to say no (kindly).”

 

— A myHSteam member

You may find it helpful to ask about the location, timing, and activities before committing to a gathering. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to choose plans that feel manageable or politely decline those that don’t.

Holiday activities can make it tempting to keep going even when you’re uncomfortable or experiencing flu-like symptoms that can happen before or after an HS flare. Some members have found that slowing down or taking breaks helps them manage the season.

One myHSteam member shared this strategy: “Taking the time to slow down and rest. When I stress, my HS flares up.”

“Taking the time to slow down and rest. When I stress, my HS flares up.”

 

— A myHSteam member

Another described trying to participate while also recognizing when a break is necessary: “I try to push through it, but sometimes I just lay down and try to rest then get back up and start again.”

Pacing may look different from one day to another. You might plan a shorter visit, take breaks during a gathering, or leave when you need to. Resting doesn’t necessarily have to mean missing the entire celebration.

Stress may contribute to HS flares for some people. If stress is a flare trigger for you, it may also help to review tips for managing stress with HS from others living with the condition.

Holiday schedules can make everyday self-care harder to fit in. Being around other people may also mean having less privacy when you need to tend to wounds or take some time for yourself.

One myHSteam member described organizing their day around those needs: “I schedule my days to MY preferences: napping when required, trying to take good personal care of myself, treating my wounds as I need to w/o anybody getting nosy.”

“I schedule my days to MY preferences: napping when required, trying to take good personal care of myself, treating my wounds as I need to w/o anybody getting nosy.”

 

— A myHSteam member

If you need time to rest, care for wounds, or manage other symptoms, consider building privacy into your plans. You don’t have to explain every health need to the people around you.

If you have an HS wound-care plan from your dermatologist, make sure to follow those instructions. Health experts recommend contacting your doctor if a wound doesn’t heal, opens again, or becomes more painful.

Traveling during the holidays can mean long stretches away from home and your usual self-care routine. If you’re managing wounds or taking medication, thinking through what you’ll need before leaving may help you feel more prepared.

When asked about traveling for the holidays, one myHSteam member shared: “I wear a swim shirt to cover up wounds, and I bring my Humira travel kit with me.”

Consider packing clothing that helps you feel comfortable, along with wound-care supplies and other items you regularly use to manage HS.

If you’re traveling with medication, check with your pharmacist or healthcare team about how to store and transport it safely. You can also review travel tips from others living with HS before your trip.

Not everyone feels the same way about holiday gatherings. Some people look forward to celebrations, while others find them stressful or prefer not to participate.

One myHSteam member said, “I don’t do holidays. They stress me out.”

Another shared a different perspective: “No stress, as this is my favourite time of the year. After 40-plus years of HS, it’s not going to spoil it for me. Will soldier on.”

“After 40-plus years of HS, it’s not going to spoil it for me. Will soldier on.”

 

— A myHSteam member

You don’t have to celebrate the same way as anyone else. Whether you attend several gatherings, choose just one, or spend the holidays quietly, what matters is finding an approach that feels right for you.

The holidays can be demanding, especially when you’re also managing pain or other HS symptoms. Activities that help you cope throughout the year may also provide a welcome break during the season.

One myHSteam member shared: “I don’t have a holiday wish list, but I do have goals to help me to manage my HS better. I also try to do things that distract from my pain, whether that be talking to loved ones, watching TV, art therapy, journaling, getting some fresh air, reading, and even playing trivia games.”

Taking time for something you enjoy doesn’t have to mean making elaborate plans. A quiet activity, a conversation with someone you trust, or a few minutes outdoors may offer a change of pace when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

Protecting your well-being during the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. Choosing comfortable activities, making time for rest and wound care, and adjusting plans when needed can help you manage the season in ways that work for you.

The holidays can also be emotionally challenging, especially when pain, visible symptoms, or concerns about other people’s reactions affect how you participate. HS can also affect emotional well-being and movement. If you’re feeling lonely, sad, or overwhelmed, consider reaching out to friends, family, or others in your support community.

If these feelings continue or interfere with daily life, a mental health professional can offer additional support.