Hidradenitis suppurativa (H.S.)
The bumps and lesions can burst, releasing pus and blood and causing a lot of pain.
Self-inflicted body-shaming and a lack of self-confidence are common.
Good Studio via Adobe Stock
During a flare, shaving can irritate H.S.
bumps and lesions, worsening the condition and making it more painful.
But having hairy armpits adds another layer of shame, Ferragamo says.
After a boil ruptures, shell often place gauze under her armpits, which people sometimes comment on.
She also says that peopleeven doctorswho didn’t understand H.S.
All of this blame really impacted how she viewed herself.
Here is her story, as told to health reporter Beth Krietsch.
After my surgeries, it took me a long time to be comfortable wearing tank tops.
It gets really hard sometimes, especially if Im trying to find an outfit for a party or event.
I was kind of taken aback because I wasnt really expecting anyone to say anything about it.
I was like, Oh no, its just surgery scars, but it was really uncomfortable.
Here are a few other things that have helped me overcome body shame.
Finding strength in my experience
Sometimes H.S.
I remind myself that having H.S.
doesnt make me any less of a person.
actually shows how strong I am.
It took me a long time to find strength in my experience.
is a lifelong battle that I am constantly fighting.
But then I started scrolling through the H.S.
hashtag on Instagram and saw other people sharing their experiences.
Its a great community, and Im so grateful for it.
What if someone from high school sees it?
But the community is great and so helpful and supportive, which encourages me to keep sharing my story.
When I post something on my public H.S.
Instagram page, sometimes Ill share it on my personal page too.
It was recently H.S.
on my personal Instagram page.
I had no idea she was experiencing the same exact thing.
Being more open about it also just generally helps me feel more comfortable around people.
Making time for creativity
Having H.S.
Its really bad for your mental health, andanxiety, stress, and depression can contribute to H.S.
Drawing, painting, and reading help me feel better about myself and my H.S.
Theyre a great distraction when Im flaring or feeling a lot of negative feelings.
Making memes is also really helpful because it helps me find humor in a crappy situation.
I venture to create and post a meme every day on my H.S.
Sometimes it gets hard because it isnt always easy finding the humor in having a chronic illness.
But it has been really great to have this outlet that lets me get my feelings out.
Its really not helpful to be constantly negative and down on myself.
Its definitely an ongoing process because every day is different.
I have my good days, but I still have bad ones too.
When Im feeling negative, my body-shaming is just so bad.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
