Stop looking in the mirror then and focus on some self growth stuff. Meditation, exercise, music, prayer whatever you have to do to feel better about yourself.

You are a beautiful person, dear. The 'normies' like your friends don't know what its like. So what if you have another obstacle to overcome but you can find serenity and happiness just like anyone else can.

You have the power to change your attitude about yourself and this illness. Us overcoming this challenge of HS will make us stronger people...we have a special compassion for those that are suffering...and that is a positive thing that comes from this illness.

Please hang in there and know that you are not alone.

You are beautiful and don't ever tell yourself you are not!

Reguardless of this awful disease, you still have to llok at yourself and know that you are beautiful....HS is a part of you and most likely is not going to go anywhere so you are jus going to have to accept it. I hate it to and i completely understand where you are coming from when you say u cover up with clothing, but i have came to the conclusion that if its too hot for a sweater, jean jacket, half jacket, FUCKI IT! (excuse me for being so blunt) these scars are apart of me and its something that we all cannot help, so if you dont like it then damnit dont look....lol

I love the honesty. I too have tried for years to cover up and after receiveing a diagnosis and knowing that I am going to deal with this forever I decided to just be ME!! If people dont want to look please feel free not to. If people want to stare or talk thats ok because I know that God made me special because he knew that none of the normal folks could handle this burden with such ease. I truely believe I am perfect regardless of HS because I am exactly as he intended me to be. Be strong and know he chose you for a reason. THough we never always understand why we struggle he has a plan and a reason for everything. Have faith and trust in him and you can make it through anything!!!! I am here for you anytime you want to vent or complain. I too have had those thoughts for years and just wanted you to know im here.

Oh yeah Girl...I had surgery under both of my armpits...HUGE scars..UGLY...but do I give a rats ass...NOPE. I wear those sleeveless spaghetti strap shirts. If people see then they see..oh frikin well. I'm comfortable..when it's summer its too hot. Plus dressing all hot makes the HS worse anyways. Support to wear Microfiber (sport clothes at Target) NEVER WOOL.
Oh..and did you know that getting Depressed makes the HS worse? So really try not to beat yourself up for it or dwell on it, might cause more flare ups.

its kind of hard not to be depressed about it especially when all my life my skin was normal and healthy and then all of sudden one day it just went to hell...I have not had this disease that long that I cant remember what my skin used to look like. Its really hard to come to terms with especially when you live in a society that values physical appearance more than anything else..I know you guys are just trying to encourage me and i appreciate it but somedays i just want to hate it.

Hi Ariesgurl, I feel the same way as Thkssexybbw. If you don't like it, look the other way. We understand that HS is demoralizing but you need to move forward and feel good about yourself and accept that your underarms might not be as pretty as the next girl. Being depressed won't get you anywhere so snap out of it girl!

I have to admit that in the summer I don't shave as much as I use to cuz supposedly it's not recommended. My sister and brother-in-law have us over for swimming and he bugs the hell out of me for the hair under my arms. I tell him to shove it where the sun don't shine and piss off ! He does it every summer and at first it bothered me and embarrassed me but now, I brush it off.

Sofia

I agree with what everyone has been saying. Theres not much you can do about it so you need to find a way to be okay with it. I have a surgery scar in one armpit that is visible from the front when my arm is down. Its ugly and red and the rest of that armpit is covered in strange looking little scars. My other armpit has an active node which on any day can be red to a deep purple colour. None of this stops me from wearing sleeveless shirts. I mostly only wear sleeveless shirts. I have enough to deal with without worrying about what people think. Plus heat makes my HS worse so the sleeveless shirts help. I havent been able to shave for years but I do use a beard trimmer. Any small trimmer thats doesnt cut the hair to the skin would work.
I do understand where youre coming from. When Im looking through magazines I never find myself wishing I was thin like that or had hair like that. I think: Wow. I wish I had armpits like that. Or- wow I wish I could wear lycra bathing suit bottoms like that. ;) It sucks but we just have to play with the hand were dealt.
If it helps at all: as time goes on it gets easier to not care about the scars etc.

I completely understand your frustration Ariesgurl. I have and still struggle with the same feeling you are describing. We all have our good days and bad days I think. HS has taught me a lot about self acceptance, humility, and compassion. It has also taught me that I can channeling my energy and emotions into giving in to the downside (which I am guilty of doing on occasion) or I can channel my energy into maximizing all of my sparkling qualities. Play up your assets, I am sure you have plenty! Learning to deal with HS is a process but if you stay positive with who you are, you will find a balance that your comfortable with. I know it is hard no to compare yourself with your peers but look for your own great qualities and embrace those!