Hey all, I'm fairly new here. I avoided support groups for years because this disease can really eat away at you on its own and the internet can really take you down some scary HS roads. But, after a recent horrible breakout combined with some other issues, I'm finally in a good place. I've just started laser hair removal treatments, I'm getting back on Humira after a miserable two months off it and I'm nearly cyst free. 

I've posted my treatments on a few of these, so forgive me if you've already read it, but I really think I can be of some help. I was diagnosed about a decade ago and the first few dermatologists I saw treated me exactly the same- round after round after round after round of different antibiotics and topicals. I hated it, and nothing helped, I just gradually got worse over the years. My cysts were tested and time and time again, came back negative for any infection- the antibiotics were completely unnecessary. I finally saw a dermatologist who told me about humira (this was before humira was approved to treat HS and hardly anyone was using it) and took some time to really take different treatment risks with me to find out what worked and what didn't. I was lucky to have family support through all of this, and particularly an aunt who is a wound care nurse and warned me profusely about the horror stories she'd seen with HS surgeries. That would not be an option for me.

I have tried so many things- tea tree oil, turmeric, zinc, different diets, soaps, vitamins- you name it. I've been to regular doctors, obgyns and dermatologists. What ultimately worked wonders, and I mean changed my life, was the humira and kenalog injections directly into my cysts during a breakout. If you haven't tried either of these, I highly, highly recommend them- and especially a combo of the two. I know everyone is different, and it may not work for you, but it did for me and I am so, so thankful. I've never had any negative side effects with humira other than maybe picking up an extra cold or two a year because I'm immunosuppressed. The kenalog is a steroid and the injections hurt a bit in that moment, but the pain of the entire cyst is gone same day and the cyst is either gone completely within a couple days or it's shrunk substantially.

I've been to some dark places with this disease, places I don't feel comfortable talking about with anyone. I know in some respects that I'm lucky it's never progressed to some places I've read about, but HS is HS. It can be lonely, embarrassing, hopeless and just every bit of awful that exists. I have cried so many tears and felt so worthless at times. Just know that if you are in that place, there are things you can do to help. There are so many quacks out there who don't take the time of day to research HS, much less spend time with you to find out what your body needs. Find a good dermatologist, don't be afraid to ask questions and be assertive. If you aren't an advocate for yourself, how can the doctor be? 

And know that it gets better. It's hard, it takes time and a lot of effort, but it's so worth it. I'm no expert, but like most of you, I've spent countless hours researching, trying remedies, doctor hopping and looking for any sliver of hope I could find. Hopefully this post helps even one person find their way to a clearer path.