A Little-known Skin Condition That Will Leave A Lasting Impression

Jackie Nedell, a long-time Washington journalist, recently shared her struggles with the rare skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa, or H.S. After suffering for three and a half years with severe rashes, boils, and cysts, Nedell found relief through treatment from Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a systemic skin disorder that causes painful lumps and boils to form in areas like the armpits, breasts, buttocks, and groin. More common in women and African American individuals, H.S. can be debilitating and humiliating due to its visible symptoms. Nedell experienced extreme pain, embarrassment, and self-consciousness before finding effective treatment.

Dr. Friedman explains that H.S. is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, only contained. Treatment often involves a combination of local care, antibacterial washes, and biologics to address the systemic inflammation caused by the disease. In addition to the physical symptoms, H.S. can also lead to other health issues such as inflammatory arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

Despite the challenges she faced, Nedell is now a year and a half into remission and feels like a new person. She encourages others with H.S. to seek out the best therapy available to manage the symptoms of the disease. For more information on hidradenitis suppurativa and support resources, individuals can visit hsconnect.org.

Nedell’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by those living with hidradenitis suppurativa and highlights the importance of finding effective treatment options to improve quality of life for those affected by this rare skin disorder.