Shining a light on living with hidradenitis suppurativa

Jasmine Ivanna Espy is a patient advocate living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Once considered a rare condition, it is now thought that as many as 1 in 100 people are affected by HS. HS is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with systemic comorbidities. It is characterized by recurrent boil-like lumps or nodules under the skin that become inflamed and painful. Current HS treatment regimens are complex, often inadequate, involve many different medications and approaches, and frequently cannot be taken for an extended time. This means they only provide temporary and moderate relief. Here, Jasmine discusses her struggles with diagnosis, symptoms of HS, and the impact of living with a chronic illness.

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