Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes boil-like lesions to form around the armpits, groin, buttocks, breasts, and upper thighs. These painful wounds sometimes fill with a foul-smelling liquid that can leak without warning.
由于条件的敏感性，它可以令人尴尬地与他人讨论HS。因此，许多人与HS没有撤消，并且未能收到可能为他们提供缓解的治疗。
If you’ve been diagnosed with HS, you may have questions about the condition you’re afraid ask. But talking openly with your doctor about your HS is the first step towards properly managing its symptoms.
以下指南将帮助您为您的医生预约做准备并获得对话。
There are a number of things you can do before your appointment to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
Using a notebook or the note-taking app on your phone, write down all of your symptoms. Include where they appear on your body, when you first noticed them, and any notable circumstances that were happening when they first appeared.
Even though it might feel awkward, don’t be afraid to take photos of your lesions so that your doctor knows what it looks like when you’re experiencing a breakout.
列出您目前服用的所有药物的清单也是一个好主意，包括任何柜台（OTC）治疗，维生素和草药补充剂。如果您过去尝试过HS处理，请记下那些。
In many cases, HS is a genetic condition, so bring a record of your family medical history, if possible. Also let your doctor know if you smoke, since smoking is a common risk factor for HS.
最后，计划将宽松的衣服穿向您的预约，以便更容易显示您的医生您的症状。
在预约之前，请考虑您要问的问题。您的医生办公室是无判断区，因此不要害怕详细了解您的症状。每种情况都不同，更具体地你可以对HS的经验，你的医生对待你的更容易。
Here are a few questions you can use to get the conversation started:
我的HS有多严重？
Your doctor needs to know how severe your HS is to help them decide what treatment options might be best for you. This is where your notes on your symptoms and the circumstances surrounding your breakouts will be most useful.
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
Ask your doctor about the measures you can take to manage your symptoms at home and reduce any discomfort you’re feeling. If you’re already using some form of HS treatment, check in with your doctor about whether or not it’s working effectively.
我应该限制某些体育活动吗？
身体的wh HS皮疹通常影响区域ere skin touches skin. Certain physical activities may make you more prone to breakouts if they generate a lot of friction in these spots.
If you participate in any high-intensity sports, ask your doctor if they might be exacerbating your symptoms.
What are the long-term treatment options?
对于更严重的HS案例，您的医生可能推荐重复治疗，如注射或手术。
要求您的医生解释目前可用的各种长期治疗方案，并讨论其中任何一个是否适合您。
What are the possible side effects of HS treatment?
Some HS treatments do carry the risk of possible side effects. After your doctor gives you a rundown on the available treatment options, make sure to go over any potential side effects so you can be prepared with ways to manage them.
有没有任何特定的医疗用品我应该买？
询问您的医生，如果他们推荐任何特定的医疗用品以帮助管理您的症状，如冰袋或吸收垫。另外，找出最好的地方可能是购买它们的地方。这也值得询问您的医疗保险是否涵盖了任何这些项目。
How should I explain my HS to a partner?
Since breakouts are common around the genitals, it can be uncomfortable to talk about HS with a new partner. Ask your doctor for advice on the best way to explain HS to someone who may not be familiar with the condition.
The examples above are a useful starting point for discussing HS with your doctor. Don’t feel constricted to only these questions if there are other things you’d like to address as well.
The key is to go into your appointment without the fear of being judged or shamed. It’s your health. Having a deeper understanding of your condition will help make you better equipped to manage it.