Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by painful, recurrent abscesses and nodules typically developing in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. HS can significantly impact the quality of life due to pain, discomfort, and potential scarring. However, this specific condition is NOT life-threatening but life-altering, meaning that it can change the course of one’s life, causing them to have to change their day-to-day activities and habitats. Unfortunately, many face challenges in that they cannot walk, and as a result, many lose confidence and motivation to carry on in life. For example, let’s say you are an athlete who enjoys running marathons but later discovers you have HS in your armpits and your groin, which causes you pain when you run, ultimately causing you to stop. Even though you loved to run, this pain caused by HS was too excessive in that you had to resort to less intensive workouts such as yoga. Confidence is an essential factor in one’s life, meaning that it provides mental and physical strength to those who make decisions and feel good about themselves. But, people won’t get the help they need because they feel insecure with themselves, and the topic of stigma comes into play as well in that people fear being judged or labeled, which later discourages those who seek help. For example, one of the patients that I had the opportunity to work with, Allegra, explained how this debilitating condition took away her confidence and that the only thing she wanted to do was stay in bed and not leave her house due to how she felt about her body. Allegra is a real-life example of how this condition can affect the lives of people from all backgrounds. This condition can cause one’s confidence to be taken away immediately, preventing them from participating in everyday life.
This generation places a great emphasis on natural beauty and may regard plastic surgery as a false enhancement for those who undergo the procedure. But, as I previously mentioned, plastic surgery involves more than just appearances. It can make a significant difference in people’s lives. Some plastic procedures, like eyelid surgery, are intended to increase functioning in one’s physical well-being. This surgery allows doctors to improve one’s vision, resulting in a better vision for the patient.
Personally, I can relate to having your confidence affected at a young age. Being Middle Eastern and having darker features, I stood out as a child. While most people compliment me on my dark hair and darker features, I recall how my classmates would make remarks about them as a child, which would often undermine my confidence. As more people made fun of them, I started wearing hats to cover my hair and eyebrows. Soon, I realized that my eyebrows were not a flaw but rather a distinguishing and unique feature of my heritage and who I am. This personal story demonstrates how a physical trait can significantly impact one’s confidence, just as this condition can have the same effect on one’s life. Confidence can come from anywhere, but when it is bruised, it can be challenging to ignore. While we can’t always control the elements that impact our confidence- when we do, I think we should empower all the access to do so.