Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support: 5 Ways To Support A Loved One Who Has Been Diagnosed With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Here are 5 ways to support someone diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Educate yourself about hidradenitis suppurativa. By educating yourself about hidradenitis suppurativa, you are showing your loved one that you take an interest in something that effects their life greatly. They will appreciate knowing you care about the problem they must deal with.

Let them talk about it. People living with hidradenitis suppurativa have a lot on their plate. Not only are they trying to manage the pain inflicted on their body's, but they are also fighting a psychological battle as a result of how they perceive themselves due to the distortment of their skin.

It is a known statistic, that 80% of all people diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa suffer from depression. One way you can help them battle the psychological effect of their unfortunate circumstance is to listen to them when they talk about it. One thing is for sure, the topic of hidradenitis suppurativa is just as boring to them as it is to you, but they are discussing it for a reason...because they need to vent. They need to get things off of their chest and talking about it helps; whether it's done consciously or subconsciously. Your only job is to listen.

Let your loved one know their symptoms won't scare you away. Low self-esteem can emerge when hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms begin to alter the appearance of those with the disease. To keep their self-esteem high, hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers need to know that the people in their lives will remain no matter what. As their support system, you can boost their confidence by ensuring them that you will be their no matter how bad things get.

Help them search for medical solutions. When your loved one is burdened with the painful symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa, they may be motivated to search for possible solutions. By getting involved with them on their journey, you can show them that you support them, and will go through the fire with them.

Nurse your loved one through flare ups. When someone you care about has a skin breakout caused by hidradenitis suppurativa, be there to help them through the pain and suffering. Help them apply the necessary treatments on their skin. Also, when you see they are suffering, ask them if there is anything you can do for them.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferers go through a tremendous amount of anguish. Maybe more than you will ever know. None these tips will make the physical pain go away, that's not the point of all this. It's what these activities will do for them psychologically, and that is boost their confidence and make them feel unconditionally loved.