Finding Strength and Community While Living With HS
Imani Futrell shares how she went from struggling in silence with hidradenitis suppurativa to finding strength through community and advocacy.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on August 25, 2025
2 min read
Imani Futrell first noticed symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) around age 11, when bumps appeared in her groin area. Initially, she and her mother assumed it was due to hygiene, and she tried scrubbing harder and maintaining strict routines. The flares subsided for a time, but during her high school years — around 16 or 17 — she developed a severe flare under her arms after shaving. A primary care doctor diagnosed her with HS in 2015, though it took two more years before she saw a dermatologist and began actively managing the condition.
At first, Imani didn’t fully understand HS and thought she could manage on her own. Over time, however, she realized she needed help and began to learn how to care for her body differently. HS has affected her physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually — impacting body image, relationships, school and work. Still, she emphasizes that support from loved ones and community has been vital, teaching her to give herself grace.
A turning point came when she shared her HS story on social media. The overwhelming response from others living with HS made her realize how many people felt isolated and inspired her to advocate for awareness. She now sees storytelling as a powerful way to build community, normalize HS and show that it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Imani stresses the importance of resources for patients — such as HS Connect, dermatology finders, mental health tools and online support groups. She urges medical providers not just to hand out pamphlets but to actively listen, share resources and connect patients with communities.
Her message to others living with HS is one of compassion: give yourself grace, honor your emotions and understand that strength includes allowing yourself to feel. She reminds patients that they are not alone — the HS community is strong, supportive and full of voices that deserve to be heard.
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