A GREATHAM woman who has lived with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) for more than 52 years is encouraging anyone with symptoms to visit a doctor.

Jacqui’s mother received her diagnosis when Jacqui was eight years old, but she did not share it with Jacqui (61).

Jacqui’s surgeon explained the condition to her when she was 18 years old.

This decade was crucial in how she accepted HS because it was played down by her parents, who made all the decisions about the management of her condition.

HS had become the norm and she achieved a pragmatic acceptance, and Jacqui wants people with symptoms to visit a doctor so they can start treatment.

“An awful lot of people never get a diagnosis,” said Jacqui. “The symptoms are varied but they tend to affect personal parts of the body.

“Symptoms include boils and abscesses in places where you sweat, such as the armpits and groins.

“It affects self-confidence but anyone with any symptoms should talk to a doctor.

“Most cases are hereditary and everyone’s HS is different, but there are lots of treatments available. The treatments have improved so much over the years.”

HS has impacted widely on Jacqui’s life, and sometimes she has been unable to walk easily or move her arms.

Lack of public awareness of HS meant that Jacqui did not openly share the details of her condition because she felt it changed peoples’ perceptions of her.

HS requires a multi-disciplinary approach to effectively manage the condition, so Jacqui works very closely with various specialists, including dermatologists and surgeons, and her GP, to create her own holistic care pathway.

Jacqui has led a full life, including a hugely supportive ongoing 40-year marriage and a successful career. She has three children.

The Champions for Change campaign has been developed to raise awareness of HS in members of the general public and to provide information on the disease and its management. Visit www.hidradenitissuppurativa.co.uk/public/champions-for-change.html for further information.