Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) affects many people, yet it remains widely misunderstood. The chronic inflammatory skin condition can cause painful, recurring lumps, nodules and abscesses, often in areas such as the underarms and groin. Beyond the physical symptoms, people living with HS can face stigma, delayed diagnosis and the challenge of explaining a condition that many people have never heard of.
Now, HS is reaching a new audience through iHeart’s Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast, which is dedicating an episode to the condition for the first time in the podcast’s three-season history.
Hosted by Holly Frey, host of the popular Stuff You Missed in History Class, Our Skin explores the real, unfiltered experiences of people living with conditions that show up on the skin — including psoriasis and HS. The podcast focuses on the realities that happen beyond the doctor’s office: navigating appointments, flare-ups, questions, self-advocacy and the everyday experience of living in a body that others may not always understand.
This special episode, recorded live in New York City on Aug. 20, will bring that approach to HS, highlighting the patient experience and creating an opportunity for people who may know little — or nothing — about HS to hear directly from someone who lives with it.
The episode will feature Imani Futrell (@mottsworld_ and @mottsworld on TikTok), a BIMZELX patient ambassador and HS influencer, who will share her personal story of living with HS.
At times hilarious and other times heartbreaking, Futrell’s personal experiences were centerstage in front of the live studio audience. Her signature outspoken patient voice, which has made her a popular HS influencer on Instagram and TikTok, breaks down what it is actually like to navigate life with HS — from the challenges and misconceptions to the importance of advocacy, understanding and community. In addition, Futrell helped raise the visibility on this major platform to an audience that may not understand the condition, the treatment, and the how to live with this painful condition.
Beginning, Sept 3, watch the HS episode on Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast
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