Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Parish's Path to Acceptance

A photo of Parish, who discusses hidradenitis suppurativa on this episode of the Major Pain podcast

Parish Armstead was only 7 years old when the first signs of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) appeared. This is a painful inflammatory skin condition that causes boil-like abscesses and scarring, which can occur anywhere that hair follicles grow. These abscesses are known to reform in the same spot even when surgically removed, or connect with each other through tunnels under the skin called tracts. This disease runs in Parish’s family, and growing up it was normal to use hot soaks to treat breakouts. His first surgery was at 11, and he would continue to get surgeries throughout the years as his HS developed. It wasn’t until he turned 18 that a doctor recommended a CAT scan, which discovered a system of tracts under his skin, leading to his diagnosis with hidradenitis suppurativa.

In this episode of the Major Pain podcast, Parish tells us what it is like to live with HS. This disease does not only affect the skin—it causes systemic fatigue, necessitates a regimented diet and exercise, and also carries a heavy mental health toll. Parish’s journey has been one of acceptance. At first he rebelled against this disease, not wanting to make the necessary lifestyle changes or even be seen in public— how he has embraced this lifelong challenge, allowing him to discover a deeper sense of self. This upward trajectory began with HS Connect, an advocacy group that Parish is now an active member of. Finally finding community around HS showed him the importance of being visible and speaking up about his journey. He now co-hosts the HS Brotherhood Podcast with Joey Torre (two-time guest of Major Pain) and curates an advocacy platform as HSOpenWounds.

Explore HS Connect online: https://hsconnect.org/

Watch the episode on YouTube or Spotify, listen here on our website or on your favorite podcast platform.