Dr. Adam Friedman, a renowned dermatologist at the George Washington School of Medicine, has been helping patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (H.S.), a rare and painful skin condition that causes severe rashes, boils, and cysts. Jackie Nedell, a long-time Washington journalist, is one such patient who found relief with Dr. Friedman’s help after suffering from the condition for three and a half years.
Nedell’s journey with H.S. was marked by hundreds of painful lesions and boils that caused burning and intense pain. She felt embarrassed and humiliated by the scars and boils on her back, leading her to cover up and feel self-conscious in public. These painful lumps or boils typically form in areas like the armpits, breasts, buttocks, and groin. H.S. affects more women than men and more African American individuals than those of other races.
After years of suffering, Nedell found relief with Dr. Friedman’s help through a combination of local care and antimicrobial washes. The disease is systemic, causing inflammation and damage to other organs. Dr. Friedman uses biologics to treat these systemic effects, which can lead to inflammatory arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health disorders