Being open and honest with the people you love can help you get the support you need. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images British Journal of Dermatology. It’s a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized condition. People with HS sometimes have skin lesions that leak blood or pus through their clothing or emit an unpleasant odor, says Angelique Andrews, PhD, a coaching psychology practitioner who helps people with HS. And flares can be painful, making it hard to join in on certain activities. All these factors can lead someone to isolate, says Dr. Andrews. Here are some ways to feel less alone and connect with others if you have HS.