Brianna Jenkins, 23, has spent much of her life fighting two debilitating chronic conditions. Diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) at age eight, Jenkins faced a journey of constant pain, flare-ups, and the emotional toll of managing a skin disease that causes painful abscesses. In her teenage years, the diagnosis was compounded by intracranial hypertension, a brain condition that causes severe headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Jenkins, who has shared her experience on TikTok, speaks candidly about the impact HS has had on her life, from missing out on typical milestones to finally finding a treatment that gave her a sense of relief.
A Painful Diagnosis
Jenkins’ health struggles began early. At eight years old, she developed her first abscess under her arm, initially treated with basic home remedies. However, the condition didn’t improve, and a visit to her primary care doctor led to a referral to a dermatologist. By then, the small bump had grown to the size of a golf ball. The diagnosis was hidradenitis suppurativa—an incurable skin condition that causes painful lumps and abscesses, often in areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Jenkins recalls feeling discomfort when moving or playing, but at the time, she didn’t fully understand the extent of her condition.
When she hit puberty, the HS worsened. At 10 years old, Jenkins got her period, and the flare-ups intensified, spreading to her groin and other sensitive areas. Doctors prescribed steroids, which helped manage the pain but didn’t reduce the size of the abscesses. Each period became a trigger for another flare-up, forcing Jenkins to rely on steroids regularly to alleviate her symptoms.
Struggling Through Adolescence
By age 14, Jenkins’ condition had progressed to the point where she couldn’t lift her arms. The abscesses were not only painful but also left a trail of fluid, making everyday life difficult and embarrassing. She began wearing loose clothing to conceal the bumps, and regularly used pads to absorb the discharge. Jenkins describes the constant worry about how she smelled and how others might perceive her, adding an emotional burden to the physical pain.
At 15, Jenkins was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain, leading to severe headaches, nausea, and vision problems. This compounded her struggle, as the constant pain from both conditions became overwhelming. High school, already a challenging time for many, became nearly impossible for Jenkins to navigate due to the dual burden of chronic illness.
Exploring Treatment Options
Doctors attempted various treatments to manage Jenkins’ HS, including medications aimed at modulating her immune system. However, the treatments didn’t provide the relief she needed. Surgery to remove abscesses under her arms was attempted, but only provided temporary relief, with new spots appearing shortly after the procedure. Laser surgery ultimately offered some success in controlling the condition in her underarm area, but the fight was far from over.
When Jenkins started college at 18, she was prescribed a new medication designed to target the bacteria associated with inflammation. The treatment required Jenkins to administer an IV medication daily in her dorm room, which she often tried to hide. While the medication cleared up much of her skin, flare-ups persisted around her period, and the pain remained a part of her life. Additionally, the pressure of balancing chronic health issues with the stresses of college life led to physical setbacks, including a serious episode of dizziness and nausea that sent Jenkins to the ER. Doctors found that excess fluid had built up in her brain again, and she had to undergo a spinal tap for relief.
A Setback and a Turning Point
By her sophomore year of college, Jenkins stopped taking her medication because the daily process of administering the IV became too burdensome. Soon after, her symptoms flared up again. Abscesses reappeared, and the pain became nearly unbearable. Jenkins was unable to attend classes regularly and resorted to sleeping with a pillow between her legs for comfort. After weeks of pushing through the pain, Jenkins reached out for help. Her dermatologist restarted her on steroids and added a new medication that worked to reduce inflammation by targeting her immune system. This treatment brought the flare-ups under control, and for the first time in years, Jenkins felt some relief.
Finding Relief and Regaining Control
Now, Jenkins is on a treatment regimen that has finally helped her manage her HS. Although she still experiences occasional flare-ups, particularly around her period, the medication has kept her condition largely dormant. Her life, while still impacted by her illness, is more manageable than ever before.
However, the damage HS has caused to Jenkins’ life is undeniable. Due to ongoing health challenges, she has had to take a break from school, delaying her graduation. Although she should have graduated in 2024, she has been unable to complete her degree due to the physical toll of her condition. Jenkins remains determined to finish her education, though she acknowledges that the journey may take longer than expected. “My body doesn’t want to cooperate, but I know I will graduate,” she says.
Despite the frustration and hardship, Jenkins’ story is one of resilience. While HS has taken away much of the “normal” life she envisioned—things like dating, traveling, and pursuing a typical career—it has also taught her the importance of persistence and self-care. Through trial and error, she has found a treatment that allows her to manage her symptoms and live a fuller, though still challenging, life. Today, she continues to share her journey with others, using her platform to raise awareness about hidradenitis suppurativa and inspire others who face similar struggles.
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