Uncovered: The Kristina Pardo Story
Welcome back to Uncovered: An HS Warrior Story, a series dedicated to showcasing the everyday life of people living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.The hardest scars aren't the ones on our skin. They're the ones left by years of shame, unanswered questions, and feeling like we have to hide our bodies from the world. Today we are honored to hold space for Kristina Pardo as she shares her 15-year journey from secrecy to self-love and advocacy. Her story is one that so many warriors will recognize: learning to navigate insecurity, dating, and self-image while living with a disease that often feels invisible to everyone else. What I love most about Kristina's journey is that it doesn't end with confidence magically appearing. Instead, it's about choosing, little by little, to show up as herself. Today, she's no longer hiding her scars. She's using her voice to remind others that they don't have to hide either.
“My name is Kristina Pardo. I’ve had Hidradenitis Suppurativa for about 15 years. I knew something was not normal with my skin when I kept getting “boils” on my lady part. I would try so hard to pop them, not knowing I was making things worse for myself. It took eight years to get a proper diagnosis. I was very insecure about my body. At the time of my diagnosis, HS had spread to my inner thighs, booty, under the breast, and under my arms. I was ashamed to wear cute clothes that I know would show off my scars and flares. I did not like talking about the skin condition I had. I was extremely ashamed to even look at my body. My biggest fear then was I was going to get ignored by a medical professional when I went to see a new dermatologist. If you are newly diagnosed, WELCOME! You are in great hands. You have a strong and amazing community. That is waiting to meet you! HS is finally in the spotlight. There is hope and a better future for us.
Having HS definitely affects my mental health. And on flare days I tend to be kinder to myself, listen to my body, and make sure my HS tool kit is nearby. At First HS took away my confidence and my smile. HS has forced me to learn to love myself again!
Dating with HS can be challenging. Being single, trying to date, and figuring out when the right time to bring up HS can be a struggle at times. Throughout the past few years of being single, I am no longer ashamed to show off my scars and flares. I really enjoy talking about HS. I’m still learning when it is the appropriate time to bring HS up.”
Kristina Pardo
Kristina's story reminds us that healing isn't only measured by fewer flares. Sometimes it's measured by looking in the mirror with a little more kindness, putting on the outfit you've been afraid to wear, or finally saying the words, "I have HS," without feeling ashamed. Thank you, Kristina, for sharing your journey so openly. Your honesty about body image, dating, mental health, and learning to love yourself again is something so many people in our community will recognize. By telling your story, you've given others permission to believe that confidence can return, even if HS is still part of their life.
If you're reading this and saw yourself in Kristina's story, know that you're not alone. There is an entire community of warriors walking this path with you, and there is hope beyond the diagnosis. And if you have a story of your own, we'd love to hear it. Your voice could be the one that helps someone else feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.
If you are looking to keep up with Kristina, she can be found on