A bride-to-be was left heartbroken after spending £1,000 on her dream wedding dress, only to discover she couldn’t wear it due to a debilitating health condition.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, had carefully selected the gown for her big day. But shortly after purchasing it, she was diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful and chronic skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring.
"I was devastated," she admitted. "The dress had a high neck and long sleeves – exactly what I wanted. But with my condition, any friction or pressure on my skin causes flare-ups. Wearing it would have been agony."
The Hidden Struggle of Chronic Illness
HS is an inflammatory skin disease that affects around 1% of the UK population. Symptoms often appear in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. For many, the condition is not only physically painful but also emotionally distressing.
"People don’t realise how much it impacts daily life," the bride explained. "Something as simple as choosing clothes becomes a challenge. I never thought my wedding dress would be off-limits."
Finding a Solution
Determined not to let her condition ruin her special day, she began searching for alternatives. After consulting with her dermatologist, she opted for a looser, more breathable design that wouldn’t irritate her skin.
"It wasn’t the dress I’d imagined, but it was comfortable and beautiful in its own way," she said. "Most importantly, I could enjoy my wedding without being in constant pain."
Her story has since resonated with others living with HS and similar conditions, sparking conversations about invisible disabilities and the need for greater awareness.
Raising Awareness
The bride hopes her experience will encourage more understanding around chronic illnesses. "Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t real," she emphasised. "I want others in my situation to know they’re not alone."
For now, her original wedding dress remains unworn – a bittersweet reminder of the challenges she’s overcome.
