What Honey Bees Can Teach Us About Living with HS
by Dr. Donna Atherton, Editor-in-Chief
Dear HS Speaks Readers,
If you’ve ever watched honey bees move through a garden, you might be surprised by the wisdom they quietly carry. These tiny, buzzing creatures work in harmony, adapt to every storm, and build something sweet even after their world has been shaken. Much like those of us living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), bees thrive through resilience, community, and purpose.
Living with HS can feel isolating, painful, and unpredictable. Like a hive under threat, our bodies may flare up without warning, forcing us to retreat and repair. But just as honey bees never abandon their hive during hard times, we must never abandon ourselves—or each other.
Honey is more than nature’s sweetener; it’s a symbol of healing. It soothes wounds, fights bacteria, and is used in skin care for its gentle, restorative properties. At IAHSN, we believe in natural healing—not just for the skin, but for the soul. As a proud beekeeper, I know firsthand how beekeeping and HS advocacy go hand-in-hand. From the calm of a hive to the courage of an HS warrior, there’s a quiet strength that binds them both.
Bees teach us that healing is a collective journey. They communicate, protect each other, and build something greater than themselves—just like the community we’re creating here at IAHSN. Every story you share, every voice that speaks up, and every act of support is part of the honeycomb we’re building together.
So let this be your reminder: even in moments of swelling, stinging, or hiding in the dark, your hive is here. You are part of something powerful, something beautiful, something resilient.
We see you. We hear you. And like the bees, we rise—together.
With solidarity and sweetness,
Dr. Donna Atherton
