Hydradenits

[Jeanne]

Hello:

I have hydradentis and occaisionally the lymph node in my right groin swells and is painful.  A couple of days later there is a boil type lesion that is quite red around it (upper thigh on groin area) and it eventually disappears. Does this mean it is infected and needs an antibiotic?  After a few hot baths it calms down only to reappear at another time.  Should I apply a topical such as bacitracin.  Any suggestions would be helpful.  
Additionally, after childbirth I had an aggressive flair-up and got them under my breasts which was never a problem area up until then.  Now nearly 9 years later it is pretty calm with the exception of 1 or 2 spots as I mentioned.  After a week it is calm but only to fill up at anther time.  I have had steroid injections which has helped eliminate some of the previously painful ones which seemed pretty effective.
I guess my question is is good to have the lymph node swell--does that mean it is absorbing any infection that might have otherwise occured?


Thank you Dr. Rockoff,

[Claudia]

I am 27 years old and I developed hydradenitis 9 years ago.  I also have hydradentis and occaisionally the lymph node in my right groin swells. I am currently takin acutain, the doctor though this my help dry up the skin some and aliviate some of the  problem.  However, I get bad head aches when I take the acutain.  Do you think taking acutain is a good method? or is there any other thing I can be doing?

I've had surgery two times.  The first time, the hydradenitis came about 6 days after surgury.  This second time, it came back a few month after the surgury.

Is someone trying to find a cure or do more reaserch for/about hydradenitis?

I don't know if my Doctors know about the best treatments for it.  Do you know of any hospital/Doctor in the U.S. that specialices in hydradenits?

Thank for your help.

[Claudia]

I am 27 years old and I developed hydradenitis 9 years ago.  I also have hydradentis and occaisionally the lymph node in my right groin swells. I am currently takin acutain, the doctor though this my help dry up the skin some and aliviate some of the  problem.  However, I get bad head aches when I take the acutain.  Do you think taking acutain is a good method? or is there any other thing I can be doing?

I've had surgery two times.  The first time, the hydradenitis came about 6 days after surgury.  This second time, it came back a few month after the surgury.

Is someone trying to find a cure or do more reaserch for/about hydradenitis?

I don't know if my Doctors know about the best treatments for it.  Do you know of any hospital/Doctor in the U.S. that specialices in hydradenits?

Thank for your help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jeanne:

Hidradenitis is a very annoying condition in which boils form under the arms, around the breasts, and in the groin.  Cause is unknown.  The boils have pus, but no bacteria.  Swelling is neither good nor bad--it just is. Steroid injections help short-term.  Antibiotics don't help much.  Hot compresses may relieve some of the pressure in the glands.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff