Hydroadenitis

I have been diagnosed with Hydroadenitis.  I had a cyst a few years ago, and another one a year prior to that.  Last week one popped up.  I went in and had it injected and was given EES and Prednisone to take for five days.  The day after the injection, things seemed better, but then last Wednesday, not only did the one injected come back, but six more under the same arm!  Even yesterday, another one popped up, but under the opposite arm.

The Dr. would not inject them as he said the pressure might cause more problems then I currently have, but put me on Minocyclin and more Prednisone.

Can stress bring these on?  My father also had them in his groin area and my sister had them under her arms (my sister had the glands removed under each arm, and hasn't had another problem).  I am assuming this is hereditary.

Other than surgery, is there another way to prevent this from happening again?  One is painful enough, but seven is a bit much!

Any information you can give is greatly appreciated!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Hidradenitis suppurativa is an unpleasant condition which produces painful cysts, mostly in the armpits.  Caise is unknown.  The cysts may drain pus, but are not truly infected.  Antibiotics help to some extent.  Injections of cortisone usually make painful swellings subside.  Surgery is drastic, but rarely necessary.  I'm not sure why your doctor is reluctant to inject your cysts--I don't know exactly what, "the pressure might cause more problems then I currently have" means.  Injected steroids have fewer side-effects than oral prednisone, and generlly work better for localized swelling.  I'd ask again.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Sleepy]

Dr. Rockoff,

I only had one cyst last week, and two days after the injection, I had six more.  I guess this is where he feels the pressure from the meds injected might make the problem worse (in terms of more developing).

If this is not better in a week, I will call and see what else can be done.

He also mentioned if this becomes chronic, using Accutane.  Have you prescribed this therapy before?

Thank you for your time and expertise!

[NurseNelly]

We have a patient in our office with a severe case of hydroadenitis.  She has been on every antibiotic it seems including Accutane.  Accutane only made her mouth and skin dry.  It did nothing to get rid of the lesions.  This poor girl can barely walk from the pain and is severely depressed. Can anyone suggest a solution?  She was toldthat she can opt for surgery, but that they may return and there are no guarentee that it will work.  Please give me any leads that you may have.  She's a great kid!!
NurseNelly