boils or ingrown hair?

[xmaggiex]

Every once in awhile , I get these bumps, not really sure if they are boils but the doctor says they are ingrown hairs. They swell up and are very painful to touch. Since I started getting them, I've had one appear in my underarm, the rest either appear in my inner thigh or above my public line. I've even had two going on at once on each inner thigh. Hot compresses seem to help, but it hurts so much, I've tried topical creams and other liquids, each and every one leaves a nasty scar behind. Does anyone know for sure what they might be or what causes/prevents them?

[xmaggiexx]

I went to those sites you posted, and no , it is nothing like that at all.

I was stating that the name HS was unappealing to announce and saw one one site it can be aka Fox-disease lol.

I still believe I may have HS, but again, mine are the size of dimes and not golf or baseballs.

Again, will continue to research and consult my doc, but thanks again for your input.

[KT 80]

Thanks for the thanks, Maggie.

A name is just a name but maybe try a bit more reading into Fox-Fordyce disease.

I personally have come to the conclusion that Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Fox-Fordyce disease are two separate conditions. FF has distinctive smaller eruptions. See the following (although I say again to all: don't trust me, do your own research!):

http://www.skinatlas.com/fox-fordyce1.htm

http://www.acmls.org/Dermatolog/Dermatology/20_Intertriginous%20and%20Genital%20Problems/P_305.htm

http://dermis.multimedica.de/dermisroot/en/21914/image.htm


Unfortunately I have the one with the bigger lumps and the unattractive name, dammit (lol)

The only reason I mention it is that if HS is to get recognised and researched more by the medical profession, it helps if everyone refers to it by a single name. No big deal though. It'll get the attention it deserves eventually if we all educate our doctors.

[xmaggiexx]

Well, with reading and looking at all the pictures, it seems to resemble what I may have. Although, thank goodness mine only are the size of dimes rather than baseballs!!!

Little did I know so many suffer from these horrible outbreaks. I do notice some show up during my menstral cycle others do not, they seem to have a mind of their own!!

Stress, heat, constant friction are known factors which contribute to these, in which I will monitor closely. I will consult with my doc to see if that's what they really are, but it seems close enough to me especially due to scarring..


KT, thank you so much for your imput regarding this issue. I may have gone on for many more years thinking they were ingrown hairs or boils. The correct term for it sounds unappealing, so I may just refer to it as "Fox disease" as I saw on one site.


Hopefully in due time, they can be healed without the scarring!!

Thanks again!!!!!!!

[xmaggiexx]

Thank you for the info, will check it out...

[KT 80]

Sorry, it was Charley not Charlie

See! Anything can happen when you don't do your research properly lol

[KT 80]

Hey Charlie, thanks for the thanks

Remember: having this thing makes you a pioneer, whether you want to be or not.

And as a pioneer there is no-one but you to find the best way forward for yourself.

What I mean is that no one (myself included) can give you better advice than you can find out for yourself because there are too many variables in each of our individual situations to make general all-encompassing advice any good.

For example, I don't know if the local dermatologist that your gyn doc/gp might refer you to knows anything about Hidradentis Suppurativa. Maybe s/he does, maybe not. Maybe s/he's an expert, maybe s/he thinks H.S. is all in your mind.

You need to find out.

Similarly does the surgeon whom you've (hypothetically) chosen have much experience with H.S. or is it their first time dealing with it? If s/he's experienced, is s/he any good? How are the other patients that s/he has operated on doing?

You need to find out.

Of course, you may or may not be able to find this stuff out. Probably the examples I've given above are bad: could I find that stuff out if I were in your place? Maybe not. My point is you've got to get that pioneer mindset that says you are the leading partner in your own treatment (of course, don't be too demandingly strident with the pros; docs are only human and in this case, may not know too much more than you. Likewise, don't get so desperate for any quick cure that you become gullible; as well as predators who want your money there are also a lot of well-meaning folks out there who don't know sh:t from shynola)

Remember: if you don't do your own research you won't get the best treatment.


Don't rush into anything because of the sense of panic you can feel rising now. Don't fret, you're not alone; it's a normal reaction. All us pioneers get that sinking feeling to start off with!

Just do your own research and TAKE YOUR TIME.

(Hmmm capital letters. That bit about taking your time must be pretty important)

Again, good luck, pioneer. You'll find the way