Hidradenitis suppurativa (boil/cyst in armpit or groin) - Page 13

Keesa · 05-12-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

I've learned so much from reading the posts in this forum it's amazing!!!!!! I've been getting these very painful boils in my underarm for the past few months and I've had some in the past in my groin area but never knew what they were. I thought it was just my body's way of getting rid of some kind of infection. I was diagnosed with PCO in 1996. Met and married DH in 1998. We've off and on talked about having children since then, but recently decided that if it happens we will be happy, but if not we will continue to just enjoy each other. I can so relate to all the self image issues many have discussed here. With the extra weight (being what's called a "super apple"), excessive hair, and they painful boils/cysts. I've tried taking the Metformin so many times I can't count anymore. I've lost weight with this initially, but could never take it long enough before my liver enzymes would elevate and the doctor would take me off of it. I've also gone thru many doctors over the years because none of them would take me seriously and would just want to put me on BCP and "watch me". I've dealt with pelvic pain, scanty menstrual cycles, recurrent yeast infections and it's only recently that I've realized just how serious my PCO was. My currently doctor has done so much for me it brings tears to my eyes because I've finally found someone who it trying to help me. To give you a little synopsis of my situation, several months ago my GYN performed an endometrial biopsy that was normal, no detection of endometial hyperlasia, but all she would offer to do was but me on birth control pills. I declined this as I took the pills in my late teens early twenties and it seemed my symptoms started after I stopped taking them. I started seeing an RE because we wanted to become pregnant. He ordered an HSG that turned out normal. Then he ordered an ultrasound which showed a 22 mm mass on my left ovary. He drew a series of labs that confirmed that my hormones were unbalanced and that my free testoserone was like 3 times the normal range. He gave me a one dose shot of Lupron to suppress my ovaries and ordered an MRI. The MRI confirmed his findings on the ultrasound. I will go back on May 12th (exactly 4 weeks after the Lupron injection) to have my labs drawn again. Per my RE if my hormones have gone down then the most likely cause of my imbalance is coming from my ovaries (although someone how I already suspect that). If not then it is coming from my adrenal glands and we have to come up with another plan. Either way I will have to have surgery and the mass will come out. Someone how I think I will fill alot better and I think many of my symptoms will go away once this mass is removed. So sorry for the long post ladies.

It is terrible how some docs just figure "it woman problems" and slap some BCP in your hand and think that it will make it all better. I was on them at the age of 10! A "friend" (and I use the term loosely) came to my house when I was 14 and found out that I took BCP and spread the news around my private Catholic school. It was horrifying. Had they just treated me for PCOS everything might have been better. i really hope for you that you are able to see this new doc for a long time. Maybe he can fix you so you feel better. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Afro_Cyster · 05-12-2008, 11:29 PM

I use Panoxyl to clean the area and Differin cream to treat the area. It's basically an acne problem so you have to treat it like one. I get boils under my arms, face, thighs, and under my breast. My skin has improved dramatically since beginning the combo.

Eva37 · 05-13-2008, 07:51 AM

ive had my hs since i was about 12 -
eva

lralex · 05-13-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keesa

It is terrible how some docs just figure "it woman problems" and slap some BCP in your hand and think that it will make it all better. I was on them at the age of 10! A "friend" (and I use the term loosely) came to my house when I was 14 and found out that I took BCP and spread the news around my private Catholic school. It was horrifying. Had they just treated me for PCOS everything might have been better. i really hope for you that you are able to see this new doc for a long time. Maybe he can fix you so you feel better. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Keesa,

That's horrifying!!!!! Kids can be so cruel. Heck so can adults which is probably why I don't make friends so easily. I'm so self conscious all the time about how I look it's unreal. Many women don't realize how truly blessed they are just to have clear skin and regular cycles. They don't know the half of what we go thru. And to have it start at age 10 or 12 no less. I so appreciate finding you ladies. It means so much...((((hugs))))

lralex · 05-13-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afro_Cyster

I use Panoxyl to clean the area and Differin cream to treat the area. It's basically an acne problem so you have to treat it like one. I get boils under my arms, face, thighs, and under my breast. My skin has improved dramatically since beginning the combo.

Afro,

I'm going to try to find a new dermatologist today. I had an appt with one, but had to reschedule and was hold for 20 mins 3 times, so that doesn't sound like someone that I want to treat me. I currently use Duac in the day and Retina A at night on my face to treat my acne and both seem pretty good. The last several day I've been putting the Duac on the boils on my thighs and so far it's kept them clean and they're clearing up, but I need to ask about the scarring. So far they look like little sores with no scabs, at this rate, I won't be wearing a bathing suit anytime soon...

Afro_Cyster · 05-13-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

Afro,

I'm going to try to find a new dermatologist today. I had an appt with one, but had to reschedule and was hold for 20 mins 3 times, so that doesn't sound like someone that I want to treat me. I currently use Duac in the day and Retina A at night on my face to treat my acne and both seem pretty good. The last several day I've been putting the Duac on the boils on my thighs and so far it's kept them clean and they're clearing up, but I need to ask about the scarring. So far they look like little sores with no scabs, at this rate, I won't be wearing a bathing suit anytime soon...

Let your new derm know about the boils/cysts on your thighs and DO NOT let them tell you that it's because your thighs rub (if they do). My first derm told me that the only way to get rid of them was to loose weight - so I did, a 185lb doctor for a slimmer handsomer doctor...lol Let the derm know that you are not leaving the office without treatment!!! Also, look into the Panoxyl as a cleanser - I use the foaming wash rather than the bar. And continue to use the Duac on your boils, you will see a dramatic difference in no time.

Keesa · 05-13-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

Keesa,

That's horrifying!!!!! Kids can be so cruel. Heck so can adults which is probably why I don't make friends so easily. I'm so self conscious all the time about how I look it's unreal. Many women don't realize how truly blessed they are just to have clear skin and regular cycles. They don't know the half of what we go thru. And to have it start at age 10 or 12 no less. I so appreciate finding you ladies. It means so much...((((hugs))))

You are right...other women have no clue what it is like to be us...I have had periods that last 6 months (when i was 12). Or when I tried like mad to loose weight with my friends and they lost and I didn't, even thoughtI followed the plan better than them. I understand you. I have a very hard time making friends, I can talk to someone at the supermarket but real friends are hard.

Afro-cyster you are very funny! Love the doc joke!

lralex · 05-15-2008, 08:55 AM

Keesa,

You are so bad!!! LOL I hear you. I was able to find another dermatologist, but I won't be able to get in to see her until June 4th. But you know last night when I went to bed, my left armpit me so bad I felt like crying. Normally when these come I'm able to saturate a cotton ball with some alcohol and rub it over the cyst and after a few days it's gone down and the pain disappears. Not this time!!!!! It feels like it's getting worse each day. This morning my left arm was so numb, I swear the pain feels like it was going down my arm. What kind of doctor could I see for this (a dermatologist?) What this cyst have to be surgically removed?

Jess1216 · 05-15-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

Keesa,

You are so bad!!! LOL I hear you. I was able to find another dermatologist, but I won't be able to get in to see her until June 4th. But you know last night when I went to bed, my left armpit me so bad I felt like crying. Normally when these come I'm able to saturate a cotton ball with some alcohol and rub it over the cyst and after a few days it's gone down and the pain disappears. Not this time!!!!! It feels like it's getting worse each day. This morning my left arm was so numb, I swear the pain feels like it was going down my arm. What kind of doctor could I see for this (a dermatologist?) What this cyst have to be surgically removed?

I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I don't really get them in my armpits anymore; just my groin & thighs now. But I had one in my armpit in high school and it hurt SO FRIGGIN BAD. I remember waiting and waiting for it to pop (gross, I know....but it meant relief in my mind) and it just kept getting bigger and bigger. One day in class something didn't feel...."right" and I asked to go to the bathroom. It was finally popping and it was one of the grossest things I had ever seen. But it improved my day dramatically because the pain was gone.

Maybe your regular doctor can lance or drain it for you since you can't get in to your derm until June. They should be able to provide some relief for you until you can get in to your derm.

Good luck sweetie!

Afro_Cyster · 05-15-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

Keesa,

You are so bad!!! LOL I hear you. I was able to find another dermatologist, but I won't be able to get in to see her until June 4th. But you know last night when I went to bed, my left armpit me so bad I felt like crying. Normally when these come I'm able to saturate a cotton ball with some alcohol and rub it over the cyst and after a few days it's gone down and the pain disappears. Not this time!!!!! It feels like it's getting worse each day. This morning my left arm was so numb, I swear the pain feels like it was going down my arm. What kind of doctor could I see for this (a dermatologist?) What this cyst have to be surgically removed?

If your cyst gets extremely painful or large, I would suggest getting to the doctor immediately. They can actually infect/poison your blood (the rest of your body).

Keesa · 05-15-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lralex

Keesa,

You are so bad!!! LOL I hear you. I was able to find another dermatologist, but I won't be able to get in to see her until June 4th. But you know last night when I went to bed, my left armpit me so bad I felt like crying. Normally when these come I'm able to saturate a cotton ball with some alcohol and rub it over the cyst and after a few days it's gone down and the pain disappears. Not this time!!!!! It feels like it's getting worse each day. This morning my left arm was so numb, I swear the pain feels like it was going down my arm. What kind of doctor could I see for this (a dermatologist?) What this cyst have to be surgically removed?

See I was so horrified by them that I wouldn't see anyone for a long time (not after my doc called me dirty!). I started draining them on my own. hot packs can help, A LOT neosporin with a big bandage. I don't recommend draining on your own, but I have done it many times, I just make sure EVERYTHING is clean. But if it REALLY hurts and you are feeling the pain move, then you do need to see someone. If it pops internally it can REALLY hurt you.

Afro_Cyster · 05-15-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keesa

See I was so horrified by them that I wouldn't see anyone for a long time (not after my doc called me dirty!). I started draining them on my own. hot packs can help, A LOT neosporin with a big bandage. I don't recommend draining on your own, but I have done it many times, I just make sure EVERYTHING is clean. But if it REALLY hurts and you are feeling the pain move, then you do need to see someone. If it pops internally it can REALLY hurt you.

That's the part that I'm worried about. Iralex should see someone immediately if she gets ill or her arm begins to swell.

Eva37 · 05-15-2008, 04:15 PM

yes, id say to see the dr, too - mine always give me anti biotics when mine get bad/ but i have had some removed surgically too.
eva

Jess1216 · 05-16-2008, 04:17 PM

I got a bottle of tea tree oil today! Man that stuff is kind of expensive for the tiny little bottle you get!

Anyway...people on here have said they use it. I wonder though, which ones am I supposed to put it on? What I mean is, do you rub some on the ones that are inflamed & causing discomfort & it helps them go back down, or do you put on the open ones to help with infection & healing...or both?

FreshFeeling · 05-18-2008, 09:47 AM

OMG, I am so relieved to find this thread!!!!

I have been suffering from this since I was a teenager. All dr's told me that it was just a cyst and put me on antibiotics, but they would just come back. The other thing was that I told the docs that these must be hereditary bc my Mom has them and so does my Dad! He said no way-- boils/cysts are not hereditary. So, for our whole lives, we thought we were just some freaks or something

It is such a relief to find that these symptoms have a name!! Thank you