Hi...Ive been dealing with HS most of my life so I can imagine and slightly remember how you must feel about it all. You should mos def see a doctor asap if you, especially a dermatologist that may be able to tell you what stage of HS your body is in. Stay as physically healthy and stress free as possible, make sure to embrace the things that make u happy and comfortable in all of this, that's a major factor in coming out of slumps! I believe that most sufferers from this awful disease have thoughts of dying just to make it all go away and quickly...sometimes my depression rips me apart. I also believe that the happier you are, the less HS can deeply affect you. Hopefully you feel better soon xx

Ok first off... I know you don't want to hear it but please go talk to someone about how you're feeling, emotionally. Please call a doctor tomorrow and make an appointment. Trust me when I say that is not something to just live with, or something to ignore.

Second, absolutely call a dermatologist. Try to research and find one who has a good track record for HS.

Third - change your diet. Research anti-inflammatory diets and see what you think. For me I am convinced dairy is my problem. Other people have issues with gluten, or nightshade plants like tomatoes and peppers. If you have an issue with high blood sugar you might want to get help getting it under control. That can help too.

Many people take tumeric and zinc supplements as anti-inflammatories.

Then the other thing is keeping the areas dry, and letting them breathe. So showering right after working out, then immediately patting the area down with a towel (gently!), then what helped me in the past was blow drying on a cool setting, not hot air, getting everything COMPLETELY dry. And wearing clothing that breathes. Sitting at home in a way that lets the area get some air.

For arm pits I had to switch to crystal deodorant. I use the spray on unscented one. Most others broke me out completely.

You can do this. But get the professional support you need. Both from a good dermatologist and also a counselor or psychiatrist for emotional support.

Obviously avoiding heat and moisture all the time is hard. If you live in florida or a humid place like that and you have HS I'm so sorry >.< But there is relief. Everyone who has replied so far is right. Keep yourself as clean and dry as possible. Take a second shower in a day if you get sweaty. CHARCOAL SOAPS are awesome for absorbing skin impurities and help the breakouts. Armpits are a really tough spot and hearing " no moisture" might make you think antiperpirants are good, but if your pores can't sweat it can make things worse. I would see what works better for You. I can't use deodorants that are in a solid form because it makes it worse. Try experimenting. Also, diet does matter. My problem is gluten. The more stressed you are the worse the breakouts. Our health is linked to our immune systems, and it's not just the mind making you sick. Depression and anxiety imbalance th our hormones and wonky hormones effect your immune system. Try calming or stress relieving activities. Coping mechanisms like relaxing music are great. I've recently discovered the bath bombs, which are basically bath salts. The salt in the bath softens and cleans the affected areas and makes them heal much faster. Neosporin, and just cleansing often is the best way to deal. If you can keep the rest of your health pretty stable, the breakouts will be manageable. ( at least it seems so based on your assessment of severity). You seem to be about the same or not as bad as mine, and I'm managing alright at age 35 and I've had this since middle school. It gets easier. I promise.

I just wanted to tell you that you aren't alone. I'm a 25 year old female and I just finally figured out this is what I have. I'm here if you ever want to talk.