You should see an experienced dermatologist. Get ready because the prognosis will sound bleak. They will probably start you on antibiotics to slow the spread of the boils. The meds should definitely make you feel better if you haven't been on antibiotics for HS before.

I wish you the best of luck. I know how hard it is to pretend that nothing is wrong. 'Coming out' really changes you.....or at least it did me. Now I hate seeing that 'I feel sorry for you' look in my families eyes. An experienced dermatologist should know what the best treatment for you will be. I would call around and speak to the nurses / secretaries and ask if they treat hidradenitis suppurativa first. If they don't know what your talking about then that would be a good indicator that you should try a different dermatologist.

You are in for an emotional ride if you're anything like me. Sometimes I still get down with the 'why me' pity party. But I know that really doesn't help anyone but its still hard to not go there sometimes.

It was comforting to me to know that I'm really not alone in this. I can give you a little advice about the boils under your arms. Only use deodorant....you know the cold-feeling gel kind. Get rid of the powdery antiperspirant crap....it will clog up your skin and make you break out.

I recommend as plain glycerine soap as you can find- for winter. I use some called "Pear" soap- I find it at the dollar tree- its the oldest glycerine soap on the market. I use Dial in summer.

Limiting (not eliminating) caffine (for me its coffee) because i have sweating issues too (its called hyperhydrosis) and hot coffee makes me warm and inevitably sweating.

Limiting alcohol has helped also but for me this happened naturally- after I had kids my tolerance went way down.

Smoking makes it harder for our skin to heal. Knew this before but just learned yesterday from Dr. Oz that smoking LOWERS collogen production.

Meditation - read up on it and practice- this has been helpful- especially when I actually do it. When I meditate the effects last a few days but then I start to feel bad all the time again- so I know I need to sit and meditate some more.

You are not alone there are quite a few HS communities on the web. You can search for them and join them.

For underarms or treating immediate pain I use balneotherapy or hot compresses and hydrotherapy or running water over the affected area at least twice- three if u have time - daily.

Tea Tree Oil is very affective with drying things up but must be used 2-3 times daily. Apply with a cotton ball to affected area- but not on genitals or in your ummmm (sorry so crude) buttcrack.

Hibicleanse (used by surgeons in hospitals) is also very effective for washing the affected area. Can be used everywhere even on genitals or private areas. The cleaning power lasts for up to six hours.

Beware of how you feel in your "big girl panties," I didn't realize it until last year but the latex in my womens underwear was agitating my skin and causing flares (on my bottom). I am allergic to latex and there is latex in everything- even the thread they use to sew your undies and bra! I have switched to boxers and boxerbriefs (for men). They don't ride up and cause irritation. Bras I can only wear for eight hours- max then it feels like something is stabbing me, irritating me!

I also got more flares around my monthly and putting a plastic pad over that area made it much worse. The sweating gets worse with pads and the irritation doesn't go away until I stop using them. I don't like tampons at all so what did I do?

If you want to know- message me and I'll share. If you don't thats cool- I wouldn't wish a skin allergy on anyone!

The hibacleanse and tea tree are great but you MUST moisturize the area too. The dryness irritates and can cause more flares. What really makes me feel good is just putting some olive oil in my bath. I know it sounds weird but you can feel the moisture when you get out of the bath.

Also there is a soap called Ceprecol that is an antibacterial and moisturizing body bar. This was recommended by my dermatologist.

I agree you should ask your Dermatologist if he has ever treated HS. If he says "No" I would ask for a reference to someone who does.

As for the recommended treatments my suggestion would be to "Research" or ask others like the people on this site if they have tried it and how it affected them. My Dermatologist recommended a treatment that after research showed it causes way more harm than good. In most cases even permanent damage. Don't be afraid to decline a treatment the dermatologist suggests if you do not feel comfortable with it.

If you have any questions you will find many posts, and lots of support on this site to help you fee more at ease..

cutup80-
not sure where you live in kentucky... but i pulled this list of specialist from the HS-USA website. hope it helps

Kentucky
Dr. Stephen Kelty General Surgeon Louisville (502) 637-3311

Janet Chipman BHE Doctors Office Bldg General Surgery Louisville 502-895-1995

Stephen J. Kelty MD Louisville (502) 637-3311

Allison Kelly M.D.
Quast Medical Building Infectious Disease Specialist Crestview Hills (859) 344-1512

Evelyn M. Jones
Wellsprings Institute Dermatologist Paducah (270) 554-0316

C. Karl Schulstad M.D.
Harrison Memorial Hospital General Surgery Cynthiana (859) 234-0390

Dr. Chad Brown
Helmwood Medical Center Dermatology Elizabethtown (270) 737-4503

Barbara T. Wojda M.D. Infectious Disease Louisville 502-895-6155

Thank you all so much for your help. I live between Louisville And Elizabethtown I'm going to make phone calls Monday to get an appt. You don't know how much this has touched my heart, I think I might be able to get through this with your help and guidence. Thank you again and God Bless!