Hidradenitis Suppurativa Support Group

Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh) is rare, long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin. The disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses or boils, sometimes as large as baseballs, that are extremely painful to the touch and may persist for years with occasional to frequent periods of inflammation,...

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mufaris 01/07/2011

Happy Friday everyone!
Okay, Please give me your advice. I have had a huge painful boil with a track that extends from the base of my armpit to the top of my left breast if you can picture that, if not, it looks like a cigar..lol, and it has been there for the past month. It is also imbedded in my breast but I don't know how far. I've tried warm compresses, tomato,drawing salve, garlic, etc to draw it out. It then began to ooze somewhat through a drain towards the back of my armpit. Looonng story short, I awkened to find that there was an opening in the boil itself and I went about sterilizing a stick pin to open it and thankfully it drained this morning. Don't know if the core came out.

Here is where I need your thoughts. The area that surrounded the boil on my breast is still red, dense and sensitive. Do you think its likely left over junk that I need to hot compress until it softens, or do I need to have it looked at??? I have an appointment for a consult with a surgeon on Wednesday and I'm trying to anticipate whether or not he'll want to torture me...ooops I mean lance it:o)

Thanks everybody!

deleted_user 01/07/2011

Because it is so long and in a very sensitive area I would have it looked at. Also, because it didn't naturally burst there might be more residue inside that could get infected.

deleted_user 01/08/2011

Yes you are right.The majority of my cysts are in my lower breast. The heating pad really helps especially when the cysts are red. If you can handle the heat of the pad (make it really hot) for about 1 hour, then I think you will see result the next day.

Also don't wash your body with just any kind of soap. Use Cetaphil. Wash your clothes in only Tide free and Clear. These are tips from my derm.

But it sounds like you might need a round of antibotics to clear it out.

deleted_user 01/09/2011

Please get it looked at. This could be the beginning of cellulitis which can be very dangerous. You probably need to get some antibiotics to clear the infection. I hope everything goes well with your surgeon and please keep us posted on how you are doing!!

deleted_user 01/09/2011

Thank you AJensen, I looked up Cellutis and you are right, that is what I have in my left breast. I will go get some antibotics tomorrow! Thank you!

deleted_user 01/09/2011

NP just curios... how big is the cellulitis? Is there any streaking lines anywhere close to the owie and is it really hot to the touch. If you answered yes to any of these it is NOT a good idea to wait to be seen. The streaking and the heat can lead to an infection in your blood stream. I always make a mark around the red and then watch it to see if the area gets larger. If it spreads past your lines go immediately to the Dr. This can be very serious and you can potentially be admitted and we both know that is not your idea of a good day lol. Please be cautious when dealing with Cellulitis the 2ndary infections you can get can potentially kill you.

deleted_user 01/09/2011

No streaking and not hot to touch. But I will circle it and watch it. But don't tell me stuff to scare mr because I have panic Attacks and then i get high blood pressure from stressing on it.

I'm all over it k.

deleted_user 01/09/2011

I wasn't trying to scare I just wanted you to know what could happen. I apologize I was just trying to make sure you were ok

deleted_user 01/09/2011

Get it surgically removed. anything that large will only get worse.

mufaris 01/10/2011

Thank you all for your advice. I'm going to invest in a heating pad. I looked up Cellulitis and this doesn't appear to fit the description. As an update, the redness has decreased, it isn't feverish, continues to drain and the affected area has shrunk. I have antibiotics at home that were prescribed to me last wed. by the dermatologist when he looked at my armpit. He also gave me two topical antibiotics to use and they seem to be helping. Clyndimicin and another one I can't remember the name of. He advised that I use them together and that has been more effective than using the Clyndimicin by itself. I haven't begun to take the oral antibiotic yet becuase I just finished up a round on Friday and it seems to be clearing up. (Too much antibiotics has adverse effects as well)I am trying to give my body a break. If it doesn't continue to improve, I will start the antibiotic. I will also see what the surgeon says when he looks at it Wed. We shall see. Thanks again.

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