I was diagnosed with HS around 8 years ago but have had it for years. I am lucky because a friend suffers from it and said it looks the same. I asked for an appointment with a dermatologist who confirmed it.
Mine started on my upper inner legs, spread to my stomach and I now have a new one on my upper arm. I am concerned that it is spreading and wonder if anyone has any advice please. They are so painful and debilitating. All the doctor does is give me antibiotics and a couple of times has referred me to have recurring ones cut out by local anaesthetic. The surgeon said that because it has spread all he could do is tackle them one at a time. He did mutter about plastic surgery but really don't want that.
Am looking for advice, support and empathy please.
Oh I am 60, female and live in the UK.
Thank you.
Hi hypercat. I too am a 60 year old female who has these "gremlins", so you have my sympathy. I've had HS since reaching puberty. They came and went but when I reached 50 they went berserk and I was very rarely without a boil or abscess in my groin/under arms/breasts/any sweaty areas at any given time. The scarring is ugly, the pain intense. Long story short, after years spent trawling the internet/seeing doctors/specialists etc I've come up with the theory that it's down to diet. As Anthony24-7 advises, try cutting down nightshades eg potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc. Eliminating them was a problem for me because they are my favourite Vegetable, But it can be done. I also cut down on carbohydrates, sugar, fat and alcohol. I still get the odd one, but nothing like before, not as painful and recover faster. It might be worth giving it a go, after over 40 years of suffering this painful, debilitating condition, I've finally found a bit of relief. Long May it last.
Many thanks for your reply kaymate. I am so sorry you have suffered so much with hs. It's horrible isn't it? I know exactly what you mean about the pain - it's unbearable.
What is a nightshade please? I find stress is the worst trigger for them but anything is worth trying. The cutting down on carbs, sugar, fat and alcohol is worth a try - and I might lose some weight as well lol.
I am so glad you have found some relief. Yours sounds worse than mine and I hope it continues.
Hypercat here is a link for info on nightshades, I don't pretend to understand it all myself though :-). http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=62
i wish you luck if you decide to give it a go.
seems everyone is looking for advise on this problem whatever i try it just seems to get more conflicting.