Hi everyone,

This is a semi embarrassing topic, that I have to just get over and ask about because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who suffers from this. I have Hidradenitis Suppurativa which is a skin disease that 1-4% of the population suffers from. it can be a very emotional and debilitating condition, that can make the slightest movement feel like thousands of knives stabbing you, and that's putting it mildly. For those of you, which may be many, that don't really know about it, here is a link for your info: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa-leaflet

For those of you that do suffer from this, have you notice any changes in flair ups after surgery? I've noticed that mine have gotten unbearable, I've scheduled an appointment with the dermatologist, I don't wanna go under the knife again so soon, but I'm starting to think that cutting out the sinus tunnels in my skin may be my only option at this point. I'm really sick of the out breaks and the drainage and I though weight loss and diet change would calm it down some, but it hasn't seemed to work at all. Has anything helped for any of you? I've read taking zinc helps, but I'm not so sure.

Thank you in advance for your input,

Kandis

I have a very mild case - thank goodness. It is the weirdest condition, it showed up right after the birth of my son in 1992. My doctor thought i had a staph infection but I later found out that it was HIDE. My worst outbreaks were in those early years, and it steadily declined. Like I might have 2-5 sores at a time in those years.

About the time I hit goal I was big time into spinning bikes. I would sweat like crazy and then sitting on that seat seemed to trigger a minor outbreak around my butt and thighs. It took a couple of months to resolve. That was like around 2 years ago and since then I don't think I have had any at all.

So, I would say for me that losing weight did reduce the incidents of outbreaks. I think that stress might trigger them, although I can't say for sure. I also think that surface irritation might trigger outbreaks (like the sweaty bike shorts/bike seat) but that is just a guess. What I find the oddest is when I first had outbreaks they were under my arms, around my breasts etc... in the last 5 -10 years they have always been below the waist. What is up with that? I do think that leaving them alone is good - like I used to fuss with them and it made them worse.

Plastic surgeon told me that one of the treatments for HIDE is removal of the impacted skin, but only for very severe cases.

I am just so thank full I do not have a severe case - what a difficult condition to live with if you suffer from frequent/lots of outbreaks.

Thank you for responding, my first outbreak was in 2008, I thought it was a few ingrown hairs under my arms but then I noticed that my breast would break out as well. when I was diagnosed I was so embarrassed and felt helpless because there is no cure. I think I the last few years the breakouts have been below the waist which is really freaking me out. I REFUSE to date. My PCP says that once I'm down to a good size maybe below 165 lbs I may see a reduction in breakouts so I'm praying. I know that working out has irritated the condition but what can I do? ugh! I can't wait until this is over. Thanks again for responding!