My 17 year old has the same problem as your friend. We are trying to find out what is causing this and how to prevent it. So far, we've been to the er 4 times to have them lanced/drained/packed. It makes her feel very sick and weak. Out of 6 doctors including her pediatrician, none can give us very much information -- they don't seem to know. Our next stop is a dermatologist. Other than these abscesses, her skin is perfect.