Thread: Hidradenitis Suppurativa - What now?

A few months ago, I noticed a rather large red.. well, bump on the underside of one of my breasts. It didn't hurt, or itch, but it was definitely ugly to look at. I finally went in to see the doctor when I noticed a few more, smaller bumps had come in nearby the first.

She diagnosed me with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.. an inflammation/infection of the sweat glands.. or this is how I understand it, anyway.

She put me on rather strong oral antibiotics and sent me on my way. The antibiotics did cause the swelling to go away, but like she warned me, there is scarring left.. a little "pit", where the larger bumps were located. And now, only a few months later, I have brand new bumps, and will probably have to go through the same process again.

Everything I've read about this disease says that there's really no way to get rid of it forever.. that surgery is the best bet. Well, I've been unemployed for almost a year now, and of course, have no health coverage, so surgery of any kind is impossible.

My question to all of you.. or at least, to anyone else that suffers from this condition.. how do you cope? I really am at a loss. The scars are ugly, and each time I get a new bump it starts to hurt a little more than last time. Is there any home remedy that seems to work, at least to make it less painful, or perhaps even to help prevent future infection? I do have pretty large breasts (a little bigger than DD), so it's tough to even wear a bra without putting pressure on these things. (although, being in the house so much, wearing a bra is less important these days) I hope that one day, I can be insured again and perhaps have a breast reduction surgery, which would take care of my indecent cup size as well as the Hidradenitis Suppurativa at the same time.. but until then.. help!

I am a 25 year old female. I was diagnosed with HS when I was 14 years old. I have been in the ER more times than I can count. I don;t know how severe yours are now, but I get absesses under my breasts atleast twice a month which i have to go to the ER and have them cut open and drained and packed... I have also have multiple operations to remove the sweat glands, etc... (thankfully I live in Canada and all my ER trips and operations are free)...So here I am at 25 and still suffering more than ever. Im due for another more entensive operation soon where they will be doing some skin grafting aswell. My surgeon referred me to a plastic sergeon and Im getting a breast lift (in hopes that will help) Which is also free for me. ..Is anything free for you in the USA, since it is a medical reason? How much do you have to pay just to go to the ER and how much for the operation you need ?

-Nadine.