I am currently in pains as I write, trying to adjust my body in a comfortable position as the slightest move can trigger pain. At 16 years old, I was diagnosed with Hidradenitis suppurativa, a skin condition where lumps are formed in places like the armpits, groin, inner thighs, booty crack, basically boils wherever skin tends to rub on each other.
Now, there is no known cause of Hidradenitis suppurativa(HS) but experts think it might be genetic, triggered by hormones or a weak immune system. I personally suspect mine is due to all three assumptions. First, my dad catches boils too but not in weird places; secondly, I'm female, very hormonal; and thirdly, I just don't trust my immune system.
Just as there is no known cause of this skin condition, there also is no cure. I have been battling this way before I was even diagnosed, it was like puberty's coupon for me. It was really scary as a teenager because I was just learning about STDs and HS symptoms are quite similar to that of some STDs. This was a time we thought you called get STDs from the toilet seats.
So far, in the last thirteen years of living with HS, I have managed the condition quite well and only had two medical procedures done so far. Worst procedure of my life
SYMPTOMS OF HS
- Boils. Like I mentioned earlier, pea to marble sized boils in your armpits, genitals, inner thighs very close to the groin, buttocks and even under the breasts. The boils could be one or more, tender, drains pus that smells bad and are recurrent.
- Fevers. As with other boils, these lumps can trigger fevers making the average Nigerian believe it is malaria fever. I ended up taking a lot of antimalarial drugs as a result.
- Tracts connecting boils can form on the skin overtime
- Headaches
- Blackheads in hair follicles
HOW I EASE THE PAIN
- Never ever force a boil to pop. I gently pat the affected area with a hot washcloth till it pops on its own and then follow-up with a prescribed antibiotic.
- Avoid shaving sticks. I use good 'ol hair removal creams.
- Avoid tight clothes and undies. I wear loose fitting clothes all the time and try to go with mostly cotton fabrics. Wearing tight fitting clothes can rub on the skin and trigger a breakout.
- See a doctor to get the boils drained.
- Try not to let the pain get to me. This condition can severely deal with one's mental health and often times lead to breakdowns and so I try to keep up a positive attitude whenever I get a breakout, doing things that make me happy and being productive. I have the support of my family through these times and my heart goes out to those who have it worse than I do, this shit be hard to deal with.
Hidradenitis suppurativa also known as acne inversa can be very limiting. Hormonal changes, excess weight and even heat may worsen the symptoms. I advise if you have any recurrent boils anywhere on your body, see a doctor immediately to get a right diagnosis.