i has my first hs cyst at 18. 6 major surgeries with recurrences at site of surgery before area even healed. finally i found an absolutely wonderful, caring pa who researched this [never before diagnosed] problem. Methylpredsinolone dose pack started at first sign of lump IMMEDIATELY resolved problem and cyst disappeared. We also tried bactrim but found no difference with abx added. also noticed through the years that cysts often followed mentsural cycles - worsening before start and lessening after period ended. But without prednisone, cysts seemed to come back worse second time. though not proven, my own personal theory is hs is affected by hormone fluctuations and stress. If you have hs, please try the methylprednisonlone dose pack. You will be AMAZED! My PA is my hero and I thank Heaven every day for her and her willingness to research my symptoms and find the closest thing to a cure there is. If you live in kansas, I would be happy to share her name even though I don't want to share her.

I've had hidradenitis suppurativa since puberty and have suffered with it since that point in time. I didn't know what it was till about 15 years ago and immediately started getting the normal treatments for it: different soaps, creams, antibiotics, surgery, and hate to say but none of it has been very successful at all. I'm not 57, still going through menopause and suffer from PCOS as well, which makes this disease even worse. I have the tunnels in my armpits and on the back of my neck and with the last dermatologist, HIS only possible solution was to go on Accutane. But after reading how people in my age bracket with this disease respond, I prefer to stay alive and not add more health issues to my already long list.

Antibiotics have stopped helping, and I'm allergic to sulfur and sulfomides so cannot take any antibiotics that contain that and that might actually help because of my allergic reation. It is VERY humiliating and painful and I don't really get out much without paying for that trip and added sweating. Cool weather is my friend as my body just runs hot all the time and always has. I'm one of those crazy people that wears shorts all through the winter. My PA is so compassionate about my situation but has sent me on to specialists, dermatologists, and surgeons and doesn't know what else to do with me.

I find it very overwhelming some days and depressing. But most days I can get beyond it and I'm just grateful I can get around. I'm also diabetic but under control using the Byetta shot and not using insulin. It's good to know there is a place like this to come and talk about what is wrong, because most people can't even comprehend to what degree this gets and how badly you hurt and suffer in silence. Has anyone gone to an Infectious Disease man (although this isn't contagious) or a Wound Specialist to see if something can be done to give a little relief ??? Just curious.

Also I have scars and tunnels all over my body in the armpits, groin area and even private area where they cannot be bandaged; also on my neck and back and "bum" and up and down the back of my leg to the knee. Let's just say I'm covered up and some get as big as small lemons under the skin and when they break it's just outrageous finding bandages that will cover them. I only have 2 types of bandages that work okay with my skin. It's like you have one thing on top of another and another and another and everything is working against you. 🙁

I started using OTC soy estrogen called Soy Care and it has helped me tremendously....other brands did not work. Hidradenitis Suppurativa support group on FB is good resource.

I'm going to ask my doctor about this Methylpredsinolone dose pack and see if it is something I can use. I'm a diabetic but not on insulin yet but do take a shot to help control my blood sugar so not sure if I can take it but can't hurt to ask. Thanks @mbrittain for talking about it. 🙂