Chronic Boils on Groin - Possible Hidradenitis Suppurativa

by Karen
(Maryland)

I have had boils for the past 8 years. They form in between my legs around my private area and on my butt.

I have tried everything, at least I think. I have not been able to live a normal life. I have not dated most of my adult life due to the fact I am afraid that someone might get them too.

I take multiple showers a day, clean everything I sit on, and wash everything in hot water. I will not get into a pool because I am afraid. I try not to sit in other people's houses or in public places because I do not want anyone to suffer the way I have for so many years.

Karen


RESPONSE


Hi Karen,

I can't imagine how horrible this must be for you. The symptoms sound to me like more than just boils that all of us can get at one time or another.

It sounds like Hidradenitis Suppurativa (also called HS). Now please keep in mind that I am NOT a doctor, and this is not by any means a medical diagnosis. It is just my opinion from the symptoms you describe.

People who have HS often can go years without knowing it. This condition is so embarrassing most people do not see a doctor or talk about it to their friends.

Problems can arise even if someone finally breaks down and goes to a doctor, because many medical professionals haven't heard of this condition (it's rare).

They tend to misdiagnose it as acne, boils, cysts, or simply poor hygiene - talk about a slap in the face when you are feeling most vulnerable!

Unfortunately, proper diagnosis doesn't always mean a solution to the problem either. The cause of HS is unknown. Doctors tend to prescribe antibiotics or steroids. If that doesn't work, surgery to remove the lesions is a common recommendation - although they can return.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa can be associated with autoimmune disorders - and that makes sense to me. This is basically a skin infection that the body cannot overcome.

Boosting your immune system might be the only way to truly rid yourself of these lesions.

Definitely test your body pH, my guess would be that both your urine pH and saliva pH are very acidic.

Also get your vitamin D levels tested. Low vitamin D appears to be linked with many autoimmune conditions.

Both of these tests will not require a doctor visit -

• see my page on vitamin D testing to find out how to order a test online


• see my page on pH strips for information on where to find them

I'm not saying that you should avoid the doctor's office. I would just understand if you were hesitant to go and see one - so I am just giving you options should you choose to try and fix this yourself.

You can do an image search on Google for "Hidradenitis Suppurativa" to see if those pictures look like what you have. I have to warn you, though, the pictures are graphic and not for the squeamish.

If it is HS, then you don't have to worry about giving it to someone else. These lesions are not contagious.

Speaking of the lesions, be careful about keeping them "too" clean. Over-scrubbing can remove the protective layers on our skin which can dry it out and invite more bacteria. Warm water and a simple soap will do (see non-toxic cosmetics).

You can also try applying organic virgin coconut oil to the skin. It has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents and is very good for the skin and more (see more coconut oil benefits).

Hopefully this has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions or comments about what I've written here (use the comment link below).

Wishing you the best of health,

Melissa
Approach Wellness