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LisaB4657 · Nov 17, 2006, 07:41 AM

Please let me know if you get any answers! I am fortunate enough to be in remission for several years now (the low-carb diet did it for me) but there are many, many people who suffer from it. It is a debilitating disease and I believe that there are many people who have it and don't know it, and their doctors don't know it either.

To add a little more info, I have PCOS. The research I've done on it has said that there are many PCOS sufferers who also have HD, which makes me think that it is hormone-related.

Thomas1970 · Nov 17, 2006, 07:48 AM

Thanks Lisa. Thanks J_9. I wasn't aware of that about tea tree oil. I use tea tree oil shampoo myself, and I know it is an excellent antifungal. I've just never applied it to skin full strength.
I just thought perhaps fungal, as a low carb diet is beneficial in controlling yeast, which largely wouldn't be detectable by many standard tests. I wasn't aware that such a diet had such an effect on hormones either.
Thanks. I appreciate it. :)

Thomas1970 · Nov 17, 2006, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Thomas, I believe, from my reading, that the etiology is still unknown. It is said that no causative organism "exists" that may be why it is usually misdiagnosed.

However, in some of my other readings it seems to be caused by E-Coli, yet others say it is caused by Streptococcus milleri. So, I would be interested in hearing from a doctor about this. Maybe I will ask one of my professors who is a doctor to get it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

Thanks for the info. Sorry, I couldn't increase your rep. :)

jgj6331 · Nov 18, 2006, 12:02 PM

Agree with J_9 - you need to see a doctor ASAP to rule out a serious infection. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you will get better.

Another rare possibility would include an anal fistula. Have you had previous problems with hemmorhoids, constipation, rectal pain, etc? Fistulas usually develop in conjunction with an abscess of an anal gland. A draining fistula develops from the abscess to the skin surface - usually near the anus, but it can extend to the buttocks, perineum, upper thighs, genitals. These need treatment and will not likely heal on their own.

cddrennen · Nov 19, 2006, 10:37 PM

Went to doctor's office this past Friday and am doing OK, it was a severely infected abscess that was in danger of going septic. He has prescribed me two different antibiotics one taken orally and one applied directly to the abscess in the form of a cream. He did not do any tests as to why I keep getting these abnormal abscesses but based on what some of you have mentioned about Hidradenitis Suppurativa and my research on it, it sounds a lot like what I am getting and they are appearing in exactly the areas mentioned. (Unfortunately, my Primary Care Physician was out of town at the time and so I had to go to Urgent Care so I don't know if my regular doctor will do anything)

jgj6331 · Nov 20, 2006, 07:15 AM

Indeed, do follow up with your regular doc ASAP. If it is hidrandenitis, there is no cure - but there are medications to help control it including antibiotics and even the acne medicine Accutane in severe cases. I'm not trying to be judgemental here, but weight loss may help reduce the occurrence of lesions. Avoiding heat exposure and situations / conditions that promote sweating may help - although this may be difficult living in Georgia. An antibacterial soap for bathing may be beneficial - although it could promote resistance with long term use. In addition to your general doctor, you likely need to seek an appointment with a dermatologist since they deal with such problems much more frequently than other physicians.

LisaB4657 · Nov 21, 2006, 06:31 AM

Thanks for letting us know what happened!

In the future if you find yourself developing a lesion, try dipping a q-tip in tea tree oil (you can find it at a health food store) and then dab it lightly on the lesion, once a day. If you find that it burns your skin then dip it in water first. Some people also report that a few drops of tea tree oil in the bathtub helps as well.

Good luck!

Ashleyroxyoursox · Jan 20, 2007, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by cddrennen

I have some kind of an abscess on the inside of my thigh, I have been draining it for the past 3 days and each day that goes by the fluid inside turns a darker green and is very very smelly, almost like rotten meat. What should I do? Does anybody know what it could be?

I personally think you should go see a dermotoligist.
I have no idea what it could be.

J_9 · Jan 20, 2007, 05:47 PM

Ashley, this gal has already been to the doc on November 20, 2006 and was diagnosed. Please read the entire thread prior to posting your answers.