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Infected Hair Follicles and Boils/Pimples/Cysts

(12 Posts)
Cossy Mon 11-Nov-24 14:30:18

Sorry in advance, not the nicest topic.

Since I was a child I have had boils, some so big I’ve had to have antibiotics or them lanced.

I constantly get infected hair follicles, small boils and infected pimples.

I’ve tried everything, showering more often, using dettol soap, antiseptic cream, looking at my diet.

I’m at the end of my tether!

Anyone else have this?

I have been to my GP a few times re these.

Mamissimo Mon 11-Nov-24 14:45:41

Hello Cossy - you have my utmost sympathy. I have a suspicion that I know what may be going on. I'll send you a private message now for privacy.

Cossy Mon 11-Nov-24 14:53:47

Thank you flowers

HowVeryDareYou2 Mon 11-Nov-24 18:47:38

Mamissimo Have you seen a Dermatologist? You might actually have Hidradenitis Suppurativa - I was diagnosed with that, many years ago (it flares up occasionally) and have Trimovate cream for it (all other treatments have ever worked)

RedRidingHood Mon 11-Nov-24 20:20:13

Betnovate scalp lotion on prescription has sorted it for me. Like you I had bumps, boils, itching bleeding scalp., lifetime of trying everything.
Once under control I use it about once a month.
I also got infected follicles on my legs and was given zero base cream. It didn't help much but I've been using Nivea cream 3 times a day for the last year and not one single infection.

Cossy Tue 12-Nov-24 13:11:09

HowVeryDareYou2

Mamissimo Have you seen a Dermatologist? You might actually have Hidradenitis Suppurativa - I was diagnosed with that, many years ago (it flares up occasionally) and have Trimovate cream for it (all other treatments have ever worked)

Thank you, thanks to Massissimo, I’ve googled HS, including the photos, on the NHS website and it is exactly this! I’ll make an appointment with my GP

Cossy Tue 12-Nov-24 13:12:46

RedRidingHood

Betnovate scalp lotion on prescription has sorted it for me. Like you I had bumps, boils, itching bleeding scalp., lifetime of trying everything.
Once under control I use it about once a month.
I also got infected follicles on my legs and was given zero base cream. It didn't help much but I've been using Nivea cream 3 times a day for the last year and not one single infection.

Thanks RRH, mine is mainly under my arms and in my vagina area.

I do also get very dry and itchy scalp though and very dry patches behind my ears, I have very sensitive skin.

BigBertha1 Tue 12-Nov-24 14:08:39

Cossy that must be very uncomfortable for you. I see you are getting some good advice and help here but I would just add in that an in depth look at your diet could be helpful. I wouldn't advise other than to say a nutritionist will be able to help you improve this condition.

MadeInYorkshire Tue 12-Nov-24 14:17:52

I agree, you may well have Hidradenitis Suppurativa - not nice at all.

*Cossy, you poor thing, I don't suppose you have Crohns do you? It appears that they are linked.

HowVeryDareYou2 Tue 12-Nov-24 17:54:25

CossySorry, my reply was meant for you (I think you realised that). Glad you found it helpful, and I hope you get to see someone about it soon. HS is a very painful condition but you needn't suffer. I've never heard of it being linked to Crohn's.

MadeInYorkshire Tue 12-Nov-24 19:20:55

HowVeryDareYou2

*Cossy*Sorry, my reply was meant for you (I think you realised that). Glad you found it helpful, and I hope you get to see someone about it soon. HS is a very painful condition but you needn't suffer. I've never heard of it being linked to Crohn's.

A friend of mine with Crohns had HS and it caused him to have a lot of fistulas, it was dreadful for him ...

Cossy Tue 12-Nov-24 19:30:25

There seem to be lots of links across lots of awful conditions.

Thanks to you all who replied on a not so nice topic!

I also carry the herpes virus (from birth, the cold sore one, not the STD) and was never allowed to give blood, which I was very sad about as DM gave lots and lots as she’d received two transfusions saving her life.