What are these red, tender lesions?
Hidradenitis is a chronic disease of the scent or apocrine glands which causes chronic scarring and pus formation of the axillae and groin areas. It is similar to acne which is a disease of the sebaceous glands. Hidradenitis usually starts as one or more red, tender, swellings in the groin or axilla. Over a period of hours to days, the lesions enlarge and often open to the skin surface draining clear to yellow fluid. The involved area then heals with scarring. The condition usually continues for years with periods of flare and remission.

Why did I get this?
For unknown reasons, people with hidradenitis develop plugging or clogging of their apocrine glands. This leads to bacterial infection which can produce pain and odor. Hidradenitis is made worse by being overweight, however this condition is not caused by obesity. Being overweight however can significantly exacerbate this condition.
Hidradenitis is more common in people who have had acne.
Hidradenitis may become worse under stress.
Hidradenitis is not caused by poor hygiene.

Can anything be done about it?
We have seen weight loss significantly improve hidradenitis. In some people just a 5 to 20 pound weight loss will help to regain control of their skin problem. Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) are a good treatment. Systemic (by mouth) antibiotics are at times necessary when the condition is flaring or when a patient has a severe case. Tight-fitting clothing is to be strictly avoided.

Dirt does not cause hidradenitis. The involved areas should be cleaned daily using an antibacterial soap, such as the liquid form of Lever 2000. Some patients have found that the liquid form of Lever 2000, applied to the involved areas as a lotion after bathing, can help reduce the odor associated with this condition. Steroid injections into the plugged gland may help reduce painful inflammation. There is no medical cure for hidradenitis. Hidradenitis can be controlled, but not cured. Sometimes surgery is required to drain infected areas or to remove scarred tissue or even large areas of skin.