Is it Hidradenitis suppurativa?

That does unfortunately sound like HS. Have a look at the posts below for moe information and treatment options. The New Zealand dermatology website is also very good.

Alun Evans

sounds familiar. going to doctor to be misdiagnosed and given meds that don't work! been there. that area of the body can get HS so it is very possible.

i would recommend going on an elimination diet. cut out dairy, gluten, and nightshades. if you already know you have an allergy be religious on avoiding the item you're allergic too. it takes dicipline but i got my life back after realizing this issue was the physical manifestation of a gluten allergy. i had two surgeries in 2016. the surgical sites only healed after i went really strictly gluten free. living with open wounds for nine months was a nightmare but. honestly there's a root cause to your issue. it's a matter of finding out what your body can't handle.

turmeric is a good supplement to look into. i've had some good luck with it and others here have reported that as well. but all the supplements in the world won't negate that underlying, root cause.

good luck. don't panic. you'll find what it is that is striggering this. remember stress makes it worse. take control of your diet and you will eventually find the culprit. (i also inadvertently lost lots of weight with the super clean diet so that's another plus!)

sending you good vibes.

This does sound very much like H/S ,  many doctors are not familiar with this, it took years for my daughter to find someone,  we saw many "consultants"  and none of them understood or helped,  Insist that your doctor refers you, tell HIM what you think the problem is.  You can google H/S specialist. Dont be fobbed off.

Sounds like it could be stage 1, don't shut your boyfriend out he could be your biggest support. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist (preferably one that has experience with HS).

There are so many variables that could be contributing to it (my mom was always diagnosed with a yeast infection under her boobs and belly, now we will never know).

As someone else said it could be diet so cutting gluten and nightshade (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, etc...) others have found a paleo diet.

Some have it because it can be hereditary (even skip a generation) or hormonal imbalance.

There are many support groups on Facebook as well.

I am in Canada myself, and remember HS doesn't discriminate... Male, female and every ethnic back ground has been affected by this.