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Problem with recurring cysts

Posted , 4 users are following.

Lizzy88
Lizzy88

Hi, Sorry for the very long post - I’m searching for information & really hoping that someone may be able to help?

For the past 12 months I have been having a problem with recurring cysts. I have had two in my underarms (one that turned into a very nasty abscess that needed to be surgically drained & I was on antibiotics for 4 months!) the other cysts have been unfortunately occurring in different places around my genitals. I pretty much have one cyst per month (usually appear a week or two prior to my period & then either slowly disappear under the skin or grow so large they burst with a thick/stringy white substance and sometimes mixed with a little blood).

I have been to multiple GPs, gynaecologists and even a sexual health clinic (as I was really scared that it was some type of latent STD). All have said they have no idea what is causing this issue.

I have only recently discovered that my Mum and sister have had the exact same issue for years (starting when they were both in their mid-20’s). My Mother said that since going through menopause she has only had one or two recurrences. My sister said that the only time she did not have the cysts was when she was pregnant with my niece. Both have been told from multiple doctors that the cysts are caused by their hormones & there is unfortunately nothing that can be done to help.

One of the doctors vaguely mentioned Hidradenitis Suppurativa to me as a possible cause for my problems. But after researching online I really do not feel the symptoms fit. I do not have any scars when the cysts heal. They can become very large and it is instant relief when they burst but they heal without leaving a scar (which I believe scarring is a classic symptom of HS). They also usually do not cause excruciating pain; they are just a little tender – unless they grow large or are in a problematic location rubbing on my underwear.

There is only ever one cyst at time. I have been checked for all STDs and the results were all negative. I’m really hoping that someone may be able to help as any advice would be greatly appreciated – Thank you.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • crystal_08850
    crystal_08850 Lizzy88

    Posted

    HS usually gets worsethe longer you have it, they get deeper and tunnel under your skin. My doctor has also said women may find relief after menopause but some women on here do not. HS is an autoimmune condition and that's why HS fluctuates with your hormones... Because your immune system fluctuates with your hormones. I did not have HS while pregnant either. I was in stage 4 HS, my cysts were so deep that they never came to surface and were very painful. While first finding remission by cutting nightshades and peanuts, I did notice my cysts "came out" and the deep cysts I had sort of released to the surface of my skin and ruptured themselves. So maybe you don't have HS as bad as others?? But try to find your triggers now before it gets worse!
    • Lizzy88
      Lizzy88 crystal_08850

      Posted

      Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will look into possible triggers. smile
  • carol62783
    carol62783 Lizzy88

    Posted

    This sounds the same as me Lizzy. I started at about 20. Had them monthly. Large but only in groin. Painful but relief when burst. Then hurting because raw and rubbing on under ware. They left small white lumps like it had healed over some of the puss.Only in later years has it started scaring leaving a long maroon line.

    I would advise you to go to Dr. And ask to be tested for HS.

  • octavia47944
    octavia47944 Lizzy88

    Posted

    Hi Lizzy,

    Did you ever get further with this? I'm dealing with what sounds like the same if not very similar issue. Would love to know if you managed to make any progress with a diagnosis. I've seen so many different specialists and no one can give me the same answer.

    Many thanks,

    Octavia

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