Freak Show AU Pt. 2

Michael

Our next freak is Pete Thelman or the “Boil Boy”.

He was orphaned at five after his parents died of influenza. He spent his childhood in a foster home with loneliness since none of the kids want to play with him. Once he reached puberty, his skin turned very oily that resulted in multiple cystic acne breaking out all over his skin i.e his face, back and buttocks. There were also two giant bumps on his back that makes it difficult for Pete to lie down as they were a heavy weight on his back. Pete tried to scratch and pop his pimples but it only resulted in a ridiculous amount of pus and blood flowing out with severe rashes and pockmarks remaining on his skin. His poor hygiene also contributed to his continuous breakouts since there wasn’t much clean water at his orphanage, which resulted in Pete being bullied for his appearance.

One day, the circus owner visited Pete’s foster home and offered him a job at his circus. Not wanting to endure the bullying anymore, Pete accepted. He’s not allowed to put on a shirt or take baths (except for once a month when there aren’t any performances) so he could keep his acne prone skin.

Additionally, Pete can play the drums and a lute after years of practice. That’s why he’s part of the band in the circus. He wishes to be an actual musician outside the circus one day but thinks he won’t be good enough. Pete also works as a cleaner to clean up before and after performances. He’s close to Michael, Henrietta and especially Firkle since he thought of him as the little brother he never had.

Detecting Scabies: Essential Signs and What to Do

An infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei causes itchiness and a pimple-like rash of scabies. Scabies are caused by the mite that burrows in the upper layer of the skin, where it lays its eggs and lives. Early recognition of the symptoms can help to prevent the spread of scabies, relieve discomfort, and reduce the risk. Online scabies treatments have made this condition easier to manage than ever. You need to understand scabies symptoms and how to get online treatment.

Recognizing the Signs of Scabies

Itching

Scabies is characterized by severe itching, which worsens at night. This itching is caused by the immune system's reaction to mites or their eggs. Scabies can be detected by an increase in the intensity of itching, particularly at night or evening.

Bumps and Skin Rash

Infestations of scabies can cause a rash that looks like a pimple. They can appear anywhere on the skin, in a random pattern, or as a line. They are most common between the fingers or elbows, wrists, buttocks, and waist.

Burrow Tracks

You may also see tiny, threadlike burrows on the skin's surface. The mites tunnel into the skin and create these paths. They may appear as fine, dark, or silvery lines.

Secondary Infections

The skin can become damaged and susceptible to secondary infection due to excessive scratching. It's important to get medical help if you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.

Seeking Scabies Treatment Online

Telemedicine has made it easier to access healthcare services such as scabies treatment. You can get scabies prescriptions and treatment online.

Online Healthcare Platforms

Online healthcare platforms that are reputable offer licensed healthcare providers for consultations. They can diagnose your condition using the symptoms that you describe and possibly supported by pictures.

Scabies Treatment Online

A healthcare provider may offer prescription creams or oral medications once scabies are diagnosed. Topical creams containing permethrin and ivermectin are the most common form of treatment.

Scabies Prescription Online

You can easily obtain your medications without leaving your home by sending your prescriptions directly to the pharmacy of your choosing or your local one.

Care and Follow-up

Online healthcare services offer follow-up consultations to monitor side effects and ensure effective treatment. The ongoing care required for a full recovery is essential.

Conclusion:

Early recognition of scabies and prompt treatment will help to reduce discomfort and stop the spread of infestation. The convenience of online scabies treatments, such as getting a prescription for scabies, has made it easier to manage this condition. Do not hesitate to consult an online doctor if you suspect that you or someone you love may have scabies.

Skin, being the largest organ of the human body, serves as a protective barrier against external elements, pathogens, and harmful UV rays. However, it's susceptible to numerous conditions and disorders that can range from mild irritation to severe health concerns. Understanding these common skin disorders is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of skin health.

Acne: Acne is perhaps one of the most prevalent skin disorders, affecting millions worldwide, especially during adolescence. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and certain medications can contribute to acne development. Treatment options include topical creams, oral medications, and lifestyle changes.

Eczema (Dermatitis): Eczema, also known as dermatitis, refers to a group of conditions characterized by inflamed, itchy skin. It often manifests as red, dry patches that may blister, crack, or ooze fluid when scratched. Genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors play significant roles in eczema development. Treatment typically involves moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and avoiding triggers like certain fabrics or harsh soaps.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to thick, silvery scales and red patches. It commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can occur anywhere on the body. Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infections, or certain medications. Treatment options include topical treatments, phototherapy, oral medications, and biologic drugs targeting the immune system.

Rosacea: Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes, small, red bumps resembling acne. It typically affects the central face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Triggers for rosacea include sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages. Treatment involves topical medications, oral antibiotics, laser therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder linked to celiac disease. It presents as itchy, blistering skin lesions, often occurring on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks. The condition is triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods. Treatment primarily involves adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, along with medications like dapsone to manage symptoms.

Hives (Urticaria): Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly and disappear within hours. They are typically caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, insect bites, or environmental triggers like pollen. Stress and infections can also contribute to hives formation. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding triggers, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and in severe cases, epinephrine injections.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by the loss of skin color in patches. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed, leading to depigmented areas. While the exact cause is unknown, it's believed to involve autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors. Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, depigmentation therapy, and cosmetic camouflage.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly patches and dandruff, primarily affecting areas rich in oil glands like the scalp, face, and upper chest. Factors such as yeast overgrowth, hormonal changes, and genetics contribute to its development. Treatment involves medicated shampoos, topical antifungal agents, corticosteroids, and avoiding harsh skincare products.

Warts: Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size and appearance depending on the type of HPV involved. Common types include common warts, plantar warts (on the soles of the feet), and genital warts. Treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal.

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis): Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and typically appear as small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and mouth. They are highly contagious and often recur in response to triggers like stress, sun exposure, or illness. Treatment involves antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and prevent outbreaks.

Conclusion: Skin disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Proper diagnosis and management are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing complications. By understanding these common skin disorders, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and care for their skin effectively. Consulting a dermatologist for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations is advised for anyone experiencing persistent or severe skin issues.

TOP & NATURAL REMEDIES THAT PROVIDE RELIEF IN ACNE

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells, also called pimples. This problem is most common in teenagers and young adults. In this condition you will usually get pimples on your face. The pores of your skin clogged, pore blockages produces blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples.

 There are several types of acne-

Cystic acne- this acne causes deep pus filled pimples and nodules, these can cause scars.

Fungal acne – it occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles, these can be itchy and inflamed.

Nodular acne- it is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, tender and nodular lumps under your skin.

All these forms of acne can affect your confidence, cystic and nodular acne both can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scarring. Acne is more common among women adults and teenagers. 

Causes of acne

Main factors cause acne:

Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells

Bacteria, small amounts of bacteria naturally live on your skin if you have too much bacteria, it can clog your pores.

Excess oil production

Inflammation

Certain things may trigger acne-

Diet – consuming carbohydrate rich foods, such as chips and bread may worsen acne. Whey protein diets in high sugar may lead to cause acne

Hormonal changes - Androgens hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women can lead to breakouts too.

Stress – stress does not cause acne, but if you have acne already, it may make it worse

Certain medications- drugs including corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium

Air pollution and weather conditions especially high humidity cause pimple. Using of oily and greasy products like heavy lotions and creams on skin .these certain things in your environment contribute to acne or they can make acne breakout worse.

Signs and symptoms of acne

When you have acne you can develop these breakouts on your skin-

Whiteheads – this forms when excess oil and dead skin cells build up and plug the opening of a pore this causes a blemishes that is raised and white or flesh colored.

Blackheads- this type of acne also develops when excess oil and dead skin build up inside a pore, as the buildup accumulates, it widens the opening of the pore and this cause blackheads.

Pimples- excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside a pore. As the pore fills with bacteria, inflammation develops and pimple appears on skin. When the pimple contains pus, it’s called papule.

Acne may also occur on the trunk, legs, arms, buttocks. Skin changes include-

Cysts

Crusting of skin bumps

Papules

Pustules ( small red bumps containing white or yellow pus)

Scarring of the skin

Redness around the skin eruptions

Dark spots on the skin

Acne scars – when acne breakout clears, it can leave a permanent scar on your skin.

Prevention- if you have acne, you can prevent by using these methods includes:

Washing your skin after you exercise or sweat

Washing your skin at least once daily with warm water and a gentle cleanser

Avoid using skin care products with astringents, alcohol, toners which can harm your skin

Removing your makeup at the end of the day or before you go to bed

Avoid picking or squeezing your acne, let your skin heal naturally to prevent scars from forming on your skin.

Choosing oil free moisturizer to apply on your skin after cleansing

Management of Acne according to Ayurveda-

In Ayurveda, acne has been elaborated as one of the Kshudra Rogaas. Acne is called Yuvanpidika and Tarunyapitika as it manifests in Yuva or Taruna. The disease is generally spread over the face and sometimes back, neck and shoulders due to the inflammatory and scarring nature of lesions, acne is also called Mukhadushika. Acne vulgaris is caused due to vitiation of kapha and vata doshas and rakta dhatu, this vitiated doshas and dhatus cause obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit of skin which causes acne. Vitiation of vata dosha and blood leads to hyperpigmentation of skin.

Top 7 natural ayurvedic remedies that provide relief in acne

Ayurveda offers various natural remedies that are believed to provide relief in acne. Here are seven Ayurvedic remedies that are commonly suggested:

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying neem paste or using neem-based skincare products may help in managing acne.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A mixture of turmeric and honey applied as a mask can be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel on acne-affected areas may help reduce inflammation and redness.

Sandalwood (Santalum album): Sandalwood has antimicrobial properties. A paste made from sandalwood powder and rosewater can be applied as a face mask to help calm irritated skin.

Triphala: This herbal mixture of three fruits (amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki) is known for its detoxifying properties. Consuming triphala or using it topically may support overall skin health.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Manjistha is believed to purify the blood and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes recommended for managing skin conditions, including acne.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii): Guggul is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is sometimes used in Ayurveda to address skin issues, including acne.

Healthy and Glowing Skin through Ayurveda

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. Extra melanin creates spots or patches that look brown, black, gray, red or pink. The areas are not painful or itchy, but they can make people self-conscious. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation.

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells. Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms range from uninflamed blackheads to pus-filled pimples or large, red, and tender bumps.

A growth of tissue marking the spot where skin has healed after an injury.

With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear (translucent).

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light: – Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis).

Evidence of increasing age includes wrinkles and sagging skin. the first noticeable sign of aging are fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines are small, shallow wrinkles that tend to become most noticeable at the outer corners of the eyes – also known as laughter lines or crow´s feet.

Dehydrated skin appears as a lack of radiance and comfort with intense, persistent tightness. The skin feels itchy, especially after washing and has scales.

Pinch test –

Pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds.

If your skin snaps back, you’re likely not dehydrated.

If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated.

Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, or other places on the body. The marks initially develop as wrinkly, raised

streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. The streaks eventually fade and flatten and tend to change to a silvery color over time.

Common causes of skin stretching include:

Pregnancy: Between 50-90% of women who are pregnant experience stretchmarks during or after birth.

Puberty: Rapid growth is typical in young people going through puberty. This can lead to stretch marks.

Rapid weight gain: Putting on a lot of weight in a short space of time can cause stretch marks.

Medical conditions: Certain conditions can cause stretch marks, such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome. Marfan syndrome can lead to decreased elasticity in the skin tissue, and Cushing’s syndrome can lead the body to produce too much of a hormone that leads to rapid weight gain and skin fragility.

Corticosteroid use: Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can decrease levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of stretch marks.

The skin consists of three key layers. Stretch marks form in the dermis, or middle layer, when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity. This is normally due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.

Oil la sante promotes fast healing and skin regeneration and also prevents premature aging and skin thinning. It promotes the growth of epidermal collagen and improves skin elasticity. It has natural and inflammatory antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It not only helps to rejuvenate sun damaged skin but also moisturizers and forms a protective layer against dryness. It is suitable for the body as well as the face. Oil la sante is a light and hypoallergenic oil and can also be used for sensitive skin.

To know more: https://lamarworld.co/product/oil-la-sante-50ml/

Red and itchy butt crack

Painful red bumps on butt crack and very painful butt crack.

Red bumps near top of butt crack.

Causes for Bumps on Buttocks | Getting Rid of Cyst & Boils on Butt.

Scrotal Dermatitis: How to relieve an itchy scrotum?.

Why Does My Anus Itch? 15 Causes of Anal Itching - WebMD.

Anal itching: Causes, treatments, and home remedies - Medical News Today.

Can External Hemorrhoids And Internal Piles Cause Red Rash Around The.

Bumps on Buttocks, (Thighs, Crack), Cheeks, Pictures, Get Rid, Causes.

(Skin Concerns) Embarrassing, dry cracked itchy skin in my butt crack.

Health Issues - Skin Problems: butt crack itch and - HealthBoards.

The Causes of a Toddler's Itchy Anus - Verywell Family.

Why Is My Tailbone Itchy - BikeHike.

Shingles In Buttocks Crack - thisisfasr.

Painful red bumps on butt crack and very painful butt crack.

Itchy and painful bumps inside butt can be annoying. You have to stick your finger inside the bum hole. It is embarrassing. Itchy bumps could be a sign of bacterial or viral infection. Poor anal hygiene can increase the risk of infection causing sever itching around the butt. Other possible causes of itching include yeast infection around bum. Buttock rash can occur due to a wide variety of disease conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, etc. Treatment varies based on the cause. Rash usually makes the affected skin area to turn red, blotchy even to swell. Rash on the buttocks can be caused by a variety of abnormal conditions and in turn it may indicate something. Symptoms of intertrigo include a red or reddish-brown rash that can appear anywhere skin rubs together or traps wetness. This rash may burn or itch. The most common areas include: Between toes. In the armpits. In the groin area. On the underside of the belly or breasts. In the crease of the neck.

Red bumps near top of butt crack.

.

Causes for Bumps on Buttocks | Getting Rid of Cyst & Boils on Butt.

A bump appearing on buttocks can be caused by any of the skin condition known to cause a pimple-like bump on other body parts like on face, arms, and stomach. The bumps are annoying and very embarrassing. The two fairly common causes of buttock bumps include folliculitis and carbuncles which are painful clusters of boils. For a long time now between my butt cheeks there is very dry and itchy skin but only one one side. When I scratch it a layer of dead skin eventually goes away and the skin feels raw and sensitive and becomes kinda red. A day or two later it becomes again super dry. I thought if I just ignored it it would go away but now it has been years (I.

Scrotal Dermatitis: How to relieve an itchy scrotum?.

Try taking warm baths in Epson Salt and keeping it clean. It is mostly predominant in males, but females get it as well. It is actaully caused by what started as an ingrown hair at the base of your spine and may have been there since birth. The hairs continue to grow inside which causes a cyst and abcess that periodically drains and may bleed.

Why Does My Anus Itch? 15 Causes of Anal Itching - WebMD.

The pain and redness is above my anus.. just where my butt crack starts... Its just red and sore.. doesn't look like much else. jujub. Elite Member. Joined Mar 2003. Posts 10422. Posted 8/2/2008 3:40 PM (GMT -6) Sounds like a yeast infection. Your doctor can prescribe a cream for it; until then you can try using an antifungal powder like.. Roundworm (from undercooked pork) tend to make a butt crack itchy, as well as pinworms. If you have parasites, the itching can go in phases due to die off and new eggs being hatched (I know, sounds gross, but it is what it is). Another thing is to check for allergies, like to bath soap/hair shampoo (if you wash his hair in the bathtub) or even.

Anal itching: Causes, treatments, and home remedies - Medical News Today.

Sep 17, 2018 · Boils occur in the second, deeper layer (dermis). Both infections cause a bump in the skin which may grow as the pus builds up. Common causes for boils include: excessive sweating. lack of proper. It is hard to deal with an itchy bump in the butt crack if you don't know the cause. That is why you need a doctor to diagnose the problem. 1. Shingles on butt crack... Chickenpox: this condition leads to red, itchy blisters especially at the back. Allergic reaction: allergic reaction causes an itchy red rash. The rash may consist of raised.

Can External Hemorrhoids And Internal Piles Cause Red Rash Around The.

It may be pinworms. They are characterized by severe anal itching especially in kids. Dr Oz talked about this topic on a recent episode of Oprah. He suggested applying a piece of scotch tape to the anus at night (sounds crazy I know). But the pinworms come out only at night and they will stick to the tape.

Bumps on Buttocks, (Thighs, Crack), Cheeks, Pictures, Get Rid, Causes.

Postpone sex when the skin around the genitals is raw or inflamed. Before sex, gently cleanse intimate areas using mild, fragrance-free cleansers. During sex, use lubricated condoms to reduce irritation in intimate areas affected by psoriasis. After sex, gently wash and dry intimate areas to reduce irritation. Sex: Yes please (just kidding, female) Height: 150cm. Weight: 87kg. Race: Scottish (white) Country of residence: Australia. Diagnosed medical issues: HSV2, some mental health stuff but I don't think that's relevant. Current medications: antiviral for the HSV2 outbreak (I can't remember the brand name), contraceptive pill, dexamphetamine. Butt rash. What it is:Â If a red, itchy rash develops between your butt cheeks, it might be intertrigo, caused by the chafing together of warm, moist skin, commonly after you work out. Rx:Â.

(Skin Concerns) Embarrassing, dry cracked itchy skin in my butt crack.

Butt crack rashes can be single or clustered reddish spots or bumps that lead to itching of the skin. They usually appear on the butt crack or the opening of the anus or even around the butt cheeks. In adults, the location, pattern and extent of the rash can vary from individual to individual. 1) Herpes Zoster. An itchy bottom can be caused by irritating chemicals in the foods we eat, such as are found in spices, hot sauces, and peppers.; Anal itching also can be caused by the irritation of continuous moisture in the anus from frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool (incontinence or fecal spoilage). Moisture increases the possibility of infections of the anus, especially..

Health Issues - Skin Problems: butt crack itch and - HealthBoards.

Jan 24, 2020 · Ringworm: More commonly known as jock itch, ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, ring-shaped rash in the groin and butt area. The rash is often very itchy. The rash is often very itchy. Jun 03, 2020 · There is nothing to be worried about. It usually happens when soap and moisture remain in the butt crack area for long periods. When this gets mixed with sweat and the bacteria, then the skin starts cracking. Just wipe this area thoroughly and then apply a diaper rash ointment. Things will clear by the end of the day.. How do i get rid of red line down butt crack? It has been there for a couple of months,it runs from top of butt crack down to anus. it is NOT itchy or painful, no broken skin, just red/pink discolouration. Perhaps from heat/sweat? (I excercise regularly and am not overweight) have tried antibacterial wipes, sudocrem without success.

The Causes of a Toddler's Itchy Anus - Verywell Family.

Parasites, particularly pin worm, can also lead to severe itching. Perfumes, oils, lubricants can irritate the sensitive skin around your anus and cause the itch. In rare instances, hemorrhoids can cause the itch if they are so large and irritated that they hang outside your anus and leak mucous.

Why Is My Tailbone Itchy - BikeHike.

Apr 23, 2017 · An itchy feel on the anus or the but crack area in the morning or at night; Itchy but crack that may come and go when walking or after long walks; Always be careful not to ignore even these mild symptoms especially for gay couples. Seek medical advice to verify severe symptoms for proper diagnosis. Jul 08, 2016 · Dr Santhanam says that it is another cause of anal itching though it is not as common as eczema, pinworms or piles. It can also be an extremely painful ailment if it gets infected and the hole.

Shingles In Buttocks Crack - thisisfasr.

It usually develops when you're doing an activity that involves a lot of friction, like running. The rubbing can disturb your skin barrier, causing tiny cracks and inflammation on your outer.

Other content:

My Life with Hurley Story

My Hidradenitis Suppurativa Story

l believe the best way to start is with a description of the disease - and this is my description of the disease, based mostly on my experiences, but also drawing from the hundreds of medical articles, forums, and discussions I've had the pleasure of reading over the past decade in my attempts to understand and manage my disease better. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease, in which pus and blood-filled abscesses form under the skin in the groin area, inner thighs, armpits and under the breasts. These abscesses can range from the size of a pea to as large as baseballs. They grow in size until they are close enough to the surface of the skin, and may break open. When they do, they either do not heal at all, or take a very long time to heal... I'm talking years. As open wounds, they constantly leak blood and pus. There is nothing more horrid than the smell of an HS wound, trust me. They are extremely painful, if you can imagine. Large abscesses can often restrict your ability to move your arms, if they are located in the armpit, or restrict your ability to walk and make it vert uncomfortable to sit, if they are in the groin or inner thigh area. With all that being said, you can imagine the shame and embarrassment such a condition can bring to a person. An individual with this disease can be extremely self-conscious and depression is very likely as well. There are some points I'd like to stress before I move on to my personal experience with the disease.

HS is NOT contagious. It is NOT the individuals fault. No one knows why this happens. HS has NOTHING to do with a person's hygiene. HS has NO cure!

IN THE BEGINNING...

My HS started out as small pus-filled bumps on my groin when I was around 15 years old. These were easily popped open and were not painful. They would come and go. They were a nuisance, but were not totally alarming. I did not know I had a "disease" at this time. I did not seek medical care. I was about 20 when bumps started appearing around my breasts. These were larger and had to grow a few days before I was physically able to squeeze them out. The pus was generally very dry, like something that would come out of a pimple on your face. It would quickly shoot out and splatter onto the mirror or whatever I was in front of. I mention this only to illustrate the change in consistency of the pus over time. They would heal, but always come back. Same spot, same size. Seeking help was difficult. I didn't want anyone to see. I can remember going to a walk-in doctor who prescribed a topical cream to rub on them. That didn't help. Eventually, the pain was too much to bare and I was forced to go to the emergency room. I went in the middle of the night. I had an abscess about the size of a quarter on my chest, between my breasts. It was so painful, I couldn't sleep. I had my first I&D (incision & drainage) that night with a very nice doctor. After he had cut it, he told me a nurse would come in to "pack" the wound and that I would be set up with home care. I didn't know what "packing" meant at that time, so when the nurse came in and simply covered the wound with gauze and tape, I thought I was good to go. That specific wound came and went over the years but it would easily break open after a week or so, and the pus and blood would pour out, like syrup, messing up my bra and clothes.

I went to a walk-in maybe a year or so later who I could tell really sympathized with me, but truly didn't know what to do. She referred me to a dermatologist. I waited months to see her. When I finally did, she was cold towards me. I didn't feel like she cared as she told me there was no point in treating this externally (I was hoping she would cut one or two open to give me some relief). She told me the only way to get rid of this was to do it from the inside. She prescribed me some pills (probably an antibiotic). I asked her if it had worked for others, and she nodded yes and she scooted me out. The pills she prescribed did wonders for the acne on my face but absolutely nothing for my HS. I was told to come back and see her in three months, but I never did. She didn't care enough.

For a long time, I just waited for the lesions to grow large and break open on their own. There's one that I actually tried opening with a needle (DO NOT DO THIS), and of course I just made it worse and probably make it stick around a lot longer than it would have had I just gone to a doctor. I had started working full time when I began getting abscesses on my upper leg, extremely close to my groin and bottom. This was extremely painful. I had to find creative ways to sit on my chair without drawing too much attention to myself. There were many days I wouldn't even sit. I would just do type on the computer standing up, pretending like I was only checking something out on the computer and would have to leave in a second to do something else. The days in which I did sit, I learned I needed to sit on my jacket or sweater, in order to not stain the chair with the drainage coming out of my open wounds, seeping through my pants and onto the furniture. I often walked funny, trying to avoid feeling the wounds rubbing against my pants. If anyone asked why, I just told them I had a problem in my leg.

It was a Sunday night when I decided I needed to see a doctor to drain one lesion on my inner buttocks. My mother took me to the emergency room. When the doctor had seen how large the abscess was, and the others that surrounded it, he called for a surgeon to come and take a look. The surgeon told me that I needed surgery, but because I had eaten dinner that night, and she and her team had already had a long day, I agreed to come back in on Wednesday for surgery. On that day, while the surgeon was briefing me on the surgery, I asked her if she didn't mind also draining a lesion under my arm. When I showed it to her, she couldn't refuse. When I awoke from surgery, she mentioned that she had arranged for a Infectious Disease doctor in the morning and also told me that I may want to consider plastic surgery, a suggestion I wish I had taken at that time. I was released from the hospital the following day and set up with home health care.

The Infectious Disease doctor examined me and prescribed me two antibiotics to take over a period of three months. Whether theses helped my case or not, I'm not sure. It's possible I could have been worse off if I hadn't taken them, but I wasn't getting better. I went on living my life just waiting for my abscesses to open and draining them myself - or going to the emergency room if I thought it was getting too large with no signs that it was going to resolve on its own. Going to the ER always meant that I was going to be set up with home health care, or what they call CCAC (Community Care Access Centre). Nurses could either come to your home to change your dressings and check on the progress of your wound, or, as they preferred, you could go into a near-by clinic every day or every other day for the same service. This may be common knowledge, but there are great nurses, and there are terrible nurses. I could write a book about my bad experiences with CCAC, but I won't elaborate. The point is, more often than not, CCAC nurses made my life more difficult than pleasant. 

DERMATOLOGY

My sister had told me about a dermatologist that would see patients without a referral. This sounded great to me because having to explain to doctor after doctor (or anyone, for that matter) about your disease and the things you've already tried to manage it is exhausting. I called and made myself an appointment for a few months later. When I met with Dr. A, I felt like he sympathized me and I had hope. He knew my disease. He had patients with my disease. He had touched my wounds and wiped away pus. He sampled the pus for testing. These are things the first dermatologist I had seen never did. He had a son who worked in clinical trials and had just finished a study on my disease with an expensive treatment called Humira. He called his son right there in the patient room to ask him if he knew of any upcoming studies so that I could possibly get medication for free, but unfortunately the answer was no. He had also treated patients with HS with Accutane, but this too was expensive. With the knowledge that I didn't have any drug coverage, Dr. A prescribed me two strong antibiotics to take over a course of three months. Those antibiotics did help some. When I revisited Dr. A after the three months had passed, he prescribed me another run of the antibiotics.

HS controls my life in every way. There's not a moment I'm not thinking about it. There's not a minute I am not uncomfortable or not in pain. There is not a decision I make without considering my disease. I have to think about my HS before doing the smallest tasks. There are times I put off going to the bathroom just because getting up, changing positions, can cause so much pain and discomfort, and I'm literally mentally preparing myself for what I'm about to experience. Needless to say, there are many activities I just cannot participate in. Simply getting into the car can be difficult. I dread going shopping - too much walking, which means wounds rubbing against my clothes. I'm often caught off guard when someone asks me why I'm walking funny, or holding my arm awkwardly, because I think I'm hiding it so well. HS also controls what I can wear. As much as I love form-fitting clothes, its just not comfortable to be in them. I don't wear anything white - my wounds will stain it. I don't wear anything sleeveless - my underarms are full of wounds I don't want anyone to see, not to mention the drainage that will have no place to hide. I try to wear my clothing as loosely as possible, but I'm fighting to keep my pride, despite this disease and I hate to look shabby. Depression is all over my face. I try to act happy as best I can, to not bring any attention to myself. I look back at old pictures, and miss how happy I was and how beautiful it was to not be in pain; to just feel nothing. I cry all the time. The tears often start because of the physical pain - but they quickly grow into a bawl just thinking about everything I've already been through, how much the disease controls my life, and how I don't have any idea how to make this better. HS affects my sleep, because it's not easy to fall asleep while you're in pain or you're too busy scratching or squeezing a nuisance of a wound. It's frustrating just knowing that I can't just tell someone, 'I have HS' and have them just know what it is and have a small idea what I'm going through - as I could have if I had something like arthritis or psoriasis. No one knows what this is. No one has heard of it. No one can ever understand - and so I don't try to explain it. I've tried before, and it only leads to individuals thinking they know how to take care of it. I've been told just to scrub it, just to take the pain and squeeze it out and it'll go away and never come back. I've been told to just use natural soaps; that my skin just can't handle the harsh chemicals. I've even been told that it's because I don't pray hard enough. Everybody thinks know, but nobody really knows. It hurts to know that people don't believe me when I say this is an actual disease! It cannot be healed by something as simple as washing it away. If it were that easy, I would have rid myself of this a long time ago, believe me. Would you tell a cancer patient to just wash it off? I didn't think so. My loved ones, who know my condition still don't know what I truly live with because I try so hard to be normal, act like it doesn't bother me, around them. Firstly, because I don't want their ideas on how to 'easily fix' the problem, and secondly, because I don't want to be pitied. I just want to be free. 

After two three-month courses of antibiotics, I was over it. I was over putting these pills into my body just to get little to no results. I stopped seeing Dr. A and went back to just dealing with it - drug free. This meant frequent visits to the emergency room and urgent care centres, and of course just waiting for some to burst on their own. I remember crying to a doctor at an urgent care, telling her how tired I was and asking her to I&D an abscess under my armpit. She told me there was no way to cure this and I was just going to have to live with it. How rude! I mean, so far I haven't found what she said to be untrue, but she could have been a little more comforting and optimistic. Can you believe she didn't even cut the abscess? She told me to take some antibiotics and wait for it to break open on its own. With this disease, I've learned that you're going to have to kiss many frogs to find your prince - kisses being doctor appointments, frogs being doctors, and the prince being a doctor who doesn't necessarily have all the answers, but just cares enough to try, and then try again. That night, I was in so much pain and a doctor refused to help me. Physically and mentally, I was fed up. I actually quit my job that next morning and applied for Employment Insurance. Getting up and ready in the morning was too hard and my supervisor was beginning to give me a hard time for the times I showed up a few minutes late after giving too much attention to a wound in the morning. I was physically and emotionally tired, and I truly just needed a break. So I quit. 

I must have had enough of 'just dealing with it on my own' again, because I decided to go see a doctor one more time. I went to see a family doctor, who prescribed me some antibiotics but also referred me to a lovely dermatologist, Dr. Nisha Mistry. Oh, Dr. Mistry, what can I say about you? On my first visit, she presented me with print-outs and spoke to me on what HS is, what the different causes might be and different treatments. Now, I had already read most of this online while doing my own research, but it truly meant a lot to me that she had taken the time out to read up on my disease prior to my visit. After I told her I had already tried antibiotics - maybe too many times, she told me about Humira. Humira defined by www.drugs.com:  "Humira (adalimumab) reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation. Humira is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and and a chronic skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa."  Don't you just love how HS is the only disease they had to briefly define? She explained that she would only recommend this in extremely severe cases, because of the possible side effects. She had me change into a gown, and after taking a look at my wounds, she agreed I had a severe case. Unfortunately, like Dr. A had told me over a year prior, Humira is very expensive, and I didn't not have any drug coverage. She too, like Dr. A, knew of some clinical trials in which I could get the drug for free, but the trials had just ended before my meeting with her. That's when she told me about a program called compassionate care - where the Canadian government actually pays for your medicine because your doctor feels so terribly for you. That's my definition of compassionate care, anyway. She didn't make me any promises at that time, but told me she would put in an application for me. I was approved! There were a few tests and things I needed to do before I could officially start, but I eventually began my Humira treatment a few months later.  I also started working again around the start of my Humira treatment, about four months after I had quit my last job. 

I have to believe Humira helped me. It did not cure me, but I feel like my case got better. It's hard to say for sure because every time I would meet with Dr. Mistry for a check up, she would say it didn't look any better. But I felt better. My range of motion improved and I feel I was able to do more things a little more comfortably. I was still making visits to the emergency room, however. After one particular visit where I ended up staying the night, the hospital notified Dr. Mistry. She called me in a panic about a week later demanding that I come and see her right away. The hospital had totally exaggerated my symptoms. Apparently I had a fever when I was admitted, but they told her I came in shivering! They even told her I had been there for 3 days when it had really just been one night. I explained to her that it wasn't as serious as they made it seem, but she was still very concerned. She suggested I stop taking Humira immediately. At that time, I begged her to let me continue, but she pointed out that after eight months of treatment, I was not seeing sufficient results, and with the side effects of Humira, it may have been causing more harm than good. I agreed to stop, and after discussing with her some of the symptoms I was experiencing, she referred me to a gastroenterologist to check for Chron's disease, an internal medicine specialist, to just check me in general, and a general surgeon to actually operate on the HS manifestations. 

SURGERY

Dr. Mistry had suggested I see the gastroenterologist for of some of the symptoms I was experiencing. I had a consult with the gastroenterologist to explain my medical history and my recent symptoms. At that time, he said if it was Chron's, the Humira should have helped with that - but he proceeded to schedule me for a colonoscopy anyway. I was cleared for Chron's - which I was happy about - but that doctor never really addressed the reasons I may have been experiencing the symptoms Dr. Mistry was worried about. Sigh. Doctors. Dr. Mistry had wanted me to see an internal medicine doctor because I was experiencing many fevers and she just wanted to make sure my body chemistry was alright. Somehow that appointment never happened. I was, however, scheduled to meet with general surgeon Dr. K for a consultation, rather quickly, I might add. She was lovely. Before examining me, she explained that she was only a general surgeon, and if my case would require something called a 'flap', then she would have to refer me to a plastic surgeon. A quick glance at my skin would confirm that I, of course, was more of a plastic surgery candidate. My heart sank. Luckily, she knew of an excellent plastic surgeon, she said, and would be able to get me an appointment with him a lot sooner than it would typically take. She was very sympathetic and encouraging and I really wished she could be my surgeon. At that time, I had recently been to the hospital for an I&D and was visiting the CCAC nurses every night. Getting the wound packed was very painful because the incision had been made so small. Dr. K was nice enough to widen it for me. As her nurse was dressing the wound, she assured me that the plastic surgeon I was being referred to was very good, told me I was very brave and that she was impressed with how high my spirits were. If only she knew I was fighting back the tears that would burst out of me as soon as I entered my car. 

It felt like forever before I got a chance to see the plastic surgeon, Dr. T. If Dr. K had in fact expedited my appointment, I feel really sorry for those who don't have that privilege. My parents came with me to this appointment. After I had told them about what happened at my appointment with Dr. K, my dad told me to let him know of any future appointments. It means a lot to me that he didn't want me going alone. I'm guessing Dr. T had just finished reading a Wikipedia page or something on HS when he walked into my room because he was basically telling me all the things I would have read had I quickly did a google search on the disease. He basically told me at that time that surgery was not a good idea because of complications and scarring. This was before he even looked at my skin. After examining me, he tells me that he would prefer I go and see Dr. S, an expert in HS, and he would only perform the surgery if Dr. S recommended it. He told me that he would put in the referral, but not to worry because his office scheduled appointments quickly. In the mean time, he told me to focus on losing weight because HS was often made worse by heaviness. I am not a skinny girl, but I am not huge either. Weight may be a factor in other peoples HS, but not mine. I know this because I had actually lost quite a bit due to stress (of the disease) and my symptoms did not change. I didn't take it personally though. I knew he was just spewing out whatever he had just read on the internet. I was devastated, still. I had really high hopes about him because Dr. K and her nurse had praised him so much. I had even warned a supervisor at work that I may have to take time off shorty in order to recover from surgery. So of course, my heart was crushed. Another appointment that had caused me to go home and cry. 

At this point, I'm waiting for an appointment from Dr. S, but not really, because for one, I had already seen a GREAT dermatologist in Dr. Mistry, and she had already recommended surgery, and two, I no longer trusted Dr. T. It didn't seem like he was eager to help me, and so I didn't want him to. I went back to 'just dealing with it', until I got a call from Dr. Mistry's office asking me to come in to talk about renewing my Humira prescription. I thought this was odd, seeing that I had stopped taking Humira, and Dr. Mistry knew of this. I went in to see her, anyway. I told her about my experiences with Dr. Kapala and Dr. T. She told me that she actually worked for Dr. Sibbald (who still hadn't called me for an appointment, by the way), on his team in his office on Fridays, and she knew for sure he would recommend surgery. This made me even more upset at Dr. T. She offered to refer me to another surgeon. I explained to her how frustrated and exhausted I was at all the appointments and disappointments - and that I needed a break from it. She understood completely, and let me know I could call her whenever I was ready to try again.  

I got another odd call from Dr. Mistry's office a couple months later telling me that Dr. Mistry wanted me to call her to discuss my test results. It was odd because I hadn't taken any tests. I called anyway. She explained that she had been in contact with a Humira spokesperson who had asked her about my Humira experience. After she had told him that I didn't really benefit from it, he told her of a plastic surgeon who would love to help, as a 'special favor'. She said she knows I had opted to take a break from surgery consultations, but she didn't want to let the opportunity pass without offering it to me. I accepted. I wanted to at least talk to this surgeon. I was still in pain, and maybe this was my luck finally turning around. 

I met with Dr. CT on Monday, November 21st, 2016. She asked about my Humira experience and about the surgeons I had seen before her. After I told her that Dr. T had basically told me he didn't want to do it, she told me that nobody wants to do it. She explained it was an extremely messy surgery that would require a skin graft and two separate surgery weeks apart, and after all of that, my body may reject it. When briefly describing what surgery on my lower body would be like, she mentioned that I would have to urinate in a bag temporarily. As you can imagine, this is where the tears starting filling my eyes. As she was working really hard to turn me off this surgery, I'm sitting there wondering why I was even invited to this appointment. I was told that there was a surgeon who wanted to help me as a special favor and when I met her, I felt like I was just being kicked in the gut. I told Dr. Mistry I needed a break from the heartbreak of surgeons telling me they can't help me, and she sent me to a surgeon that would reject me again. The surgery did sound awful, I have to admit. Her goal was clearly to make me change my mind about desperately wanting the surgery, and she did so well that I even forgave Dr. T for rejecting me. After seeing the tears run down my face and the disappointment in my eyes, Dr. CT offered to refer me to a plastic surgeon at St. Mikes Hospital who had done more complicated HS surgeries. I declined. I was so over it. Instead of surgery, Dr. CT suggested that I should go back on Humira. She stressed that it is a very new drug and it will get better and work. Whatever. I was on Humira for eight months and it barely helped me. I'm convinced I was just injecting cancer into myself and not seeing any immediate benefits with my HS. I refuse to go back on Humira. Something has got to give. 

Dr. CT called me herself the next evening at 7:00PM to tell me she had spoken to the Humira representative, and he was doing to be in touch with Dr. Mistry in recommending some other dermatologists that have a little more experience with HS. She also said that she would contact Dr. Melinda Musgrave, the plastics surgeon at St. Mikes, and ask about any new approaches she has come across and can suggest. She explained St. Mikes is trying to develop a clinic of some sort where they can talk to HS patients about lifestyle changes, such as diet, that may minimize the effects of HS. She stressed that even though she didn't think surgery was a solution to HS, she didn't want me to believe that there was no hope, and that there were hopefully a couple things we could try before taking that route. The call meant everything for me. It lifted my spirits. It just felt like there was another doctor out there, in addition to Dr. Mistry, who was in my corner - who saw my pain and truly wanted to help.

NATUROPATHY

I had reached out to a naturopath, Dr. S. The appointment was booked for a few days after I got the call from Dr. Mistry about Dr. CT, and I almost cancelled it thinking that I wouldn't need him anymore because Dr. Mistry found me someone that would help, but I didn't. During my first appointment with him, I just spent the hour telling him about my disease and how it affected me daily. He asked questions, I would answer them. He ended the appointment by telling me that he "really, really, really wanted to help" me, and gave me a few of his ideas. He prescribed me Effer C, a supplement to help me go to the bathroom more often and Vitamin D, and we booked an appointment for about 3 weeks later. By the next appointment, he had a very detailed plan written up that predicted to have me pretty much healed in six months. The plan included a couple supplements, something called colonics, and a strict diet of no dairy, sugar, gluten or wheat. As you can imagine, sticking to that diet proved to be difficult, but I did try. I saw little to no results, but to be fair - I was not completely committed. I went to a few subsequent appointments, but naturooathy is not covered by OHIP, and although my work insurance covered a lot of the cost, it was becoming expensive to keep seeing him, and during the appointments, he was mostly just making other suggestions of changes I could make to my diet. I felt like I could handle that on my own. 

What's it like to feel nothing? I miss feeling nothing. No discomfort, no pain, no sting. I used to take feeling nothing for granted, and now I know how precious it is. I miss being able to sit down on a chair, a bed, the floor, without feeling anything. I miss being able to get into a car without feeling anything. I miss being able to drive without feeling anything. I miss walking and feeling nothing. Oh, I miss going up and down stairs without feeling anything! I miss putting on my panties, my pants, my bra, my shirt, my coat, without feeling anything. What's it like to get in and out of bed without feeling anything? To take a shower and feel nothing?

SURGERY PT. 2

After that meeting in November 2016 with Dr. CT, I hadn't really been to any doctors, with the exception of the few additional visits with the naturopath. I gained a little relief by changing my diet - but no major improvements. In April 2018, the drainage coming from my arms was uncontrollable. My shirts were soaking wet within a few minutes of changing into them. I didn't know what else to do except to plea with a surgeon to operate on me. I chose Dr. CT. I met with her on June 6th 2018. Again, she illustrated a nasty surgery that might not even be successful. I told her I didn't care, I needed to do something. She offered to send me down to St. Michael's Hopsital to see plastic surgeon Dr. Melinda Musgrave or her colleague Dr. Karen Cross, who do a lot more work with HS. I agreed to a referral, just because I could tell how badly she did not want to operate on me. If you'll recall, she had mentioned referring me to these doctors before, but nothing ever came of it.

This time, I got a surgery consultation with plastics surgeon Dr. Karen Cross, scheduled originally for November 2018, but moved up to September 2018. It was simply and honestly the best consult I've ever had. She specializes in HS surgeries and really can't imagine why I hadn't been referred to her before. She told me I was an excellent candidate for surgery, but she agreed that my disease was so active that it probably wouldn't be effective. She requested that I see a dermatologist of her choice, follow their suggested treatment for about three months, and after the disease had calmed down, she would operate. I loved speaking with her because she just got it. She knew exactly how I was feeling as a person living with HS without me having to tell her. She knew and answered all my questions before I even had a chance to ask. It was obvious she had spent real time with other HS patients because she truly just got it. She was so hopeful and encouraging. She let me know that it would be a long journey to recovery, but that we would be on that journey together - and that I should always let her know where my head is at and how I'm truly feeling not only physically, but emotionally. I had never met a surgeon like her and even if I don't end up getting a surgery, I'm so glad that my path lead me to her - just to know doctors like her exist. 

CLINICAL TRIALS

Dr. Cross referred me to dermatologist Dr. Afsaneh Alavi, also specializing in HS. She enrolled me into a clinical research study for a potential new "antibody therapy". Without going into much detail, I was required to go into a clinic every two weeks for intravenous infusion and complete a small questionnaire on a phone-like device nightly. I officially began getting dosed in October of 2018. A lot like my experience with Humira, I couldn't see any changes in the way the disease physically presented itself, but I can say the day to day pain dropped considerably and my quality of life increased. However, in mid-December, I developed a large abscess on my upper thigh. It had been growing in size and pain for about a week before my next scheduled infusion and meeting with Dr. Alavi. After examining the abscess, she decided immediately to take me off the study and arranged for me to have it drained that morning. She prescribed Ertapenem, an antibiotic infused intravenously daily, for four weeks.

ERTAPENEM

Ertapenem is an antibiotic administered intravenously. I was taught how to run the IV on my own at home. It took about 30-45 minutes and then I would wrap up the IV site with gauze until I was ready to do it again the next day. While showering, I used a arm cast protector I found in a home health care store. It's basically a long plastic glove-bag that spans the entire arm, the way a cast would, and tightly seals before the shoulder. I couldn't use that arm to clean myself with, but the IV site was protected from the water. My IV site would have to be changed every 3-5 days. I would go to a CCAC clinic to have a nurse set up a basic IV line in my arm or hand. I have very difficult veins, and so nurses often had a hard time starting my IV. On every visit, I was poked multiple times before one was successful. There was a night when the nurses were not able to find a good vein, and I was sent to the emergency room for one of the nurses there to try. I waited four hours that night just to get an IV started. Initially, the plan was for me to have a procedure done to get a 'picc line', which is more secure than the regular IV and could remain in my arm for weeks without having to be moved, but that wasn't scheduled until week three of my four week course of the drug and it just didn't make sense at that point. All this to say, the treatment of Ertapenem caused some minor inconveniences, but overall I was pleased with the results. 

Ertapenem was the best treatment I've received so far. I felt virtually no pain during the 4 weeks I was on the medication. My wounds pretty much dried up. Although you could still see them, there was no drainage coming from any of my wounds. My clothes remained dry throughout the day and through the night and I never worried about staining my seat. Proving this, my laundry loads we significantly smaller and my jeans/pants were clean enough to re-wear before washing.

CLINICAL TRIAL DRUG: IFX-1

Although an effective treatment for me, I could not remain on Ertapenem for very long. Antibiotics are not meant to be taken long-term. I was on the drug for about five weeks. With permission from the sponsors and executives of the clinical trial, Dr. Alavi allowed me to continue treatment with the clinical drug, IFX-1. During the first phase of the trial, I was either being given the active drug, or a placebo. Dr. Alavi wanted to give me a chance to enter the second phase of the trial, which guaranteed active drug administration.

Since beginning the second phase, I can confidently say I feel better. I have not experienced any large new abscesses, and the ones I already had are smaller and draining less. The most improved symptom is my ability to move; my range of motion. I am able to move my arms and legs in ways I wasn't able to do before. This alone has improved my mood and my quality of life. Dr. Alavi agrees, I will still need surgery to remove the skin that the HS has completely destroyed over the years, but if this drug makes it to the market, I believe it could help many of us keep the disease under control. 

December 30th, 2019 Dr. Cross performed a 'left axilla extraction with flap' surgery on October 31st, 2019. She removed all of the affected skin from my armpit and pulled skin from my back to replace the missing skin. It was a day surgery that took about 3 hours. The wound was cared for by near by clinic nurses. It took a little over a month to fully close. The surgery went extremely well and I am please with the results. I will meet with Dr. Cross again in a few months to talk about my right arm. Dr. Alavi thinks I should return to Humira in the mean time, but at this point, I don't think I want to take that route. I know it's only been a couple months, but I believe surgery is the solution for me. 

November 22nd, 2020 Dr. Cross performed the same surgery, this time on my right axilla on August 20th, 2020. Again, the surgery went well and I am pleased with the results. Now, I don’t have any inflammation or affected skin in my armpits and it’s truly changed my life. I can wear sleeveless tops and I don’t have to worry about drainage messing up tops with sleeves. I can finally wear white if I choose to. I do still have some HS on my lower body, but nothing that warrants the surgeries I needed for my arms. I will try to treat what’s left with diet changes - specifically the keto diet and will keep you updated.

The rest is still unwritten...

2 Best Home Remedies For Pimples On Buttocks

2 Best Home Remedies For Pimples On Buttocks

Many of us seek to take care of our buttocks because it is an area where pimples tend to abound and impurities become common. We share two homemade exfoliating creams for ‘How to Get Rid of Pimples on Buttocks.’ We hope That Reduce Pimples and Soften The Buttocks. The buttocks are an area that is not easy to be taking care of and checking since we cannot see it directly unless we have a mirror.…

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Adhere to These Easy Steps For Acne breakouts-Cost-free Skin

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Banish My Bumps PDF

Keratosis Pillarists is a skin disorder that could take place to anybody. The condition appears through little, difficult bumps on the skin. They will appear your arms, upper legs, back, shoulders and also buttocks. It is good to note that the bumps are completely painless as well as uninflamed.

The condition triggers a breakout that has the look of a chicken skin. Therefore chicken skin is its other name. The bumps are tough to touch. They are called long-term goose pimples.

The condition is triggered by excessive keratin, a protein that is located in the hair and also hair follicles. Considering that the condition does not have any kind of medical effects, the sufferers of Keratosis Polaris mostly experience the social effects. The condition leaves individuals without any self-confidence, reduced self-esteem, transforming them into antisocial.

Angela Steinberg proceeded looking and screening of different points bring about steady improvement, and also at some point, the Keratosis Pilaris was removed. It goes to this juncture that she recorded her experience in a new system and also called it Banish My Bumps PDF.

The system includes info that should certainly know about the condition and ways to deal with it once and for all.

Visit this site to discover precisely how you can assist your body heal normally away from bumps and other skin conditions, by obtaining Banish My Bumps PDF today!

I discovered various evaluations that brought individuals's success tales on utilizing Banish My Bumps PDF. I discovered a girl that wrote that she was surprised at how swiftly the system benefited her. One more stated that after starting on the regime, her skin began to react right away as well as within a few weeks, she was entirely free of Keratosis Polaris. This wanted she had actually been coping with the problem for a tremendous 19 years.

Another individual declared her joy due to the fact that she obtained her freedom only 4 weeks into the system. She stated that she had actually plowed all over the web without success and also just attempted the program due to the fact that she had absolutely nothing to lose, anyhow. To her amazement, the results were immediate. One more consumer declared the system a godsend.

Banish My Bumps PDF has been obtaining outstanding evaluations. Numerous customers recorded advantages within the first month of embracing the system. The coconut oil combination seems to be the most effective service.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris Symptoms And Its Causes And Treatment

What Is Keratosis Pilaris Symptoms And Its Causes And Treatment Many of us don't know about keratosis pilaris. However, it is a common skin problem. Here we brief about symptoms of keratosis pilaris. #keratosispilaris #keratosispilarissymptoms #skindisease #keratosis

Keratosis pilaris causes patches of rough bumps to appear on the skin and is a common skin condition. These small bumps or pimples are dead skin cells that clog the hair follicles, and sometimes they are red or brown. Commonly we can find Keratosis pilaris on the arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. It is not contagious, and these bumps usually do not cause any discomfort or itchiness. This…

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Butt Acne Clearing Spot Treatment Cream. Clears Acne, Pimples, Ingrown Hairs, Blackheads, Zits, Razor Bumps and Dark Spots for the Buttocks and Thigh Area. Prevents Future Breakouts.

Butt Acne Clearing Spot Treatment Cream. Clears Acne, Pimples, Ingrown Hairs, Blackheads, Zits, Razor Bumps and Dark Spots for the Buttocks and Thigh Area. Prevents Future Breakouts.

Price: (as of – Details) Product Description NATURAL FORMULA & FAST RESULTS Natural and innovative formula that targets the buttocks & thigh area to treat new and existing acne, pimples, blackheads, ingrown hairs, zits, bumps and other blemishes. May also be used on the back, elbows and shoulders.Lightweight clearing cream with innovative solution to target new and existing spots, while…

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