There isn't necessarily a known cause. Some have theorized that it has to do with blockages of the sweat glands. Others that it is a blood disorder.

According to the Online Medical Dictionary, a boil is: "A HARD, PAINFUL, INFLAMED TUMOUR, WHICH, ON SUPPURATION, DISCHARGES PUS, MIXED WITH BLOOD, AND DISCLOSES A SMALL FIBROUS MASS OF DEAD TISSUE, CALLED THE CORE." Simply put, they are like really bad zits; but usually much more painful and much bigger.

It varies, widely. Some people only get a few a year. Others get them daily. Some go into a remission, of sorts, for years, and then wake up to find themselves back at square one. It's all relative, but boils are not only embarrassing, but extremely painful. Those people that breakout on a regular basis are usually in constant discomfort or pain. Some people are totally unable to work, or have to take a great deal of time off from work because of the illness.

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Many places are affected, including; the armpits, the groin area, beneath the breasts, around the nose, behind the ear, between the buttocks. Any place that accumulates sweat and doesn't get a great deal of direct air seems to be affected, but boils seem to be able to appear anywhere.

There is no real answer to this question, either - that I know of, anyhow. I do know that it seems to affect everyone, regardless of age, gender or race. The only pattern I've seen is that most people tend to start having the problem during puberty. Perhaps there's a link there somewhere. Then again, I've had people write me and tell me that their children have problems with boils.

This is also unknown. But I have to say that I felt like I was the only person on this planet that was affected, until I found the resources I have online. What a relief to know that I wasn't. It's amazing how much email I receive, and how many hits this site receives. You aren't alone!

This is a common misconception. While bad hygeine definitely doesn't HELP this problem, and of course, bad hygeine could very possibly cause boils, the hygiene issue is not one that's really addressed by this site. The people who I talk to and read about who have recurring boils take great care to keep themselves clean. In fact, they probably keep themselves cleaner than the "NORMAL" person would.

This is another common misconception. But, yes and no. Because boils tend to occur in places where the skin is folded over (and therefore, can not "BREATHE"), those that are overweight might have more problems with boils. But, people who are of all shapes and sizes have recurring boils. I've personally talked to some rather slender folks who have boils.

MRSA can normally live on some people's skin or in their nose. Once a boil heals it is possible to be infected again with another boil. Draining pus from a boil can also spread boils to other areas of the body by direct touch. That's why it is so important to wash your hands and shower often if you have a boil.

From what I know, very little is being conducted. Unfortunately, grants and monies go to the "BIG" (common) diseases. Hidradenitis is considered a "RARE" disease. If you're interested in finding out more about how to help, contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders (N.O.R.D.). They specialize in taking action and contributions towards research for rare disorders.

Almost all teenagers get acne at one time or another. You haven't done anything to cause your acne. It's not your fault if you have it. Pimples are caused when oil ducts in the skin get plugged up and then burst, causing redness and swelling. Although there are many myths about acne, the following are the three main factors that cause it. When you begin puberty, certain hormones, called androgens, increase in both males and females.

Several factors contribute to the development of acne. The primary problem is that the abnormal flaking of cells inside the hair follicle leads to the formation of a plug. The plug can enlarge and even rupture the hair follicle. A ruptured hair follicle spills its contents of oil and debris into the skin where it leads to swelling and causes redness (inflammation).