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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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! See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

Any time the immune system (the body's ability to fight disease) doesn't work just right, any infection is easier to get. Advanced stages of HIV, cancer, or liver disease can make it easier to get a boil, but the other diseases do not cause the boil. See similar questions...

On the way home from my parent's "house" and today's Father's Day celebration, Ben and I stopped at Target to pick up some margarita glasses. We've never been big drinkers and have been trying to gradually wean ourselves into liking the taste of alcohol. For no other reason than to move onto wine and not seem so silly ordering Shirley Temples at our favorite French restaurant. So, margaritas are the obvious girl-drink starter. See similar questions...

I really can't answer this question - and that's probably the main reason I've started this site. Although there is a small amount of information available about H.S. and its main symptom is recurring boils, there is not a lot being done about the illness itself. Therefore, I wanted to create a vehicle for awareness about boils in order to hopefully treat the symptom and provide some relief for sufferers. See similar questions...

Encourage them to research the problem. Provide support and assure them that they are not at fault. Tell them you love them. Do all the things that you normally do to express how much you care. If you have a loved one that suffers with recurring boils, and have some good advice to share, please contact me by email. See similar questions...