I have suffered with this condition since 1997.  It has gone into remission twice.  For me, it started in the armpits, but after years of remission; it went to my right breast.  It mimiced cancer of the breast.  It was a walnut sized nodule under my areola.  This has attacked both my breasts and after years in Corp America, I am now unemployed and cannot afford the medications I need to stop the growth.  This is a horrible progressive disease.  I am racked with fevers to 101 at times.  I have found that epson salts draws the boils and was told by a infectious disease dr (though this is not infectious!) that bleach baths (1 cup to a tub) are as good as the expensive anti bactierial soaps.  There is no cure for this painful and embarassing disease.  Daily zinc tablets and multi-vitamins assist.  A 3 month supply of topical clyndimyacin (oral and topical both) and rifantion are the only things that have kicked this into remission.  Meanwhile, the scarring and pain continue.  I have the perscriptions, but cant afford them.  It's hard to wear bra's (and Im endowed) I am not overweight (unusual for this disease) and its tough to fight the fevers to get out and get those interviews.  I am 49 with a whizbang resume, and experience.  This disease simply adds to the depression I feel, and I have stopped any hope of an intimate relationship.  It isolates and all is catch 22 for me.  It was nice to see it addressed, but not REALLY addressed.  There are women out there on the official HS website that are 22 years old that fear no one will ever want to marry them.  Its so mentally, emotionally and incredibley physically debilitating.  I hope that touching on this disease will cause more people to write in and have this show expound further on this and help all of us who are too embarassed to speak about it.  I write with tears on my cheeks.  God Bless.  http://www.hs-usa.org/hidradenitis_suppurativa.htm