Q ASK THE DOC

I have a history of abscesses in my groin, pubic and armpit area. I have drained them several times in the past few months, but they keep coming back. They tend to heal on their own; only three have ever required medical intervention. Do I need to see a dermatologist?

Unfortunately, it sounds as if you suffer, a very uncomfortable-sounding name for an uncomfortable condition that is difficult to cure but has lots of treatment options. It’s a kind of acne that affects the skin in glandular or ‘sweaty’ areas of the body: under the arms, in the groin, around the bum. The glandular skin becomes inflamed and constantly develops boils. These can be sore and red; they can become infected and give out pus, or cause deeper abscesses. As they heal, they cause scarring that can make the skin look and feel worse. It’s not a very well-understood condition but it tends to affect women more than men and is worse during the reproductive years, so it may be hormonal in some way.