What's the difference between an abcess and a bad zit?

My husband frequently gets large, very pusy and bloody zits under his arms (on his torso) almost to the arm-pit area. When he relieves them they are always very fluidy. Is there a point when these zits (if left unpopped) can turn into abcesses? He's always gotten these zits under his arms (3-4 a month) and I attribute it to being overweight and sensitive skin.What's the difference between an abcess and a bad zit?
I believe that he may have a condition called Hidradenitis Supprativa. It is a condition of re-occurring boils/ cysts/abscesses , that are often misdiagnosed as ingrown hairs, herpes, being unclean and folliculitis. This is a newly diagnosed skin condition , but there is a lot of info out there.


Here is a link :


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidradeniti鈥?/a>


If this sounds like it might be you, READ it, PRINT it out, and TAKE it to your DOC.


Its better to try to start treatment soon, it can spread over the body if left untreated. These boils can become quite large and painful. Sometimes even lasting for weeks or months , do not attempt to POP them they can then tunnel under your skin and spread all over the body. Most common areas are armpits, groin, binkni line, inner legs, and intimate places and basically anywhere that sweats and rub against clothing. Stress is a big inducer.





There is some support groups at MSN





(http://groups.msn.com/HidradenitisSuppor鈥?/a>





and yahoo, and I am open for questions!


I have had this for 8 years, I was misdiagnosed for a LONG time, It was very embarrassing, painful and scary. I am just trying to help out so you don鈥檛 have to wait as long as I did.





I also prefer to use NEXCARE bandages.. there are 2 kinds I like for comfort and stay put reasons..


the first is like a clear bandaid.... soft on the edges with a small area of bandage... helps with those buggers when they are on bikni line.. usually stay for me.. or occasionally on my inner thigh for those I like the foamy sponge like ones that are beige in color.. I think they are some 3M.What's the difference between an abcess and a bad zit?
They are, in all probability, Sebaceous Cysts and not abscesses. They should be looked at by a qualified dermatologist and may have to be surgically removed to get to the root and get it out. The fluid alone can make them spread and once you're susceptible to these it takes an awfully long time for that phase to end. In the meanwhile, use a good deodorant soap in that area a few times daily to see if that helps a bit. Gold's medicated powder may help as well.