A case of recurrent painful boils

A woman aged 39 years presented with a 12-year history of recurrent painful nodules and boils to the axillae and pubic areas. On examination of the axilla (Figure 1), she was noted to have multiple tender inflamed nodules and extensive scarring. Pus was able to be expressed from two sinus tracts. Examination of the lower pubic region (Figure 2) revealed similar findings. She reported a significant impact on her quality of life and associated psychological burden owing to her condition. She also described significant pain, which fluctuated in severity according to the number of active lesions. Thick bands of chronic scarring to the axilla had led to decreased mobility of her arms.