Fear can keep us stuck for a long time. Often the thing we are afraid of turns out to be much smaller once we finally face it.
For many women, a painful swelling on the lower back is something they hide for months because they are scared of what the doctor will say.
Large swellings on the back are usually inflamed cysts or groups of cysts that have joined together under the skin.
They start as blocked follicles, fill with keratin and, when bacteria get in, turn into red, purple and very tender lumps.
Sometimes several heads appear on the surface at once, and the whole area can feel hot and heavy, making it hard to sit or sleep.
