very painful sores

[Mary]

I have what i guess is acne under my arm.It is very painful and gets kind of big for a pimple.i thought maybe i was alergic to my Deoterent or may be my soap but i have switched both and it didn't help i've also got these in other places before but not as many as i'm getting now.Is there any thing i can do to make them go away and if possible without scars?

[ali]

Have yourself checked for hidrenitis supparativa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mary:

Pimples under the arms and on the body are not really acne, nor are they allergy.  They are called folliculitis, which means a low-grade inlammation/infection of the pores.  The bacterial involved don't come from the outside--they live on our skin all the time, but usually don't cause problems.

My suggestions:

1. Wash with an antibacterial soap (Lever 2000, Dial, Hibiclens)
2. Apply bacitracin or neosporin ointment daily to each spot.
3. Never squeeze, sicne that delays healing.
4. Don't bother changing soaps, etc., as that never helps.
5. If they persist or spread, see your doctor about an oral antibiotic, though this is rarely necessary.

The marks go away slowly, but they they don't scar.

Best.

Dr. R

[marie]

See a dermatologist.

Ingrown hairs can cause these.

Marie