Arm Pit Sores

I have a cluster of painful spots in my arm pit.  I have been to the doctor about it several times and they keep giving me antibiotics.  This works in the short term but they keep coming back.  They get quite ***** and are red and inflamed.  What can I do to get rid of these?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like infected hair follicles causing folliculitis or boils and the second possibility is of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Apply warm compresses on the bumps and some topical antibiotics creams like Bactroban. If the symptoms persist then you can consult your doctor to get prescribed oral antibiotics. If still the lumps persist then specific treatment like vit A supplements, corticosteroid injections, isotretinoin, antiandrogens and sometimes excision and drainage, laser therapy and radiotherapy are found useful and can be tried. You can consult a dermatologist in that case as these medicines are available by prescription.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.