Armpit zit bumps

[dncr1010p]

About two weeks ago I shaved under my arms with soap and water using the same shaver I have had for a long period of time, just switch off the blades.  The next day in my armpit I occured a rash in both my left and right side.  I figured it was because I just used soap, and I usually always use shaving cream.  I still have the rash/razor burn to this day and its getting worse. The red bumps turned into zits and some of the zits are getting big and they hurt to touch them.  Also I have got on each side more zits lower down my side and up the inside of my arm.  I am not sure if this is due to the other zits rubbing against the skin and irrating it and making more zits form.  I wondered if anyone knows what I can get to make these go away? Or if I need to call my doctor?  I was staying away from this becuase I do not have insurance at the time.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

They sound like boils or furuncle. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus.Ingrown hair after shaving or waxing are the commonest causes of boils.

Pls keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.Also then hidradenitis suppurativa has to be ruled out.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[dncr1010p]

Thank you so much for your time and helping me out! I soaked and rinsed in Olay daily purifying body wash with sea salts and microbeads and then applied neosporin last night. This morning I noticed a big difference the left side is almost completely gone and the right side the bigger ones have gone down to hardly nothing and the smaller ones are just red spots. I hope this cures it and it goes away.  Thank you for your help!

[laurenforte]

Hi, I have the exact same problem, and last night I used an antibiotic and a warm compress, but when I woke up this morning I had a big painful/itchy red rash on the other side of my armpit.  Is this really abnormal?  Is there some other problem?  I hate going to the doctor, but I'm wondering if I should at this point. Thank you.