Painful bumps

[Anna062985]

I get these painful swollen bumps under my arms. They turn into a light pinkish color and last for days sometimes a week. I used to get one or two but now I get three or four under each arm. I showed a doctor but I was told to wait it out. I have even taken antibiotics for it, which didn't help. They keep coming back. Is this serious? What can I do to make them go away.


This discussion is related to Painful armpit lumps.

[imsmiley12]

look into hidradenitis suppurativa.  you can find many good links on google.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

There can be many causes for underarm rash e.g. dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic), heat rash, excessive sweating, folliculitis, boils, scabies, psoriasis, some infection leading to enlargement of axillary lymph nodes. Sometimes even breast cancer or hodgins disease may present with enlarged axillary lymph nodes.

You should wash the area with hypoallergic antibacterial soap followed by rinsing thoroughly, apply moisturizer, wear  loose fitting clothes and avoid deodorant / cosmetics for a couple of days. Sometimes over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream provides some relief.  

Since it is impossible to diagnose skin conditions without actually being able to examine the patient, I suggest that you consult a dermatologist who can determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment for it.

Regards.