Pit Zits

So, I currently have a reddish rash in both of my armpits.  I have gotten the rash multiple times, and sometimes it goes away really quickly, and other times it stays forever!  Sometimes it is only on my left armpit, and other times it is on both.  The "zits" look like one of two things, 1) raised red bumps, or 2) whitehead zits.  They hurt when my clothes or skin rubs against them.  I can't stand to shave because it hurts so bad.  I don't know if it is an infection or if it is my deodorant or what.  I just know that I can't afford to run to a doctor to have him tell me to switch deodorant.  Does anyone have a suggestion?  Has anyone experienced this awful "pit of zits" before?  Please help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like boils or furuncles. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus.Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.
Apply warm compresses on the boil and keep the area clean.Drainage of the boil is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head.Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription.If there are recurrent boils,then pls get your blood sugar levels estimated.
I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.