Severely Painful Armpit Lumps

I have multiple lumps under the arm, that never go away. They will come to a head and burst, often bleeding, but, remain there.  I have anywhere from 3 to four 4 lumps, and they are increasingly painful. It is to a point that I can't hold my arm in any position without some degree of pain. Often they get to be so big, that I have to walk around with my arm raised. Is there anything I can do to allievate if not eliminate this problem?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin disease that affects areas bearing apocrine sweat glands and hair follicles; such as the underarms, groin and buttocks esp in women.

Apply warm compresses on the lumps and keep the area clean. Topical antiseptic treatment and topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment is very useful.If still the lumps persist then specific treatment like antibiotics, vit A supplements, corticosteroid injections, isotretinoin, antiandrogens and sometimes excision and drainage ,laser therapy and radiotherapy are found useful. I feel that you should consult a dermatologist and discuss these options with him.

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.