sweat glands

[worried&concerned]

I have been experiencing pain around my right armpit area for several months and it feels like I have a sore muscle. As a concern, I went for my annual mammogram and was told that the results were normal. However, I continue to experience pain around my armpit area and I am now having pain in my other armpit. Due to persistent pain I went to the emergency room approximately two months ago for the initial armpit pain and was told it might be due to an inflamation of the sweat gland. However, the doctor never prescribed anything or where I should follow up other than for me to use warm compresses and if the pain persisted to return to the emergency room. I am very worried and concerned and was considering having another mammogram done. I am also scheduled to meet with a dermatologist. Can you advise me if the symptom I described sounds like an inflamed or infected sweat gland?

[arabnejad]

hi.i usually sweat without a particular reason .for example when i lye to sleep or when i an watching tv and also i am not excited suddenly i feel that all of my viscrea are cold and then my skin especially my palms and face start sweating.can you tell me that my problem has a physiologic reason and what is it?i am 26 yaers old boy
thanks.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Intertrigo or  rash in body folds presents with reddened and uncomfortable skin.
Body folds are prone to inflammatory rashes because of relatively high skin temperature, moisture from insensible water loss and sweating cannot evaporate and friction from movement of adjacent skin results in chafing. Because of this, bacteria and yeasts which are normally resident on the skin multiply in such environments and may result in further damage to the skin.These conditions need to be ruled out: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis and contact irritant dermatitis.

It would be best to have this evalaluated by your doctor. A swab for microscopy and culture of micro-organisms as well as  a scraping for mycology or a biopsy may be performed if the skin condition is unusual or fails to respond to treatment. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and on which micro-organisms are present in the rash.

Take care and keep us posted.

[imsmiley12]

Here is a link you may find helpful.  Hidrenitis suppurative can affect any of your sweat glands.  This will at least give you something to talk about with your doctor as a possible cause.  Good luck!    

www.mayoclinic.com/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa/DS00818

[jonsey2448]

my question is :  i keep getting knots full of puss an blood  in my arm pits an between my legs .  very very painful .  im a female age 47   my family dr. is telling me it from sweating , i just dont get it , everybody sweats .  please help if you can

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It is good that your mammogram was normal. Folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicles starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria. Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area which may crust over.

Diagnosis is primarily based on how the skin looks and laboratory tests may show which bacteria or fungus is causing the infection. Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Depending on the offending organisms, treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics  or antifungal medications to control the infection.
Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.

Take care and keep us posted.

[imsmiley12]

I have been dealing with this for years and you need to get on some antibiotics.  In some cases, surgery is called for, but I don't recommend it unless you have to 'cause it is painful and you lose the use of your arm for a few weeks. (I have had this done.)  Depending on how swollen you are the doctor may lance it, again not pleasant but infinitely hellpful.  I am kinda suprised the ER doctor didn't catch this.  Good luck!!!!