Abscess under arm causes. Armpit Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
What are the main causes of an abscess under the arm. How can you identify the symptoms of an armpit abscess. What tests are used to diagnose an abscess in the underarm area. Which treatment options are most effective for clearing up an armpit abscess.
Understanding Armpit Abscesses: Formation and Risk Factors
An armpit abscess, also known as an axillary abscess, is a painful, pus-filled lump that develops under the skin in the underarm area. These abscesses form when bacteria enter through a break in the skin barrier, leading to infection and inflammation. The body’s immune response triggers the accumulation of white blood cells, creating a pocket of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing an armpit abscess:
- Poor hygiene
- Excessive sweating
- Tight clothing that causes friction
- Shaving or waxing the underarm area
- Blocked sweat glands or hair follicles
- Weakened immune system
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
Are certain individuals more prone to developing armpit abscesses? Yes, people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, taking chronic steroid therapy, or living with conditions like HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk. Additionally, individuals with poor circulation, severe burns, or chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease may also be more susceptible.
Identifying the Symptoms of an Armpit Abscess
Recognizing the signs of an armpit abscess is crucial for early intervention and proper treatment. The most common symptoms include:
- A painful, swollen lump in the armpit
- Redness and warmth around the affected area
- Tenderness when touched
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue or general feeling of illness
- Possible discharge if the abscess ruptures
Can an armpit abscess be mistaken for other conditions? Indeed, it’s possible to confuse an armpit abscess with other skin conditions such as cysts, boils, or infected hair follicles. However, the intense pain, swelling, and potential fever associated with an abscess often set it apart from these other issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While small abscesses may sometimes resolve on their own, it’s important to know when professional medical care is necessary. Seek medical attention if:
- The abscess is larger than 1 cm in diameter
- You develop a fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
- The pain becomes severe or unbearable
- You notice red streaks spreading from the abscess
- You have a weakened immune system
- The abscess doesn’t improve after a few days of home treatment
Diagnostic Approaches for Armpit Abscesses
When you visit a healthcare provider for a suspected armpit abscess, they will likely perform several diagnostic steps to confirm the condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Physical Examination
The doctor will carefully inspect and palpate the affected area, checking for characteristic signs of an abscess such as swelling, redness, and tenderness. They may also examine nearby lymph nodes for any signs of infection spread.
Medical History
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any factors that might have contributed to the abscess formation. They’ll also inquire about your overall health and any medications you’re taking.
Imaging Tests
In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the abscess. These may include:
- Ultrasound: To visualize the abscess and determine its size and depth
- CT scan: For a more detailed view, especially if the abscess is deep or complex
- MRI: In rare cases, to get a comprehensive look at the surrounding tissues
Laboratory Tests
To identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and guide antibiotic treatment, your doctor may perform:
- Pus culture: A sample of the abscess fluid is collected and analyzed
- Blood tests: To check for signs of systemic infection or underlying health conditions
Is a biopsy ever necessary for an armpit abscess? While uncommon, a biopsy may be performed if there’s suspicion of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or rare infection.
Effective Treatment Strategies for Armpit Abscesses
Treatment for armpit abscesses typically involves a combination of drainage and antibiotics. The approach may vary depending on the size and severity of the abscess.
Incision and Drainage (I&D)
For most abscesses, the primary treatment is incision and drainage. This procedure involves:
- Cleaning the skin surface
- Administering local anesthesia
- Making a small incision in the abscess
- Draining the pus and debris
- Irrigating the cavity
- Packing the wound (if necessary)
How long does it take to recover from an I&D procedure? Most patients experience significant relief within 24-48 hours, but complete healing may take 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the abscess.
Antibiotic Therapy
While antibiotics alone are not usually sufficient to treat an abscess, they may be prescribed in conjunction with drainage to prevent the spread of infection. Common antibiotics used include:
- Cephalexin
- Dicloxacillin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Clindamycin (for MRSA infections)
Home Care and Self-Treatment
For small abscesses or as part of post-procedure care, the following home remedies can be helpful:
- Applying warm compresses to the area for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times daily
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction
Can an armpit abscess be safely drained at home? It’s generally not recommended to attempt draining an abscess at home, as this can lead to further infection or complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
Preventing Recurrent Armpit Abscesses
While not all abscesses can be prevented, several measures can reduce the risk of recurrence:
- Maintain good personal hygiene, especially in the underarm area
- Use antibacterial soap when showering
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may irritate the skin
- Consider using an antiperspirant to reduce sweating
- Be gentle when shaving or waxing the underarms
- Manage underlying health conditions that may increase susceptibility
Is there a link between certain deodorants and armpit abscesses? While some people may be sensitive to ingredients in certain deodorants, there’s no definitive evidence linking deodorant use to abscess formation. However, if you notice skin irritation from a particular product, it’s best to discontinue use and try an alternative.
Long-Term Management and Potential Complications
Most armpit abscesses, when properly treated, resolve without long-term issues. However, in some cases, complications may arise:
- Recurrence of the abscess
- Scarring at the drainage site
- Spread of infection to deeper tissues
- Sepsis (in rare, severe cases)
For individuals prone to recurrent abscesses, long-term management strategies may include:
- Regular use of antibacterial washes
- Topical antibiotics for prevention
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
- In some cases, surgical removal of chronically infected tissue
How often should someone with a history of armpit abscesses follow up with their healthcare provider? It’s advisable to have regular check-ups, typically every 3-6 months, to monitor for early signs of recurrence and adjust prevention strategies as needed.
Alternative and Complementary Approaches
While conventional medical treatments are the primary approach for armpit abscesses, some individuals may explore complementary therapies to support healing and prevent recurrence. These may include:
- Herbal remedies with antimicrobial properties (e.g., tea tree oil, garlic)
- Probiotics to support overall immune function
- Dietary changes to reduce inflammation
- Stress reduction techniques, as stress can impact immune function
It’s important to note that these approaches should not replace professional medical care but can be used in conjunction with standard treatments under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Are there any natural remedies proven to be effective against armpit abscesses? While some natural remedies show promise in supporting skin health and fighting bacteria, there’s limited scientific evidence specifically for armpit abscesses. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments.
Research and Future Directions in Abscess Treatment
Ongoing research in the field of dermatology and infectious diseases continues to explore new avenues for treating and preventing abscesses, including those in the armpit area. Some areas of focus include:
- Development of novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Improved drainage techniques to minimize scarring and recurrence
- Targeted therapies to boost local immune response
- Advanced imaging technologies for early detection and precise treatment
What promising new treatments are on the horizon for armpit abscesses? Researchers are investigating the use of bacteriophage therapy, which uses viruses that specifically target harmful bacteria, as a potential alternative to antibiotics. Additionally, advancements in minimally invasive drainage techniques show promise in reducing recovery time and improving cosmetic outcomes.
In conclusion, armpit abscesses, while uncomfortable and potentially serious, are generally treatable with proper medical care. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment are key to managing this condition effectively. By implementing preventive measures and following medical advice, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing recurrent abscesses and maintain overall skin health in the underarm area.
Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- Abscess Overview
- Abscess Causes
- Abscess Symptoms
- Abscess Treatment: Self-Care at Home
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps: Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- More
A skin abscess is a tender mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. Abscesses are often easy to feel by touching. The vast majority of them are caused by infections. Inside, they are full of pus, bacteria and debris.
Painful and warm to touch, abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites on the skin in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an abscess. In general an abscess must open and drain in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage (I&D).
When our normal skin barrier is broken, even from minor trauma, or small tears, or inflammation, bacteria can enter the skin. An abscess can form as your body’s defenses try to kill these germs with your inflammatory response (white blood cells = pus). Obstruction in a sweat or oil (sebaceous) gland, or a hair follicle or a pre-existing cyst can also trigger an abscess.
The middle of the abscess liquefies and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Pressure and inflammation cause the pain.
People with weakened immune systems get certain abscesses more often.
Those with any of the following are all at risk for having more severe abscesses. This is because the body has a decreased ability to ward off infections.
- Chronic steroid therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- AIDS
- Sickle cell disease
- Peripheral vascular disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe burns
- Severe trauma
- Alcoholism or IV drug abuse
- Obesity
Other risk factors for abscess include exposure to dirty environments, exposure to persons with certain types of skin infections, poor hygiene, and poor circulation.
Most often, an abscess becomes a painful, compressible mass that is red, warm to touch, and tender.
- As some abscesses progress, they may “point” and come to a head so you can see the material inside and then spontaneously open (rupture).
- Most will continue to get worse without care. The infection can spread to the tissues under the skin and even into the bloodstream.
- If the infection spreads into deeper tissue, you may develop a fever and begin to feel ill.
- If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than a half-inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes 4 times daily may help.
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess by squeezing or pressing on it. This can push the infected material into the deeper tissues.
- Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the abscess center, because you may injure an underlying blood vessel or cause the infection to spread.
Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:
- You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across.
- The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful.
- The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.
- You develop a fever.
- You notice red streaks, which can mean the infection is spreading.
- You have any of the medical conditions listed above.
Go to a hospital’s Emergency Department if any of these conditions occur with an abscess:
- Fever of 102°F or higher, especially if you have a chronic disease or are on steroids, chemotherapy, or dialysis
- A red streak leading away from the sore or with tender lymph nodes (lumps) in an area anywhere between the abscess and your chest area (for example, an abscess on your leg can cause swollen lymph nodes in your groin area)
- Any facial abscess larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across
The doctor will take a medical history and may ask you:
- How long the abscess has been present
- If you recall any injury to that area
- What medicines you may be taking
- If you have any allergies
- If you have had a fever at home
The doctor will examine the abscess and surrounding areas. If it is near your anus, the doctor will perform a rectal exam. If an arm or leg is involved, the doctor will feel for a lymph gland either in your groin or under your arm.
The doctor may open and drain the abscess.
Follow carefully any instructions your doctor gives you.
- The doctor may have you remove the packing yourself with instructions on the best way to do this. This may include soaking or flushing.
- Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments.
- Report any fever, redness, swelling, or increased pain to your doctor immediately.
Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your skin with soap and water regularly.
- Take care to avoid nicking yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any puncture wounds, especially if:
- You think there may be some debris in the wound.
- The puncture wound was caused by a bite – human, insect or animal.
- You have one of the listed medical conditions.
- You are on steroids or chemotherapy.
Once treated, the abscess should heal.
- Many people require antibiotics, but you may not.
- The pain often improves immediately and subsides more each day.
- Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess.
- After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.
abscess, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal abscess, pustules, whiteheads
Top Picks
Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- Abscess Overview
- Abscess Causes
- Abscess Symptoms
- Abscess Treatment: Self-Care at Home
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps: Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- More
A skin abscess is a tender mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red.
Abscesses are often easy to feel by touching. The vast majority of them are caused by infections. Inside, they are full of pus, bacteria and debris.
Painful and warm to touch, abscesses can show up any place on your body. The most common sites on the skin in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina (Bartholin gland abscess), the base of your spine (pilonidal abscess), around a tooth (dental abscess), and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an abscess. In general an abscess must open and drain in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage (I&D).
When our normal skin barrier is broken, even from minor trauma, or small tears, or inflammation, bacteria can enter the skin.
An abscess can form as your body’s defenses try to kill these germs with your inflammatory response (white blood cells = pus). Obstruction in a sweat or oil (sebaceous) gland, or a hair follicle or a pre-existing cyst can also trigger an abscess.
The middle of the abscess liquefies and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Pressure and inflammation cause the pain.
People with weakened immune systems get certain abscesses more often. Those with any of the following are all at risk for having more severe abscesses. This is because the body has a decreased ability to ward off infections.
- Chronic steroid therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- AIDS
- Sickle cell disease
- Peripheral vascular disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe burns
- Severe trauma
- Alcoholism or IV drug abuse
- Obesity
Other risk factors for abscess include exposure to dirty environments, exposure to persons with certain types of skin infections, poor hygiene, and poor circulation.
Most often, an abscess becomes a painful, compressible mass that is red, warm to touch, and tender.
- As some abscesses progress, they may “point” and come to a head so you can see the material inside and then spontaneously open (rupture).
- Most will continue to get worse without care. The infection can spread to the tissues under the skin and even into the bloodstream.
- If the infection spreads into deeper tissue, you may develop a fever and begin to feel ill.
- If the abscess is small (less than 1 cm or less than a half-inch across), applying warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes 4 times daily may help.
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess by squeezing or pressing on it. This can push the infected material into the deeper tissues.
- Do not stick a needle or other sharp instrument into the abscess center, because you may injure an underlying blood vessel or cause the infection to spread.
Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess:
- You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across.
- The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful.
- The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.
- You develop a fever.
- You notice red streaks, which can mean the infection is spreading.
- You have any of the medical conditions listed above.
Go to a hospital’s Emergency Department if any of these conditions occur with an abscess:
- Fever of 102°F or higher, especially if you have a chronic disease or are on steroids, chemotherapy, or dialysis
- A red streak leading away from the sore or with tender lymph nodes (lumps) in an area anywhere between the abscess and your chest area (for example, an abscess on your leg can cause swollen lymph nodes in your groin area)
- Any facial abscess larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across
The doctor will take a medical history and may ask you:
- How long the abscess has been present
- If you recall any injury to that area
- What medicines you may be taking
- If you have any allergies
- If you have had a fever at home
The doctor will examine the abscess and surrounding areas.
If it is near your anus, the doctor will perform a rectal exam. If an arm or leg is involved, the doctor will feel for a lymph gland either in your groin or under your arm.
The doctor may open and drain the abscess.
Follow carefully any instructions your doctor gives you.
- The doctor may have you remove the packing yourself with instructions on the best way to do this. This may include soaking or flushing.
- Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments.
- Report any fever, redness, swelling, or increased pain to your doctor immediately.
Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your skin with soap and water regularly.
- Take care to avoid nicking yourself when shaving your underarms or pubic area.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any puncture wounds, especially if:
- You think there may be some debris in the wound.
- The puncture wound was caused by a bite – human, insect or animal.
- You have one of the listed medical conditions.
- You are on steroids or chemotherapy.
Once treated, the abscess should heal.
- Many people require antibiotics, but you may not.
- The pain often improves immediately and subsides more each day.
- Wound care instructions from your doctor may include wound repacking, soaking, washing, or bandaging for about 7 to 10 days. This usually depends on the size and severity of the abscess.
- After the first 2 days, drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.
abscess, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, pilonidal abscess, pustules, whiteheads
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Hidradenitis is a purulent process in the area of the apocrine sweat gland.
More often localized in the armpit, much less often in the groin or navel. Hidradenitis occurs due to blockage of the duct of the gland with a viscous secret and subsequent penetration into the infection. For 3-5 days, inflammation develops, which leads to intense pain. After opening the abscess, the activity of the pathological process declines. If hidradenitis has not resolved on its own on the 4th-5th day, then the risk of complications increases. To reduce the likelihood of an unfavorable scenario, you should contact the surgeon.
SM-Clinic doctors successfully treat hidradenitis of various localizations. First aid, which consists in opening the abscess, is provided on the day of contacting the Center. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, hospitalization is not required.
Outpatient surgery at SM-Clinic is
Experienced Surgeons
Operations to open hidradenitis are carried out by experienced doctors who regularly improve their skills.
Quick problem solving
The patient can go home immediately after the operation.
Minimal discomfort
Minor operations are performed using infiltration anesthesia. The opening of hydradenitis takes about half an hour.
Indications for surgical treatment of hidradenitis
Lack of treatment can lead to infection in the surrounding tissues, which increases the risk of cellulitis. The entry of pathogens into the lymph nodes or the systemic circulation can lead to sepsis. Indications for contacting a surgeon are the following conditions:
- acute pain in the area of localization of hidradenitis;
- large abscess;
- abscess formation.
The need for radical measures is determined on a personal basis, based on the results of the examination and history data.
The cost of surgical treatment of hidradenitis in the “SM-Clinic” is indicated in the appropriate section on the website.
The price of the operation may vary and depends on the volume and complexity of the intervention. To receive professional medical assistance in the treatment of hidradenitis, sign up for a consultation with a surgeon at a convenient time!
Operation technique
Operation time
about 20 minutes
Hospital stay
not necessary
Anesthesia:
Local
The doctor treats the surface of the skin with an antiseptic, then administers anesthesia. Using a scalpel, the surgeon opens the abscess and evacuates the pus. After draining the cavity, the surgeon performs an antiseptic treatment of the wound and applies a bandage with an antibacterial agent.
Recurrent hidradenitis is also treated with surgery. During the operation, the problematic sweat gland, scar tissue and fistulous openings are removed. Apply to the wound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation
Special preparation for the operation is not needed.
The possibility of surgical treatment is determined during the examination. Laboratory blood and urine tests are prescribed for recurrent or multiple foci of inflammation to establish the causes.
The result of the operation
Soon after opening the abscess, the patient’s condition improves. Swelling and redness decrease, and pain becomes less pronounced. Before the wound heals, moderate discomfort in the incision area is possible, which then pass on their own.
Enroll
for a consultation with a surgeon
Rehabilitation
During the recovery period, dressings should be changed daily. If the doctor has prescribed antibiotics or physiotherapy, you need to complete the full course. Premature discontinuation of treatment may cause relapse.
Prices for consultations with a surgeon and outpatient surgery
Initial appointment (examination, consultation) with a surgeon | 2 200 rub |
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with a surgeon | 1 900 rub |
The posted price is not an offer. Medical services are provided on the basis of a contract.
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In the center
Then for the active outflow of pus