How to treat swollen, painful, and pus-discharging armpit lump?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had developed a red lump in my armpit which I thought was not of any concern. However, recently it started to swell and became large. A few days later, the lump popped, and it started leaking fluid and pus but is less painful. Recently, it started hurting again, and when I just looked at it, I noticed a black hole in my armpit with a red ring around it. The ring looks like a ringworm infestation, but it hurts, is swollen, and leaks pus. The pus was initially yellow but has recently turned to a reddish or orange color. Similar to pus mixed with blood. What is this red lump? How to treat it? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.

What is the size of the swelling? It seems to be an abscess caused by a superficial bacterial skin infection. I suggest the following treatment:

If it is small, then a topical antibiotic like Neomycin can be applied along with an oral antibiotic course. Consult a specialist doctor and take medications with their consent.
If it is large, then incision and drainage must be done to express all pus from the lump. It is a minor OPD (outpatient department) procedure of 15 to 30 minutes and is done under local anesthesia.

Hence kindly consult a nearby general surgeon for examination and treatment.

I hope your concern was resolved.

Thank you.

How to treat swollen, painful, and pus-discharging armpit lump?

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