a boil??

[bella2]

I have a very tender, sore and painful red bump in my armpit and I think it is a boil. I have never had one before, so I am not sure. I posted a few days ago about swollen and tenderness under my chin. I believe that was a lymph node, but that is all better and now this. Ughh! It is always something! Anyway, this thing in my armpit hurts really bad. I put warm compresses on it today and it did not help much.....and I leave tomorrow on our family vacation! Does this sound like a boil? Is this common for Sjs?

Thank you!
Bella

[Piebird]

It sounds like a boil to me. I have never had one myself but I have seen one in the armpit on someone else.

I haven't heard that this is common in Sjs specifically but I think it is common in general.

It will probably hurt until it drains. Keep up the warm damp compresses. Hopefully someone will come with other pain advice. I know they are painful.

I wouldn't be surprised if you get swollen glands in the arm pit too.

Have a GREAT vacation!

[irish]

You may end up seeing a doc before this is over. The oil and sweat glands under the arm are very prone to infections. Please do not try to squeeze it or you could cause the infection to go into the blood stream.

The heat sounds good but if it doesn't start to resolve or get smaller on its own then it is time to see a doctor. Sometimes the doc will lance it so it will drain plus put a person on antibiotics. Then again he may just do the antibiotics. Good luck. Irish

[AAACGRL]

I recently had an abscess. I tried warm compresses. When that did not work, a doctor put me on antibiotics. When that did not work, I got really sick and ended up meeting a surgeon who drained and lanced it in the office. I would not wish that on anyone. Please go get checked asap. Hope u feel better soon!

[iraisin]

My Dad had one and I went and got him a product from the drugstore caled "Boil Ease" put in on there, it's ugly, then put gauze over that. It will raise the boil to the surface and with continued use, it will cause it to open and drain on it's own. Good luck.

My dad hasn't had it come back and didn't get an infection. It's gone now.

[Diane54]

Sounds like a boil to me.....before I was diagnosed I had boil issues where I had to be on antibiotics and have them lanced....good luck!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I had a few episodes quite a lot of years ago of painful lumps in my armpits. They would come and go but one time was particularly bad and I needed antibiotics because I ran a fever and was really quite unwell. My doctor never satisfactorily explained them. It was something to do with infection and sweat glands and a recommendation to stop shaving.

I would see a doc if I were you in case you need antibiotics.

After three or 4 episodes over a number of months things settled down and haven't bothered me again.

Take care - Scottie

[jazzlover]

Might be best to see a dr before you leave.

I got rid of a boil by doing castor oil packs on it every night. TOTALLY gone in 10 days.

[Crymeariver]

I used to get those when I used deodorant.  I switched to using a salt crystal and haven't had one since.  I just wait for mine to recede on their own but I use a microvavable Bed Buddy hot pack which gives steamy heat.

[bella2]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions, I appreciate it very much. I also feel certain that this is a boil. I am quite miserable. It is so painful and uncomfortable. We started traveling yesterday late morning and have arrived in Florida where we board ship today. I will just have to deal with this until I get home next Sunday. I will be at doc first thing Mon morning! Not exactly the best timing for this to happen. Thank you all again!
Bella

[Seeker]

Howdy Bella, sure sounds like a boil.  Warm moist heat is what is called for.  Keep the area clean as possible.  Put a band aid during the day and let it air out at night. You can apply a little Witch Hazel to the boil.  This should help it drain faster.  It will also help kill the bacteria.  After it has drained you may want to use a little iodine on it.

See your doctor if it gets worse or looks infected. 

I hope you are having a good time.

Seeker

[sceezix]

I have had Hydradenitis (abscesses in the sweat glands - armpits, under breasts, and groin) since I was 16.  After my diagnosis of SS, I changed my diet and cut out all dairy and meat.  A benefit I was not expecting was that I no longer get cysts--I used to get them monthly.  Hot WET compresses (baths every hour for 20 minutes each) will help to get them to the surface and drain; however, I found that 50% of them do not drain on their own and require lancing.  Advil or Aleve will help with the pain, but until the pressure is relieved and the cyst drains the pain will continue.

I truly feel your pain and pray you get relief soon.