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Suggest Treatment For Boils On Armpit

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Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: Hi, I have had a bacterial infection consisting of several boils under my left armpit for a few weeks now and have been on antibiotics. A culture has not been taken but I was told it is staph. The boils have all gone down and the pain subsided, except I now have a hard rope like tendon/vein type thing extending from my armpit to mid-bicep and followed by pain through my forearm. I cannot fully extend my arm with a painful tugging feeling. Is this something serious I should go to the ER for? The "cord" seems to start right under the largest bowl at the north end of my armpit. For a little background, I had intense itching under my arms and according to the doctor, must have scratched it or shaved to create tears that became infected.
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Answered by Dr. VINAY KUMAR (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Infection control is the first measure

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Welcome to this site!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX a Sr Dermatologist.

I have gone through the case history.
I feel this problem can be resolved by appropriate use of anti-bacterial treatment.

The measures detailed hereunder would be required.

1 Pl give rest to the part, by avoiding lifting weights or moving the joint with force

2 Compress the affected areas with saline water at 25-30 C temperature several times a day and then let it dry

3 Mupirocin cream or ointment couple of times day

4 Oral antibiotic. For most such patients that I see, Linezolid , generic name, works best given twice a day

5 Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen to take care of pain and swelling.

It is possible that you have caught infections following the initial episode of itching.

I am sure you will make the best use of suggestions to recover fast and completely.

Our best wishes!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. VINAY KUMAR

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 480 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Boils On Armpit

Brief Answer: Infection control is the first measure Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Welcome to this site! I am Dr V XXXXXXX a Sr Dermatologist. I have gone through the case history. I feel this problem can be resolved by appropriate use of anti-bacterial treatment. The measures detailed hereunder would be required. 1 Pl give rest to the part, by avoiding lifting weights or moving the joint with force 2 Compress the affected areas with saline water at 25-30 C temperature several times a day and then let it dry 3 Mupirocin cream or ointment couple of times day 4 Oral antibiotic. For most such patients that I see, Linezolid , generic name, works best given twice a day 5 Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen to take care of pain and swelling. It is possible that you have caught infections following the initial episode of itching. I am sure you will make the best use of suggestions to recover fast and completely. Our best wishes!