Raise your hand if youve got some drama happening in your underarms.
You could have a skin condition calledhidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, or HS.
Yet your armpits are an extra-prone area of skin.
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As your body fights the bacteria, this produces those painful HS cysts.
Keep your underarms clean and dry.
Keeping your armpits dry is key, to minimize blockage of sweat glands.
When you shower, avoid scrubbing, which can actually just irritate painful lumps and make things worse.
Stick to loose-fitting clothing whenever possible, to let your underarms air out and better stay dry.
Be cautious with deodorants.
Address abscesses.
People with underarmhidradenitis suppurativaoften develop armpit abscesses, painful lumps under the skin that are filled with pus.
If not treated, abscesses can lead to pus-filled tunnels under the skin, called sinus tracts.
An initial treatment option is to apply a warm compress, which may help the abscess drain naturally.
Its important not to squeeze or attempt to puncture the abscess, as the bacterial infection can then spread.
Instead, seek medical treatment.
Consider these two tactics.
Note that being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for hidradenitis suppurativa.
Another approach that has helped many people put underarm hidradenitis suppurativa into remission: laser hair removal.
By zapping hair follicles in the armpits, it removes the chance of future blockage and lesions.
Visit a dermatologist.
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