Lumps in the Armpit - Nice.

[InThePits]

Don't really know if this should be here or in 'Style and Beauty'....

I shave my armpits, and for the last couple of weeks I've developed sore swollen lumps, about six in one armpit and one or two in the other. I've assumed these are ingrown hairs, but I don't know what to do about them? They're very sore, and I can feel them whenever I move my arm.

I've tried gently squeezing when in the shower (sorry - TMI) and this does produce 'gunk', but it doesn't seem to help the hair come out and over hte next couple of days the lump just builds up again.

What should I do?

Ouch. I think you're going to have to bite the bullet and tweeze the hairs out.Can you get anyone to help? If not, I guess you'll need a magnifying mirror and good light. And then a good dollop of TCP or something.

I can't even see the hairs though - it's just red, and often there isn't even a 'top' to the lump, until I squeeze and then it just pusses and then bleeds. Very sore! And rather embarrassing!

I don't understand why I've got so many all at once having never had this problem before?

I'm thinking it's possible you have a condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Mine started similarly. If you google it there's plenty on the web about it. I've had it for years but fortunately not badly.

If you think it is ingrown hairs you need to exfoliate after you shave. I used to get those lumps ina rather more painfull place it is quite satisfying when you squeeze though isn't it

I would try changing my deodorant.

Just googled hidradenitis suppurativa - oh my gosh!! Definitely not that bad yet. Poor you, Khara.

I shall try changing my deodorant, and also, if I can bear it, not shaving for a couple of days to see if this persuades the stubborn hairs to come out. I'll then exfoliate - I promise.

Fingers' crossed this does the trick.

Thanks again.