An armpit abscess (also called an axillary abscess or underarm abscess) is one of those problems that can go from “annoying bump” to “I can’t put my arm down” faster than people expect.
If you’re dealing with an abscess under armpit pain, swelling, or a tender lump, the goal is simple: avoid making it worse, spot the warning signs early, and get the right level of care at the right time.
Quick take (what most people need to know)
- Do not squeeze, pop, or lance an armpit abscess at home. That’s a common reason infections spread.
- Warm compresses can help small, early bumps calm down or drain safely if there are no red flags.
- If you have fever, spreading redness, severe pain, rapid swelling, or immune system issues, get seen urgently.
What is an armpit abscess? (axillary abscess / underarm abscess)
An abscess in armpit tissue is a pocket of pus caused by infection. It usually starts when bacteria get into the skin through:
- a tiny cut or irritation
- an inflamed hair follicle (often after shaving)
- friction and sweating
- a blocked sweat gland
People also search this as abscess under arm, under armpit abscess, or abscess on armpit—same general issue, different wording.
Abscess vs swollen lymph node vs cyst (quick differentiation)
- Abscess armpit: tender, warm, often enlarging; may soften in the center; can drain pus.
- Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: more “rubbery/firm,” not usually hot or pus-filled; often linked to another infection or inflammation elsewhere.
- Cyst: often slower-growing; may be less hot/red unless infected.
If you are unsure, it’s reasonable to get checked—especially if it’s growing or painful.
Armpit abscess symptoms (what people notice first)
Common armpit abscess symptoms include:
- a painful lump or swelling
- warmth and redness
- throbbing discomfort (sometimes worse with movement)
- a soft or “squishy” center as it matures
- drainage (pus) or a foul smell if it opens
People often describe pus filled bumps under armpit or a “boil” that looks like a deep pimple.
Lump under armpit after shaving
This is a frequent story. Shaving can cause micro-cuts, ingrown hairs, or follicle irritation—any of which can become infected and evolve into an abscess.
Causes: why an abscess under armpit happens
The underarm is a perfect storm for irritation: sweat glands, hair follicles, friction, and bacteria.
Common triggers include:
- shaving irritation / ingrown hairs
- deodorant-related irritation (less common, but possible)
- friction from tight clothing
- small skin breaks
- staph bacteria (including MRSA in some cases)
When to consider hidradenitis suppurativa
If you have recurrent cysts in armpits (or painful lumps that return, drain, scar, or appear in multiple friction areas), ask a clinician about hidradenitis suppurativa. It’s not simply “bad hygiene,” and it often needs a different long-term plan.
Is an armpit abscess dangerous?
It can be—depending on size, depth, and how your body is responding.
An armpit abscess is more concerning when you see:
- fever, chills, or feeling very ill
- spreading redness or red streaks
- rapid growth
- severe pain or pain out of proportion
- diabetes, immune suppression, cancer treatment, dialysis, or other high-risk conditions
Those are situations where you should not “wait it out.”
When home care is reasonable, when to see a clinician soon, and when to go to the ER / call 911
When home care is reasonable (short window)
Home care may be reasonable only if all are true:
- small, early, localized bump
- mild pain, no fever
- no spreading redness
- you’re otherwise healthy
Home steps (48–72 hours):
- Warm compress 10–15 minutes, several times daily.
- Keep it clean and dry.
- Avoid shaving over it.
- Cover with clean gauze if it’s draining.
When to see a clinician soon (same day or next day)
- It’s getting bigger or more painful
- It lasts >48–72 hours without improvement
- It’s draining but not improving
- You suspect you need armpit abscess drainage (incision & drainage)
- You’re getting repeated bumps (possible HS)
When to go to the ER / call 911
Go urgently if you have:
- fever, chills, confusion, fainting
- rapidly spreading redness/swelling
- severe pain or inability to move your arm
- signs of dehydration or worsening weakness
- immune compromise, uncontrolled diabetes, or you look/feel seriously ill
Abscess under armpit treatment (what clinicians actually do)
Evaluation
A clinician checks:
- size/depth
- surrounding cellulitis
- fever/systemic symptoms
- risk factors (diabetes, immune suppression, prior MRSA)
Drainage (often the key step)
For many abscesses, the most effective treatment is incision and drainage—this is the core of abscess under armpit treatment when the pocket of pus has formed.
Antibiotics (sometimes needed, not always)
Antibiotics are more likely when:
- there’s surrounding cellulitis
- fever or systemic symptoms
- multiple lesions
- immune compromise
- certain high-risk locations or recurrence
This is where clinicians also think about MRSA risk and choose medications accordingly.
What to expect after armpit abscess drainage
- Pain usually improves quickly once pressure is relieved.
- Sometimes packing is used; sometimes it isn’t (practice varies).
- You’ll get wound care instructions and a follow-up plan.
- Healing can take days to a couple weeks depending on size.
Prevention (how to reduce recurrence)
- Avoid shaving directly over irritated skin; consider trimming.
- Shower after heavy sweating; dry thoroughly.
- Wear breathable fabrics and reduce friction.
- Don’t share razors or towels.
- If recurring, ask about screening/management plans (including HS evaluation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pop an armpit abscess at home?
No. Popping increases spread risk and can push infection deeper.
Why does my abscess in armpit keep coming back?
Recurring boils can be staph colonization, friction + sweating, shaving-related folliculitis, or hidradenitis suppurativa.
Is an abscess in armpit female patients different?
Not fundamentally—but shaving practices, friction patterns, and HS prevalence patterns can change how it presents. If it’s recurring, discuss HS.
I searched “armpit abcess” (misspelling)—is it the same thing?
Yes. People misspell it often; the condition is still an armpit abscess.
Is it a lymph node or an abscess under armpit?
Abscesses are often hot, tender, and may drain; lymph nodes are usually firmer and don’t drain pus. If uncertain, get examined.
One-time note for local care
If your symptoms are worsening or you’re seeing ER-level warning signs and you’re in Houston, Post Oak ER in Houston is open 24/7 with a board-certified medical team—go right away if you need urgent help.
Reference List
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2025, June 3). How to treat boils and styes. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/treat-boils-styes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 26). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) basics. https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 30). Abscess: Types, symptoms, causes & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22876-abscess
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, March 21). Hidradenitis suppurativa: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/symptoms-causes/syc-20352306
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, September 18). Boils and carbuncles: Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770
National Health Service (NHS). (2023, June 2). Skin abscess. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-abscess/
Stevens, D. L., Bisno, A. L., Chambers, H. F., Dellinger, E. P., Goldstein, E. J. C., Gorbach, S. L., Hirschmann, J. V., Kaplan, S. L., Montoya, J. G., & Wade, J. C. (2014, July 15). Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/59/2/e10/2895845
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, October 13). Skin abscess (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000863.htm
U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) Houston/Galveston. (n.d.). Houston (IAH) climate normals — July (1991–2020 normals table). Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://www.weather.gov/hgx/climate_iah_normals_jul