Not every problem needs to stop your day. Take it in stride, get it looked at, and move on with a clear plan.
This photo shows a man lying on the exam table with his arm raised, and a round, red, tight swelling in his armpit with a small yellowish head on top.
A lump like this in the armpit is most often an abscess or an inflamed cyst. It starts when a sweat gland or hair follicle gets blocked and the area becomes infected.
Armpits are warm and moist, and shaving, deodorant and constant rubbing all make it easy for follicles there to become clogged and sore.
Within days the swelling can grow to a few centimetres, feel hot and throbbing, and make it painful to lower the arm or wear a fitted sleeve.
A doctor will check how soft or firm the lump is, whether it is filled with fluid and whether there is any sign the infection is spreading.
If it is an abscess or cyst, the skin is numbed, a small opening is made so it can drain, and any sac is removed so it does not fill up again.
The area is then cleaned and covered with a light dressing, and keeping the armpit dry and clean for a few days helps it heal quickly.
Using a clean razor, going easy on heavy deodorants and not squeezing bumps all help prevent new blockages in this sensitive area.
Take it in stride and let it be treated properly. The videos below show abscesses and cysts being treated by professionals.
