We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Common Causes of Pus in the Armpit?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 58,942
Share

Pus in the armpit is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can enter the body from broken skin related to shaving or other means of hair removal. To minimize the risk of broken skin in the armpit area, using an electric razor instead of a bladed razor is often recommended. Using chemical depilatory products can also cause breaks in the skin because of the irritation that they cause. Boils and carbuncles can also cause an infection and pus.

A boil or cyst accompanied by pus in the armpit should never be squeezed, lanced, or handled excessively. Disturbing the lump can aggravate the infection and even cause it to spread. Other symptoms of an infection in the armpit include pain, swelling, and redness. The color of pus can vary from white to yellow or green, and blood may also be present, although it typically causes the pus to turn pink instead of bright red. When an armpit infection occurs, a health care provider needs to be consulted for evaluation and treatment recommendations.

Sometimes, the health care professional may decide to lance the boil to release the pus. This should only be done in a medical setting and should never be attempted in the home. After the boil or cyst is lanced, a topical antibiotic ointment is usually applied and then covered with a sterile dressing. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce the risk of a secondary infection.

If the wound has been lanced, products such as antiperspirants, deodorants, powders, or depilatories should be avoided to reduce the risk of further irritation. Sometimes, an armpit infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the blood stream. Symptoms of a blood infection include fever, chills, body aches, and headache. In addition, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness can occur.

An infection that causes pus in the armpit is referred to as a purulent infection and typically responds to antibiotic therapy. The entire antibiotic prescription needs to be finished to make sure the infection goes away. Sometimes, however, antibiotics can cause such severe side effects, like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea, that they cause the patient to stop taking them. If these side effects occur, the health care provider can treat the side effects or prescribe a different antibiotic less likely to cause problems.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Dec 21, 2012

Can viral infections cause pus in the armpit?

By ZipLine — On Dec 20, 2012

@SarahGen-- That happens to me sometimes too and I usually end up popping it with a sterile needle to drain the pus and removing the ingrown hair with a tweezer. Then I clean the area wit alcohol and apply antibacterial cream on it.

You probably shouldn't do this though because if you aggravate the infection, you will be worse off. It's better to see a doctor about it.

By SarahGen — On Dec 19, 2012

Sometimes I get an ingrown hair on my armpit and it gets infected and develops pus.

Is this normal?

How can I prevent and treat this problem?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-common-causes-of-pus-in-the-armpit.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.