<human>: Background: 51 y/o male, have had a bump/lump in right armpit for several years (comes and goes) which occasionally would crust over, then emit a bit of puss and blood when cleaned vigorously. Recently got much worse (painfully inflamed). Stopped using my anti-persperant/deodorant several days ago (and apologized to my co-workers :P) but today when I got home from work, it was leaking puss. Hot cloth, anti-bac soap, and a bit of painful squeezing and a plug of dried puss came out. Question: Once this has healed, should I just use a deodorant from now on? Could this be what has caused this (apparently) recurring problem? If it recurs, would it be advisable to see a doctor, or is it okay to treat it myself (I m pretty handy)... Thank you
<bot>: Hello! Thank you for the query. Such recurring infection in this area is rather not caused by a deodorant. Deodorants usually cause allergic reaction, not a bacterial infection. Most probable reason of your problem is shaving in this area or diabetes. I suggest you to start with washing this area with soap and water before and after shaving. Try to use sterile shavers. In a meanwhile you should also have glucose level checked. If the problem will be coming back, I suggest you to consult dermatologist and have swab test of this area done. Hope this will help. Regards.