Today I noticed a small, exquisitely painful lump under my arm about the size of a marble. There is a bit of reddening to the skin at the site though the lump is not visible at this time. You must touch the skin to feel the lump. There is nothing to indicate that the lump is coming to a head for drainage. I have been taught that most boils and abscess sites will eventually surface when ready to be cleaned out and heal up. I also once had non-painful golf ball sized lumps under both arms at the same time and was told that it was an infection caused by the aluminum in my antiperspirant clogging my sweat glands. I need to know if I can wait this out and let it heal naturally or if I need to see someone for antibiotics and if I need them which antibiotics am I likely to be prescribed?
Hi dear thanks for the query on ChatDoctorThe swelling by history is suggestive of epidermis cyst or sebaceous cyst. It becomes painful when it is infected. It will have a puncture or an opening. You need to consult a surgeon who will examine the swelling and if it is suggestive of abscess will Chat Doctor. Thank you