swollen armpit is infected with puss and is bleeding

I had this lump umder my armpit it was very hard. The area arround it swelled up to the point I could not move my arm the lump got bigger and it bursed. Ever since that lump has never gone down and I have had it for a good while. I have been to the doctors and he said it was an ingrown hair and gave me antibiotics but i think it is more serious it will not heal and gets infected all the time. What should i do.

Hi There,

I could suggest a couple things. Your doc was probably right about the ingrown hair however, the location could pose a problem for healing. As sweat and so forth clog pores and won't allow for healing, could you find a way to cover the area during the day when you are most active and uncover it at night to allow it air? Swabbing the area with iodine before applying a bandage will aid in drying it out. Washing the area fequently with a hibitane soap (most drug stores) will disinfect and also dry it out. Polysporin cream also has a form of antibiotic and cleans. Or you may wish to visit your local emergency department where they are likely able to give you a prescription cream to assisit in healing and counter infection. Hope this helps.

I also had a similar problem with an ingrown hair. It occurred in my left wrist and forearm. The immediate area became hard and my forearm began to swell and turn red. It eventually burst and puss and blood flowed out slowly for days until the swelling went down. The skin on my arm began to peel off. My family doctor said it was probably only an ingrown hair and told me not to pick at it. He gave me this antibiotic cream which I used. I didn't pick at it for 2 days and it began to swell again. I had no choice to burst it again. I have been faithfully using the cream for the last couple of months but the wound is just not healing. I think I am going to see a dermatologist.