The lumps under the arm are often caused by a condition known as hidradenitis supprativa (HS). HS in laymens terms is a pimple on steroids. It is a bacterial infection caused within extremely clogged pores. NO MANNER OF CLEANLINESS will prevent it from happening so don’t think that bathing regularly will stop it. There is no one treatment and what works for me may not work for the next sufferer.

DOCTOR’S are NOTORIOUS for MISDIAGNOSING this ailment. It is often called a boil. HS is not contagious as boils are. It’s bacterial make-up is common staph. Some sufferers have chronic HS and it is usually found anywhere there is extreme heat such as underarms, groin, buttocks, and feet, or anywhere there are sweat glands.

Extreme cases can cause sinus tracts which are basically tunnels under the skin. These tunnels become filled with the bacteria and the body seeks to eject them; Thus the lumps. It is important to get that bacteria out of your body to prevent tunneling throughout and new areas.

As for deodorant, use an antiperspirant/deodorant if you suspect you have these lumps and ARM & HAMMER is a great one. Baby powder or gold bond are great sources for additional dryness on the entire body. Be careful not to dry the skin too much.

HS sufferers are treated with antibiotics and surgery for extremely bad chronic cases. The surgery is not recommended often because of the large amount of cutting involved to remove the sweat glands that seem to host this bacteria. Less severe cases may be opened, drained, and packed much like a boil and other severe acne infections.

BE SURE to tell your DOCTOR if you are allergic to PENECILLIN or any of its derivatives. Penecillin is the most common antibiotic given for this infection.

Check your family health history as well and let your doctor know everything that may be of concern from genetics/heredity. Hope I was able to give some insight to my beautiful black people regarding a rare yet often misdiagnosed ailment in our community. Spread the word as Asians are high sufferers of this as well.