Painful lumps all over the body

Boils are tender inflamed lumps that may develop around hair follicles and can drain. Cellulitis is a spreading infection of skin that commonly causes warmth, redness, swelling, and pain rather than separate identical lumps. Recurrent nodules in the armpits, groin, or under the breasts can be a presentation of hidradenitis suppurativa. Shingles usually follows a stripe-like area on one side and may blister. Multiple lumps can also have non-infectious explanations, so appearance and distribution matter more than the number alone.

Photograph new areas in good light, note when each lump appeared, and record tenderness, drainage, fever, or a recent illness. Use separate clean towels, avoid squeezing lesions, and keep draining areas covered. Wear breathable clothing and reduce rubbing in skin folds. A clinician may examine the skin, check for an entry point, and decide whether medicine, testing, or drainage is appropriate.

Seek same-day medical care for rapidly spreading redness, severe or escalating pain, fever, chills, confusion, marked weakness, or several new areas appearing quickly. Urgent advice is also sensible when lumps involve the face, eyes, genitals, or hands, or when you have diabetes or reduced immunity. Do not wait for a lump to open by itself if you feel significantly unwell.

Ask whether the distribution fits boils, cellulitis, hidradenitis, or another condition; whether a sample or drainage is needed; how to prevent spread; and what symptoms should prompt emergency help.