What should you know about underarm pimples and boils?

Small red bumps around hairs can occur with shaving, sweating, friction, or follicle inflammation. A deeper tender lump may be a boil, especially if it fills with pus or develops a central point. Repeated painful nodules, draining areas, or scars deserve assessment because they may reflect a longer-term inflammatory condition. Acne can affect the area, but an underarm bump alone does not establish acne.

Wash gently, pat dry, wear loose breathable clothing, and stop shaving or squeezing the area until it settles. A warm, clean compress may ease tenderness. Do not share towels, and cover a draining lesion with clean dressing. A clinician may recommend treatment for acne or folliculitis after examining the pattern. Read more about [Acne](/conditions/acne/) and [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/).

Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, red streaking, a large draining lump, or reduced arm movement. Arrange an appointment when lesions recur, heal slowly, leave scars, or appear in several skin-fold areas.

Ask whether the lesion is superficial follicle irritation or a deeper boil, whether a swab or prescription treatment is needed, and how to prevent recurrence during shaving, exercise, or hot weather.