What do painful armpit lumps feel like with hidradenitis suppurativa?

These lumps can sit deeper than an ordinary surface spot and may feel firm, swollen, and sore when the arm moves. They may settle and return in the same area, leak fluid with an odour, or heal with scars. Over time, connected spaces under the skin can develop and allow drainage between openings.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is not caused by poor hygiene, and an individual lump cannot be diagnosed by touch alone. A repeated pattern in the armpits, groin, or other skin folds is a reason to arrange assessment. Read more about [Hidradenitis Suppurativa](/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/).

Use gentle washing, pat the area dry, and choose loose clothing that reduces rubbing. Avoid squeezing, picking, or repeatedly shaving over active lumps. A warm compress may ease discomfort, but it will not treat tunnels beneath the skin.

Keep a simple record of where lumps occur, how long they last, drainage, scars, and possible triggers. A dermatologist can discuss anti-inflammatory treatment, medicines for infection when appropriate, procedures, or a longer-term care plan.

Book an appointment if painful lumps recur, drain, leave scars, restrict arm movement, or do not settle. Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe worsening pain, or feeling faint or seriously unwell.

Ask whether the pattern fits hidradenitis suppurativa, how to protect draining skin, which treatments address active lumps, and how scars or tunnels can be managed.