If you suspect your deodorant is the issue, switch to a natural, aluminum-free deodorant or a sensitive-skin formula. Look for ingredients like glycolic acid, which helps keep pores clear.
Give the area a break. Continuing to shave over an irritated bump will only worsen the inflammation and can spread infection.
Shaving or waxing can cause hair to grow back into the skin, leading to inflammation and a localized blockage. clogged gland armpit
This is the #1 cure. Soak a washcloth in hot (not scalding) water and hold it against your armpit for 10 minutes, three times a day. The heat helps liquefy the thick secretions and encourages the gland to drain naturally.
A dermatologist can drain a stubborn cyst, prescribe antibiotics for an infection, or recommend stronger treatments like steroid injections or retinoids for conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa. If you suspect your deodorant is the issue,
Stop shaving the affected armpit until the lump has completely healed to avoid further trauma to the skin. When to See a Doctor
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here is how to keep your underarms happy: Continuing to shave over an irritated bump will
This is perhaps the most common cause. When you shave or wax, the hair can curl back into the skin, causing a blockage. The body treats this ingrown hair as a foreign invader, leading to inflammation, redness, and a pus-filled bump that looks like a pimple.
However, if you are a woman who gets these bumps right before your period, or you notice you get them in the groin too, mention it to your dermatologist. There are effective treatments to stop them from coming back for good.
When we talk about a "clogged gland" in the armpit, we are usually referring to one of two things: a blocked sweat gland or a blocked hair follicle. The armpit is a hub of activity; it contains hundreds of apocrine sweat glands (which produce the "stress sweat") and hair follicles.
If you suspect your antiperspirant is causing clogs, try a natural or "pore-friendly" deodorant.