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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Recurring Abscess Formation In Armpit?

I have a reoccurring abscess in my armpit. I ve had several I&D s, about a half cup fluid is taken each time. The abscess was first drained in 2013 and remained dormant for 16 months. My second child was born in November 2014, that said, I m still breastfeeding. The abscess came back this year in February and has returned twice since then, even with I&D. How do I make this problem go away forever?
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

Abscess on armpit is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This is microorganism that sometimes is difficult to treat; various drugs fail to treat it.

It might be hidden inside its capsule and can cause another relapse of abscess anytime.

The very first thing is to run a culture of the pus and sensitivity testing to identify the mos susceptible antibiotic to use. Thus, it will be easier to fight the infection.

After the acute phase is over, a monthly prophylaxis using oral antibiotics is needed to use for at least 1 year.

It is also important to:
- avoid sharing your personal utensils with others, especially when it comes to towels
- avoid using roll-on deodorants locally; instead use spray deodorants
- avoid using razors to remove the hair in the armpit, instead, wax is most preferred depilatory method; for the time when infection is present, do not remove the hair, just cut it to prevent further spread of infection and elongation of the time of healing.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
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What Causes Recurring Abscess Formation In Armpit?

Hi, I am sorry for the situation you are in. Abscess on armpit is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This is microorganism that sometimes is difficult to treat; various drugs fail to treat it. It might be hidden inside its capsule and can cause another relapse of abscess anytime. The very first thing is to run a culture of the pus and sensitivity testing to identify the mos susceptible antibiotic to use. Thus, it will be easier to fight the infection. After the acute phase is over, a monthly prophylaxis using oral antibiotics is needed to use for at least 1 year. It is also important to: - avoid sharing your personal utensils with others, especially when it comes to towels - avoid using roll-on deodorants locally; instead use spray deodorants - avoid using razors to remove the hair in the armpit, instead, wax is most preferred depilatory method; for the time when infection is present, do not remove the hair, just cut it to prevent further spread of infection and elongation of the time of healing. Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana