08/05/2026
😣 Painful lumps in the armpit aren’t always the same thing—and it’s important not to assume the cause.
This patient came in with two very painful, inflamed cyst-like lesions in the underarm. 🔍 Conditions like this can represent hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an infected cyst, a bacterial abscess, or other inflammatory skin conditions.
✂️ To relieve her pain and help determine the cause, we drained both areas and sent a culture. Based on the appearance and our high clinical suspicion for a staphylococcal infection, we didn’t wait for the culture results—we started her on oral antibiotics immediately. 💊
🧫 One week later, the culture confirmed the diagnosis: MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
✅ Fortunately, she had already been started on the appropriate antibiotic, and the culture confirmed we were on the right track.
💡 This is why experience and clinical judgment matter. Not every painful lump is “just a cyst.” A thorough evaluation, incision and drainage when indicated, and early treatment can make all the difference.
❤️ If you have a painful lump that’s getting larger, redder, or more tender, don’t ignore it—getting evaluated early can help prevent complications.
📍 Tania Derm Concierge Dermatology & Laser Center
📞 845-485-8000
🌐 TaniaDerm.com
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