For a painful, tender bump in the armpit, what is the primary treatment?

The primary treatment for a painful, tender bump in the armpit is incision and drainage. This approach is often necessary when the bump is likely to be an abscess, which is a collection of pus that can occur due to infection or blockage of a sweat gland.

Incision and drainage allow for the removal of pus, alleviating pressure, reducing pain, and promoting healing. By creating an opening, the trapped material can exit, and the area can begin to heal. This procedure may be performed under local anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable during the process.

In contrast, oral antibiotics might not be sufficient by themselves to address an established abscess, especially if there is significant pus formation. Cold compresses can help to reduce swelling and pain but do not treat the underlying infection or the need for drainage. Topical creams may provide some relief for surface skin conditions but are ineffective if there is a deep infection requiring intervention.