How do bacterial infections cause lumps in your underarm?

Bacterial infections can cause lumps in your underarm due to abscesses. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when the body’s immune system reacts to an infection. The most common type of abscess-forming bacterial infections include boils, carbuncles, and furuncles. Boils are usually caused by highly contagious bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Carbuncles are more severe than boils and generally occur in deeper tissues or organs due to a polymicrobial infection (being infected by multiple types of bacteria). Furuncles typically form near hair follicles because this environment is warm, moist and offers the perfect opportunity for bacteria growth.

When these bacterial infections form into an abscess they create localized inflammation that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and pain in the area where it has formed. If left untreated, an abscess may rupture releasing pus which can lead to further health complications if not cared for properly. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to help clear up the infection as well as drainage of any existing fluids or puss from the area using needle aspiration techniques or surgical procedures depending on their severity .  Therefore it's important to get medical care immediately if you suspect you have developed a lump from a bacterial infection!