What’s the Difference Between a Cyst, Boil, and Ingrown Hair?
Noticed a painful bump in your underarm and not sure what it is? You’re not alone. Many people deal with underarm lumps that can be confusing to identify. Is it a cyst? A boil? Maybe just an ingrown hair? Knowing the difference matters. It can help you treat the bump properly and avoid making it worse.
Why Underarm Bumps Happen in the First Place
Your armpits are packed with sweat glands, hair follicles, and lymph nodes. That makes them a hotspot for all kinds of skin issues. Shaving, sweating, tight clothes, or even your deodorant can irritate the area and trigger bumps to form.
Most underarm bumps fall into one of three categories:
- Cysts: Closed pockets of fluid or skin cells
- Boils: Painful, pus-filled infections
- Ingrown hairs: Hairs trapped under the skin that cause red, swollen bumps
Let’s break down the difference between a cyst and boil, and how to tell if it's actually an ingrown hair instead.
Cyst vs Boil vs Ingrown Hair: How to Tell Them Apart
All three can show up as underarm lumps. But they look and behave a little differently. Here’s how to tell which one you’re dealing with.
1. Cyst Under Armpit
What it looks like: A smooth, firm lump under the skin. Usually painless unless it gets infected.
What causes it: Cysts form when skin cells or oil get trapped beneath the surface. They grow slowly and often stick around for weeks or months.
Cyst under armpit treatment:
- Warm compresses can help shrink it
- Don’t pop it it can get infected
- If it gets painful or grows fast, see a doctor
2. Boil on Armpit
What it looks like: A red, painful lump that may fill with pus and develop a white or yellow head.
What causes it: Boils are infections in a hair follicle or oil gland. Bacteria like Staph get in and cause swelling, redness, and pus.
Boil on armpit remedy:
- Apply warm compresses to help it drain
- Keep it clean and covered
- Do not squeeze it can spread infection
- See a doctor if it doesn’t improve in a few days
3. Ingrown Hair Underarm
What it looks like: A small red bump that may be itchy or tender. You might see a hair trapped inside.
What causes it: Shaving or waxing can cause hairs to grow back into the skin. This leads to inflammation and sometimes infection.
Ingrown hair underarm fix:
- Gently exfoliate to help release the hair
- Use a warm compress to soften the skin
- Stop shaving the area until it heals
Common Mistakes When Treating Underarm Bumps
It’s tempting to poke, squeeze, or scrub a painful bump. But that can actually make things worse. Here are some common missteps to avoid:
- Don’t pop it. This can push bacteria deeper and cause infection
- Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol. They can irritate already-sensitive skin
- Stop shaving over the bump. It can lead to more irritation or infection
Can Deodorant Cause Underarm Bumps?
Yes, it can. Some deodorants contain ingredients that irritate your skin, clog pores, or trigger allergic reactions. This can make existing bumps worse or cause new ones to form.
Watch out for:
- Fragrance: A common cause of allergic reactions
- Alcohol: Can dry out and irritate sensitive skin
- Aluminum compounds: May clog sweat glands and lead to bumps
If you notice more bumps after switching deodorants, you might be dealing with deodorant causing underarm bumps. Try switching to a formula made for sensitive skin.
Best Deodorant for Sensitive Underarms
If your armpits are prone to irritation, you need a product that calms, not triggers. The best deodorant for sensitive underarms should be:
- Fragrance-free or low-fragrance
- Aluminum-free
- Made with soothing ingredients like magnesium hydroxide or aloe
MAGS Skin deodorants are made for sensitive underarms. Our formulas use magnesium to fight odor without clogging pores or irritating your skin. That means fewer bumps and more confidence.
How to Treat Armpit Lumps the Right Way
Treatment depends on the type of bump. Here’s a quick guide to how to treat armpit lumps safely:
| Type of Bump | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Cyst | Warm compress, leave it alone, see a doctor if it grows or hurts |
| Boil | Warm compress, keep clean, see a doctor if it doesn’t drain |
| Ingrown Hair | Exfoliate gently, stop shaving, use soothing products |
Still unsure what kind of bump you have? If it’s very painful, growing fast, or not improving, check in with a healthcare provider. They can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Quick Takeaways: Understanding Types of Underarm Bumps
- Cyst vs boil vs ingrown hair: Each has different causes and treatments
- Cysts are usually painless lumps under the skin
- Boils are red, painful, and filled with pus
- Ingrown hairs are small, red bumps often caused by shaving
- Deodorants with harsh ingredients can trigger or worsen bumps
- MAGS Skin deodorants are gentle, clean, and made for sensitive underarms
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between a cyst and boil and how they compare to ingrown hairs can help you treat underarm bumps the right way. Start by identifying the type of bump. Then choose the right remedy. And if your deodorant is part of the problem, it’s time to make a switch.
At MAGS Skin, we believe skincare should work with your body. Not against it. Try our gentle, magnesium-based deodorants to help prevent bumps and keep your underarms calm, clean, and comfortable.