Armpit pain has many causes. They can range from mostly a nuisance to serious conditions. You may have just pain. Or you could have other symptoms like a rash or swollen lymph nodes. Show
This article will look at what makes up the armpit (axilla), the many possible causes of armpit pain, how it's diagnosed, and your options for treatment and prevention. Causes of Armpit PainArmpit pain can be caused directly by problems with its many parts. The armpit is made up of structures like nerves, skin, sweat glands, blood vessels, lymph nodes, muscles, or bones. Conditions involving structures outside the armpit can cause referred pain—pain that comes from a different area than where it's felt. Some things may cause pain in only one armpit. Others can make both sides hurt. Muscle StrainAny of the muscles in and around the axilla can become painful from overuse and muscle strain. Activities that can cause this type of pain include:
Pressure on the muscles and other armpit structures (e.g., from using crutches) can cause significant pain. InjuriesArmpit pain often comes from injuries. Structures in the armpit can be injured in several ways. A vulnerable spot is the network of nerves forming the brachial plexus. It can be injured when an arm is forcefully pulled or flexed. Armpit pain may be caused by:
Other injuries in this region, including shoulder dislocations, can cause axilla pain. Skin IrritationIrritated skin in the armpit can lead to pain. This can be caused by:
Personal care products can cause either irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Those are both skin reactions to things that touch the skin. One is simple irritation while the other is an allergic reaction. Potentially problematic products include:
Rashes
InfectionsThe armpit's skin folds and warmth make it a good breeding ground for infection. Many of these are fungal or bacterial. Both local and systemic (bodywide) infections can lead to armpit pain. Some of these cause inflammation in the axilla. Others affect the lymph nodes in the armpit. Fungal Infections Fungal infections common to the armpit include:
Bacterial Infections Several common bacterial skin infections may lead to pain in the armpit. They're often associated with redness or swelling. Erythrasma is a common one. It begins as a pink rash that turns brown and scaly. It's often mistaken for a fungal infection. However, erythrasma is caused by the Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria. Other infections include:
Untreated boils may develop into an abscess. Generalized Infections Some generalized infections can cause painful, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. Enlarged Axillary Lymph NodesPain in the armpit may be accompanied by swollen, tender lymph nodes (lymphadenitis). The swelling may not be obvious early on. It may affect one or both sides. Axillary (armpit) lymph nodes may swell for a number of reasons. Common reasons include infections, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Systemic Infections Body-wide viral infections can cause pain and swelling in the lymph nodes. These can be:
Infections in nearby body parts may also drain to the lymph nodes in the axilla. That can cause pain and swelling. These other areas may be the:
Autoimmune Disease In autoimmune diseases, your immune system mistakes a healthy cell or tissue for something harmful, like a virus. It then launches an attack. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) sometimes lead to enlarged, painful lymph nodes in the armpit. Cancer Some cancers begin in the axillary lymph nodes. Others may spread to them. Lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, may begin in these lymph nodes. Many cancers can spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Some common ones include:
In some cases, lymph node pain and swelling may be the first sign of cancer. Infection: Lymph Node Symptoms
Cancer: Lymph Node Symptoms
Nerve CompressionNerve compression (pinched nerves) in the armpit may cause armpit pain. It's often a burning pain. You may also have weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hand or arm. Nerve compression may be caused by:
Heart DiseaseChest pain isn't always the primary symptom of heart disease. That's especially true in women. Sometimes, the first symptom is pain in the armpit. It's usually dull and achy. You may also have:
If you have symptoms that could signal a heart attack, call 911 or get emergency medical attention. ShinglesShingles is a painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster). This virus stays in your body forever. It usually lies dormant in the nerve roots. Sometimes, it reactivates and causes shingles. The first symptom is pain in the area served by that nerve (called a dermatome). A few days later, a painful rash usually develops. It's confined to the dermatome, as well. Reactivation in certain nerves can cause pain in or near the armpit. Other Causes
When to See a Healthcare ProviderYou should see your healthcare provider for armpit pain if:
Other concerning symptoms include:
It's also important to seek prompt care if you have signs of an infection, such as:
Even if your symptoms are mild but persist, make an appointment. Seek immediate care if your armpit pain is accompanied by:
DiagnosisYour healthcare provider has a range of tools for figuring out where armpit pain comes from. First, they'll likely ask a lot of questions about your pain and other symptoms. They'll want to know:
Other questions may be:
Next is a physical exam. Your provider will also look for any redness, rashes, lumps, or enlarged lymph nodes in your axilla. They'll probably also examine the areas surrounding your armpit. That includes your head and neck, arms, and chest. They may perform a neurological exam to check for nerve compression. A breast exam can help determine if it's cancer. (Expect this regardless of your sex. Anyone can get breast cancer.) Labs and TestsThe lab tests your provider orders depend on your symptoms and what they've found during a physical exam. You may be sent for a blood draw, urine test, or other types of testing. Tests may include:
ImagingFor some injuries, cancer, and other masses, you may have some imaging studies done. These may include:
ProceduresIf no diagnosis has been made by this point, or it's not a firm diagnosis, your healthcare provider may opt for other procedures. An important one for axillary pain is a biopsy. That's when a small tissue sample is collected and sent to the lab for analysis. It can help diagnose cancer. TreatmentThe treatment of armpit pain depends on the underlying cause. Some possible treatments include:
Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's treatment recommendations. PreventionMany causes of armpit pain can't be prevented. But some can. Here are some tips:
SummaryArmpit pain has many causes. They range from simple skin irritation or muscle strain to autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Diagnostic tests and treatment depend on your symptoms and what your healthcare provider finds or suspects. Some causes of armpit pain can't be prevented. However, using gentle products, soft clothing, and doing a pre-exercise warm-up may help you avoid irritation, allergies, and injuries. A Word From Verywell If you don't have an obvious rash or injury, it may take some time to diagnose your armpit pain. Ask your provider how to safely treat this pain while you await a diagnosis
and treatment plan. Most causes of armpit pain aren't serious and can be treated. Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the lymph nodes in my armpit hurt?Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are found in many areas of your body, including your neck, groin, and armpits. If they're swollen and painful, it's usually a sign that your body is fighting a viral infection such as: A common cold.
When should I worry about swollen lymph nodes in armpit?See your doctor if you're concerned or if your swollen lymph nodes: Have appeared for no apparent reason. Continue to enlarge or have been present for two to four weeks. Feel hard or rubbery, or don't move when you push on them.
What does it mean when your lymph node hurt?Painful lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The soreness usually goes away in a couple of days without treatment. The lymph node may not return to its normal size for several weeks.
Are painful armpit lumps cancerous?Armpit lumps are often a sign of infection that may require antibiotics. Some lumps are due to skin issues and need to be removed. Rarely, an armpit lump can be a sign of cancer. If you're worried about a lump, the best thing to do is contact your healthcare provider.
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