You may have ever had armpit pain. Given that numerous blood vessels, tendons, and nerves are found in this body part, it is not entirely strange that you may experience certain discomforts.
This discomfort is usually caused by a mild infection or inflammation of small lymph nodes. However, this could also be an early symptom of breast cancer. For this reason, it is essential to consult a specialist doctor to identify the cause of this discomfort.
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Symptoms that accompany armpit pain
The armpit is a delicate and sensitive human body region that can be affected by many conditions. The symptoms generally range from mild discomfort to severe irritation and discomfort. Some of the most characteristic symptoms that can accompany armpit pain are the following:
- Lumps.
- Swelling.
- Burning in the area.
- Itch.
- Numbness.
- Changes in skin coloration.
11 causes of armpit pain
Below we will mention the 11 leading causes that can trigger armpit pain.
1. Pulled armpit muscle
Several arm and chest muscles pass through the armpit, such as the pectoralis major, the rotator cuff, and the coracobrachialis muscle. A sudden sharp pain in the armpit characterizes the strain of these muscles.
In general, it is suffered by people who lift weights or perform similar exercises. Sports such as baseball and tennis can also injure the muscles and tendons located at this level.
Muscle tension causes weakness, stiffness, fatigue, and sometimes burning. To solve it, you have to reduce inflammation and avoid moving this part of the body so as not to damage the torn muscles.
Cold compresses are recommended for 20 minutes or opt for anti-inflammatories. But above all, it is recommended to rest between 3 and 6 weeks. The doctor may indicate using analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to reduce armpit pain and inflammation.
2. Axillary lymphadenitis
Lymph nodes are part of a complex network of organs of the immune system that participate in the defense of the human body and the destruction of harmful agents. The condition known as axillary lymphadenitis appears when the lymph nodes are inflamed.
Typically, this condition occurs under the neck, groin, and armpits. Among its most characteristic symptoms are:
- Fever.
- Swelling.
- Pain to touch.
- Redness and numbness.
Axillary lymphadenitis is typically due to an infection. However, it can also result from more severe conditions. Doctors perform a blood test to determine the cause; in some cases, a biopsy is done to rule out the possibility of cancer.
3. Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris presents as severe pain in the center of the chest. This is due to a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. This sensation can spread to other body parts, such as the armpits, shoulders, neck, and back. In addition, people may present:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Palpitations.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- excessive sweating
4. Hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease characterized by the appearance of nodules, scars, or abscesses in areas with apocrine sweat glands. This means it is widespread for it to occur in the armpits.
The bumps create tunnels under the skin, which block the follicles. It usually manifests as burning, itching, and excessive sweating in the armpits. Over time, this area hardens and changes color and may even release pus. Risk factors include :
- Overweight.
- Smoking.
- Low defenses.
- Hormonal alteration.
5. Breast cancer
The fact that breast cancer is one of the possible causes of armpit pain does not mean that it is the only one, so there is no need to be alarmed. However, the goal is to prevent.
This type of cancer begins with the attack of cells in the milk-producing ducts. It can also start in glandular tissue. If the nodes are very inflamed, they may affect the area of the armpits. Some of the symptoms that can appear in the case of breast cancer are :
- Inverted nipple.
- Lump in the chest.
- Redness and itching in the area.
- Desquamation around the nipple.
- Change in the shape and size of the gland.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, you should have a mammogram or biopsy, as indicated by the doctor, to find the cause of the pain and determine if it is breast cancer.
6. Sebaceous cyst
A small soft nodule under the skin contains sebum and dead skin cells. These can appear spontaneously or result from an injury from shaving or waxing the armpits.
In most cases, these cysts do not cause symptoms. However, these bumps are susceptible to infection, causing severe pain, redness, and tenderness in the armpit. In general, it is recommended to see a dermatologist to drain the cyst and start antibiotic treatment if necessary.
7. Intertrigo
Moisture, poor hygiene, and friction from skin folds, such as the armpits and groin, favor fungal infections. Intertrigo is a skin mycosis produced by the fungus Candida albicans. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of this disease.
Studies affirm that this condition manifests with reddish plaques, bumps, itching, and intense pain in the affected area. Treatment is based on the use of topical antifungals and proper hygiene of the armpits.
8. Allergic reaction
The armpits, like other body areas, are also susceptible to developing allergic reactions. Research states that axillary fold dermatitis caused by friction between clothing and skin is frequently seen in atopic individuals. Other substances that can trigger an allergic reaction in the armpits are the following:
- Perfume and cosmetics.
- Deodorants and antiperspirants.
- Depilatory creams.
- Detergents.
- Body soaps.
9. Shingles or herpes zoster
Herpes zoster is a painful skin condition resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus contained in the nerves, according to studies. It usually presents as a rash of grouped vesicles in the intercostal region, armpits, and face.
Intense neurological pain, fever, swollen glands, and general malaise accompany these lesions. The lesions usually disappear spontaneously after 1 to 2 weeks.
10. Reflux or heartburn
In medical terms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux or indigestion. Stomach cells secrete a series of acidic liquids that help digest food.
Sometimes, the muscle weakens, and gastric acids rise to the esophagus, which causes burning in the chest area and can spread to other sites, even causing pain in the armpits.
11. Anxiety
Sometimes armpit pain can occur due to somatization. This means that there is not a physiological problem that is causing damage to the nodes; the body perceives pain due to prolonged stress or anxiety.
People with anxiety come to worry intensely and constantly, which causes them to feel physical discomfort. In these cases, it is recommended that they practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. If you cannot suppress the symptoms, it is recommended that you go to the doctor so that he can prescribe the most appropriate drugs to combat it.
Avoid self-medication
You must evaluate the situation that may be causing the armpit pain before taking ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter medication. Remember that consuming a drug of this type can hide the symptoms and prolong the problem.