What causes armpit hair pain?
Oct 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Pain in the underarm hair area usually refers to pain in the armpit hair follicles, which may be caused by pathogen infection or conditions such as eczema, folliculitis, herpes zoster, lymphadenitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa triggered by allergies. To prevent ongoing progression of the condition and its impact on daily life, patients are advised to seek timely medical treatment for proper management and symptom improvement. Meanwhile, maintain a light diet and ensure adequate rest.
Axillary hair pain usually refers to pain in the armpit hair follicles, which may be caused by pathogen infections or allergic conditions such as eczema, folliculitis, herpes zoster, lymphadenitis, or hidradenitis suppurativa.
1. Eczema
If the skin under the arm is irritated by allergens such as dust mites or pollen, an immune response may occur, leading to symptoms including itching, pain, and redness. Under medical guidance, antihistamine medications can be used to suppress histamine release and alleviate allergic symptoms to promote recovery. Commonly used drugs include chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, and loratadine tablets.
2. Folliculitis
Infection of hair follicles by Staphylococcus aureus or fungi, or damage or irritation to the follicles or skin, may trigger an inflammatory response, manifesting as red papules in the armpit accompanied by swelling, pain, and itching. Topical antibiotic medications should be used as directed. Common options include mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, and compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream, which help inhibit or eliminate bacteria and control inflammation to improve symptoms.
3. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
When the body's immunity decreases, infection with the herpes virus may lead to shingles. Viral replication and irritation in localized skin areas can cause abnormal symptoms such as blisters, rashes, erythema, and neuralgia. Under a doctor’s advice, antiviral medications may be used. Common drugs include acyclovir dispersible tablets, valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, and acyclovir tablets, which inhibit viral replication, help control disease progression, and improve clinical symptoms.
4. Lymphadenitis
Bacteria, fungi, or viruses may enter through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes and invade lymph nodes in the armpit, causing an inflammatory response. This can result in swollen, painful lymph nodes, fever, and other discomforts. Antibacterial medications should be taken as prescribed by a physician. Commonly used drugs include amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, and cefuroxime axetil tablets, which help control infection and promote recovery.
5. Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Dysfunction of the immune system, excessive smoking, or genetic factors may lead to excessive keratinization and blockage of hair follicles, triggering inflammation. This can result in one or more firm subcutaneous nodules under the arm, accompanied by pain and tenderness. Retinoid medications applied topically under medical supervision can help reduce epithelial cell keratinization and inhibit bacterial growth to relieve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include isotretinoin erythromycin gel, tretinoin cream, and isotretinoin gel.
To prevent ongoing disease progression and its impact on daily life, patients are advised to seek timely medical treatment for proper management and symptom improvement. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and adequate rest is recommended.
