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What does it mean if there is a painful lump under the armpit?

Sep 06, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Painful lumps under the armpit may be caused by growth and development, exercise injury, folliculitis, lymphadenitis, or sebaceous cysts. It is important to get adequate rest, avoid staying up late, maintain a positive mindset, and wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction. Regarding diet, opt for light and清淡 foods, as these measures can help prevent and alleviate symptoms of painful lumps under the armpit.

In general, a painful lump under the armpit may be caused by growth and development, exercise injury, folliculitis, lymphadenitis, or sebaceous cysts. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Growth and Development

During puberty or early adulthood, lymph nodes in the armpit area may slightly enlarge. This is a normal physiological phenomenon related to growth and development and usually does not require special treatment.

2. Exercise Injury

Intense physical activity or trauma may cause strain or inflammation of muscles and ligaments in the armpit area, resulting in a painful lump. Timely rest, ice application, and local massage can help relieve pain.

3. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is usually caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles. Under inflammatory stimulation, hard lumps or pustules may appear in the armpit, accompanied by pain. Symptoms may also include redness, swelling, and itching around the follicles. Treatment may include medications such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or cefuroxime axetil tablets, used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis often results from inflammation in the surrounding drainage areas affecting the lymph nodes. Armpit lymph nodes may swell and become painful due to inflammatory stimulation. Symptoms may also include fever and fatigue. Patients may take medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, or penicillin V potassium granules as directed by a physician.

5. Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst forms when the excretory duct of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, causing the cystic epithelium to gradually expand due to accumulating contents. Infection and inflammation of such cysts in the armpit can increase internal pressure and stimulate surrounding tissues, leading to pain. Additional symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and pus formation. Treatment options, as advised by a doctor, may include erythromycin ointment, prulifloxacin tablets, or azithromycin capsules.

In daily life, it is important to get adequate rest, avoid staying up late, maintain a positive mindset, and wear loose clothing to reduce friction. Regarding diet, opt for light foods and avoid spicy, irritating foods such as grilled items or spicy hot pot, all of which can help prevent and alleviate symptoms of painful lumps under the armpit.

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