What causes armpit pain?
Sep 06, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, armpit pain is caused by intense exercise, cold exposure, folliculitis, lymphadenitis, or hidradenitis suppurativa. Prolonged or strenuous physical activity may lead to strain of the muscles or ligaments in the armpit area, causing pain. Staying for extended periods in a cold environment or in overly air-conditioned spaces may cause contraction of local smooth muscles, resulting in discomfort. It is important to stay warm and appropriately increase indoor temperature.
Under normal circumstances, armpit pain may be caused by factors such as intense exercise, cold exposure, folliculitis, lymphadenitis, or hidradenitis suppurativa. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Intense Exercise
Prolonged or strenuous physical activity may lead to strain of the muscles or ligaments in the armpit area, causing pain. Appropriate stretching and relaxation exercises are recommended.
2. Cold Exposure
Remaining in a cold environment for extended periods or being exposed to excessively low air conditioning temperatures may cause local smooth muscle contraction in the armpit, resulting in pain. It is important to stay warm and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise.
3. Folliculitis
The armpits contain numerous hair follicles. When follicular drainage is obstructed, bacterial infection can easily occur, leading to folliculitis and localized pain. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as red follicular papules, pustules, and itching. Treatment may include topical medications such as mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, or compound polymyxin B ointment, used under a doctor's guidance.
4. Lymphadenitis
Inflammation or infection in areas such as the breast or chest wall may spread to the axillary lymph nodes, causing lymphadenitis and resulting in armpit pain. Common accompanying symptoms include tender lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin V potassium tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or compound acetylsalicylic acid tablets, taken as prescribed by a physician.
5. Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Excessive sweating, seborrhea, and keratinous blockage of apocrine glands can allow pathogens to invade sweat glands, hair follicles, and their connected ducts, rapidly multiplying and causing suppurative hidradenitis, which leads to armpit pain. Symptoms often include purplish-dark skin discoloration, unpleasant odor, and swelling. Treatment should be guided by a physician and may involve medications such as doxycycline hydrochloride capsules, cefradine capsules, or fusidic acid sodium ointment.
It is recommended to maintain good hygiene practices and engage in appropriate physical activity regularly to promote overall health.
