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What causes heat or feverish sensation in the armpit?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, fever in the armpit may be caused by non-breathable clothing, intense physical activity, folliculitis of the armpit, lymphadenitis, hyperhidrosis with infection, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, choose loose and breathable clothing, keep the armpits clean and dry, and promptly clean and change clothes after exercising.

Under normal circumstances, armpit heat may be caused by factors such as non-breathable clothing, intense exercise, folliculitis in the armpit, lymphadenitis, hyperhidrosis with infection, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Non-breathable Clothing

The armpits contain abundant sweat glands. Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing can hinder sweat evaporation, leading to heat accumulation and localized warmth. Switch to loose, breathable cotton clothing, keep the armpits dry, and avoid prolonged exposure to hot, stuffy environments.

2. Intense Exercise

After vigorous exercise, overall metabolism accelerates and heat production increases. The armpit sweat glands become highly active, and the combination of sweat and heat can create a sensation of local warmth. After exercising, promptly wipe away sweat from the armpits, change into clean clothes, and drink adequate water to help dissipate heat.

3. Armpit Folliculitis

Inflammation occurs when hair follicles in the armpit become infected with bacteria, causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Treatment under medical guidance may include mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or cefuroxime axetil tablets. Keep the armpit area clean and avoid squeezing the affected area.

4. Lymphadenitis

Infection from nearby tissues spreads to the lymph nodes in the armpit, causing swollen, tender lymph nodes accompanied by warmth. Under a doctor's supervision, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, roxithromycin dispersible tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets may be used. Rest well during treatment and maintain a light, healthy diet.

5. Hyperhidrosis with Infection

Excessive sweating leads to persistently moist conditions in the armpits, promoting bacterial growth and infection, which may result in warmth and odor. As directed by a physician, treatments may include aluminum chloride solution, Xuhan Ting granules, or cefaclor capsules. In severe cases, minimally invasive removal of apocrine glands may be considered.

In daily life, choose loose, breathable clothing and keep the armpits clean and dry; clean and change clothes promptly after exercise; avoid frequently pressing or irritating the armpit skin to reduce infection risk; maintain regular sleep patterns to strengthen immunity, and seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities occur.

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