What causes swollen and painful lymph nodes under the arm?
May 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Swollen and painful lymph nodes under the arm may be caused by conditions such as trauma, mastitis, or rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The skin in the armpit area is relatively delicate and lacks sufficient fat protection. If the armpit region suffers external impact, resulting in soft tissue injury and rupture of local capillaries, swollen and painful lymph nodes may occur—this is considered a normal physiological response.
Under normal circumstances, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the armpit may be caused by conditions such as trauma, mastitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
1. Trauma
The skin in the armpit area is relatively delicate and lacks sufficient fat protection. If the armpit suffers external impact, soft tissue injury and rupture of local capillaries may occur, leading to swollen and painful lymph nodes. This is a normal physiological response. Typically, symptoms gradually subside as the injury heals.
2. Mastitis
Mastitis is a common breast condition. If a patient is breastfeeding, cracked nipples during nursing or prolonged compression of the breast can prevent proper milk drainage, triggering an inflammatory reaction within the breast tissue and potentially causing mastitis. Inflammatory factors can activate the immune system, resulting in localized lymphocyte proliferation and consequently causing swollen and painful lymph nodes. It is recommended that patients take medications such as oxacillin sodium tablets or enteric-coated erythromycin tablets under medical guidance. Additionally, emptying the breast milk regularly helps promote recovery.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation gradually damages joint structures, affecting synovial membranes and soft tissues such as tendons. Immune system dysregulation may lead to symptoms including lymph node swelling and pain. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for treatment with medications such as iguratimod tablets or tofacitinib citrate tablets.
Besides the above, swollen and painful armpit lymph nodes may also result from other serious conditions such as lymphoma or leukemia. If the swelling and pain persist for an extended period or are accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.
