Most of the time, the lump in the armpit is something not worrying and easy to solve, so it is not a reason to be alarmed. Some of the most common causes include a boil, inflammation of a hair follicle or sweat gland, or an enlarged lymph node, also known as tongue.
However, in some cases, it can also indicate dermatological changes, such as suppurative hydrosadenitis, and only in more rare cases can it indicate serious diseases, such as immunological, infectious diseases, or even cancer, which is only suspected when growing nodules appear. over time or that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss and night sweat.
In order to identify the cause of an armpit lump, it is recommended to see a dermatologist, general practitioner or family doctor, so that a clinical evaluation can be made and, if necessary, the order of tests that help determine the change.
1. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, which can be due to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection in the region, or even appear when the hair is ingrown. It can cause one or more small pimples, which can be painful, red or yellow due to the presence of pus, and cause itching.
What to do: After evaluating the region by the doctor and observing the severity of the injury, he may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce discomfort and antibiotics to fight the infection, which can be in ointment or pills. It may also be indicated to avoid shaving the skin until inflammation improves.
To prevent folliculitis, it is recommended to keep the skin always clean, dry and hydrated. Check out more about what it is and how to treat folliculitis.
2. Furuncle
The furuncle is also caused by the infection of the hair follicle, however, it is deeper and causes inflammation of the surrounding area, causing a larger, more reddish lump and producing a large amount of pus.
What to do: It is necessary to seek medical help to assess the region and indicate whether the boil should be drained. You can also advise antibiotics in an ointment or pill, as well as warm water compresses to speed recovery.
During the treatment of the furuncle, and to prevent new infections, it may be indicated to use antiseptic soap, wash with soap and water daily and after bursting, in addition to washing with clothing in contact with the region with boiling water. See more about boil symptoms and treatment.
3. Suppurative hydrosadenitis
Underarm suppurative hydrosadenitis is the inflammation of the sweat-producing glands in this region, causing the sweat to block out of the gland and the formation of painful lumps that leave scars on the skin.
What to do: Dermatologist evaluation is necessary, who will recommend treatments to reduce the symptoms of the affected region, such as antibiotic creams or steroid injection in the affected region. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected area and replace it with a graft.
Keeping the area clean, avoiding wearing tight clothing and making warm compresses in the area can also help with treatment. Check out more about what it is and how to treat suppurative hydrosadenitis.
4. Sebaceous cyst
The sebaceous cyst is a type of lump that appears under the skin, and that contains the accumulation of sebum, and can appear anywhere on the body. It is usually not painful, except when it is inflamed or infected, when it can be sore, hot and red.
What to do: The treatment is indicated by the dermatologist, and consists of compresses of warm water and use of anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, minor surgery may be required to remove the cyst.
Learn more about how to identify and treat sebaceous cyst.
5. Language
The tongue is the enlarged lymph node, which can arise due to any inflammation or infection of the arm, chest or breast region. This is because the lymph node is part of the immune system, and it can increase in size to produce more defense cells, to attack any germs that may cause problems in the body.
Most of the time, water is not a cause for concern, and can arise for several reasons, such as ingrown hair, folliculitis, furuncle, lymphadenitis, but they can also indicate a systemic disease, such as autoimmune disease or cancer, especially when they grow too much or are located in various parts of the body.
. The main causes include:
- Inflammation or infection of hair follicles; Infections, such as sporotrichosis, brucellosis, cat scratch disease, ganglion tuberculosis, among others; Autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis or sarcoidosis, for example; Cancer, such as breast cancer, lymphoma or leukemia.
Some signs that may indicate that the water is of concern are growing more than 2.5 cm, having a hard consistency, adhering to deep tissues and not moving, persisting for more than 30 days, being accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weight loss or night sweat or when it appears in various places on the body.
What to do: usually, the water disappears on its own after a few days or weeks of resolving the inflammation. The doctor's observation will be able to evaluate if it is really a tongue and if more tests are needed to investigate the cause.
Also check out other causes of enlarged lymph nodes in the body.
