7 Common Causes For Armpit Pain

Pain in the armpit might be unusual and annoying. It will cause anxiety and confusion as what is going on, especially, when there are lumps, soreness and severe pain. The cause for the pain might be simple due to an infection of sweat gland to serious conditions such as cancer in rare cases. Therefore, it is always better to look into the cause and get the right treatment. Here we have listed a few common causes for armpit pain so that you can seek proper medical advice without panic if you experience any such pain the next time.

Reasons For Armpit Pain

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes or glands are kidney shaped organs containing immune cells. They are found throughout the body, but more concentrated in groin, armpits and neck region. When your body is infected by virus or bacteria, these glands enter active production state, which can result in the inflammation of the gland. Again, if there is any cut or infection in the lymph gland, it will lead to inflammation and pain. Your doctor might advice antibiotic treatment, warm compress and if required an abscess drain might be carried out to reduce inflammation.

2. Acne Inversa

Acne Inversa, also known as Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition caused due to inflammation of sweat glands resulting in the formation of sore lumps. The condition is common in areas where the skin rubs together more frequently such as armpits, buttock, groin, etc. This can also occur when hair follicles in the armpits are blocked. It is a very painful condition that would require medical advice. Antibiotic therapy, medication and a minor operation to drain the pus might be advised in severe conditions.

3. Allergy

A lump or soreness in the armpit might be a result of an allergic reaction. Chemicals in certain soaps, deodorants or antiperspirants and even some clothing might cause such allergies. It might cause itching, rashes, irritation and pain. Discontinuing the uses of the allergy causing substance and right treatment will help cure armpit soreness.

4. Cold

Common cold generally causes weakness and low energy, which result in pain and aches all over the body including the armpits. Especially, if there is any upper respiratory tract infection or congestion, it might cause armpit pain. Once the infection is gone, the pain will subside.

5. Muscle Strain

Strain or pull in the pectoral muscles that connect the chest with the upper arm could cause intense pain the armpits. When you exercise without warm up or stretch more while lifting something or during sports activity, the muscles might get strained or sprained resulting in pain. Minimizing physical activity for a few days, using cold and heat compress, pain-relieving medications can help relieve muscle strain.

6. Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus is a network of nerves that is found in the neck and shoulder region. It extends through the armpit. These nerves could be damaged due to pressure, stretching, traction or trauma. In severe cases, there are chances for the nerves to tear away from the cervical spine roots too. Besides causing pain in the armpit, people suffering from this injury might also experience numbness and tingling sensation in the arm with reduced motor control.

7. Cysts

As your underarm region is moist, warm and dark, it is a perfect environment for developing cysts, which are small sacs of fluid and debris. Although cysts are generally harmless, sometimes it can cause severe armpit pain. Also, it is important to check these cysts to rule out the possibility of cancer.