Lump below armpit

[hzheng]

I'm 23 years old, male. I noticed a lump below the left armpit this morning in the shower. It's underneath the skin, pea-sized, and colorless. It's tender to touch, but otherwise I don't feel it.
Any idea what this might be? Should I be concerned with it being something serious?
Thanks all.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a boil, sebaceous cyst or swollen lymph node. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection along with other numerous causes. Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst below the surface of the skin and boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle be staph aureus.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.