Painful armpit lumps

[m_key]

A few days ago, I noticed a small lump under my right arm (on my right armpit). It wasn't painful at that time, but when I touched it while taking a bath, it started getting painful after that. Right now there are 2 lumps, one above the other on my right armpit, about 1.7cm by 1.3 cm, oval-shaped. The top one is slightly smaller than the bottom one. They are causing me pain whenever I move my arm, lean on my right side or lift my arm.

I am 20, I shave and have used deodarant with these ingredients respectively:

Deodarant 1:

Aluminium Chlorohydrate 17%
Triclosan 0.1%
Lactose and Milk Protein (Lactis Potassium) 0.05%
Aqua
Glycerin
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Steareth-2
Cyclomethicone
Steareth-21
Perfume
Dimethicone
Allantoin
BHT


Deodorant 2:

Propylene Glycol
Purified Water
Sodium Stearate
Witch Hazel Extract
Cocamide Dea
Oak Gall Extract
Glycine
Arginine
Leucine
Extracts of Eucalyptus
Sage & Myrrh
Fragrance Oils
No Aluminium Chlorohydrate

Last year (or two years ago) I remember feeling a similar lump on my right armpit, but it wasn't painful and I forgot about it, but it didn't go away. I think that might be one of the lumps now. I have also had contact with cats and kittens (I read up on cat scratch disease). I had my last period about a week ago and 2 days ago, I had an injury on my right hand, I got cut by sharp metal, but I didn't wash it with soap, I only applied some topical ointment I normally use (ingredients unknown).

Is there a doctor who can explain what's happening?

Thank you very much.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of help.

It is nice to know that you are doing better now and your symptoms are gradually resolving.

You should consult your doctor if the symptoms reappear.

Let us know if you need any further information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[m_key]

Dear Dr Bhumika,

The swelling has subsided almost completely- the lumps aren't even painful anymore! But the lumps are still there, but very much smaller.

Thanks again for your advice! I was worried that it might be cancerous. =)

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This looks to be due to some infection most probably.

You should avoid using a deodorant, shaving or waxing the area for  a few days and try to maintain good personal hygiene. Wear lose , comfortable clothes and take a pain relief medication if the pain is severe.

If the symptoms persist, it would be best to consult your doctor. An ultrasound would help in establishing whether the lesion is solid or cystic.

Let us know if you have any more doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[m_key]

Dear Dr Bhumika,

Thanks for replying me. I'm 20 years old and I noticed the lumps a few days ago. The pain isn't so bad anymore, I'm hoping they'll subside on their own. Thanks for your advice too, if it gets bad, I'll go and see a doctor.

Thank you.

P/s: How would an ultrasound help?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How old are you? Since how long have you noticed the lumps?

Underarm lumps are axillary lymph nodes which could be enlarged secondary to infection or even trauma. They are usually enlarged when a new deodorant is used, after shaving or waxing the underarm area.

In your case the cut could also be responsible for the underarm lumps.

You should avoid using a deodorant, shaving or waxing the area for  a few days and try to maintain good personal hygiene. Wear lose , comfortable clothes and take a pain relief medication if the pain is severe.

Have you got an ultrasound done as yet and have you got a clinical examination got done by a physician? This would help in coming to a confirmed diagnosis.

Let us know if you have any more doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hope this helps.

Regards.