Painful lump under arm

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi, when washing this morning I felt a sore spot in left armpit and there is a small painful lump deep in the tissue, the skin is not red. I am not too concerned as it is painful especially when my arm is down. I do have a cold and I have recently started taking HRT at 56 so wondered if it could be either of those. Do not want to rush off to GP too soon. Any ideas appreciated.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I get these all the time. I is usually caused by my deoderant. It plugs up sweat glands that become inflammed and painful. When it happens to me I stop using my deoderant for a few days and it gets better. Try this if it gets worse go to your doctor it could be a lymph node but that is unlikely. I really think you have a plugged gland and it will get better.
  • Posted

    Could be an infected cyst. Do you shave under your arms?..this can sometimes cause painful infected lumps. It will probably disperse on its own. You could try putting hot compresses on it but if it doesnt settle or becomes very painful you may need antibiotics.   Unlikely to be anything malignant....breast cancer lumps are usually painless.
    • Posted

      I am on HRT as well but this hasn't caused this problem in me. I guess it depends on weather you are a man or woman. Men don't shave their arm pits. If you shave then yes it can be an infected folicule. Either way it should get better unless it is an abcess. If it is an abcess then it will be inflammed and red. It can feel hot due to bacterial activity. To me it does sound like a clogged sweat gland and those usually don't become an abcess, but they can if you keep using the antipersperant type deoderant. If it gets red and inflammed it is time to see a doctor as an abcess will not go away without medical intervention. I hope you feel better soon.
  • Posted

    Hi youngatheart1

    It could be a number of things, like deoderant right up too swollen Lynmph Nodes.

    Have you got a high temperature with your cold or starting HRT ?

    At the end of the day, it probabaly should be seen by your doctor, you never know.

    All the best for you.

    Kev  (UK)  lol

  • Posted

    Thanks for all of your replies, I hadn't thought about deodorant or shaving, today it is painful but not so lumpy or hot. Will try leaving off deodorant and yes I did shave earlier in the week so maybe that is the cause. Thought I would see what it was like later in the week and see GP if still there. Nice to know it is not an unusual occurence judging by your responses. Thanks again

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.