Suggest Remedy For Tenderness In Armpit

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

Question: I have a tender right armpit. No rash. It has been getting steadily worse over the past six weeks. It feels sore and is uncomfortable all the time now. I cannot detected any swelling. I am a 57 yr old male, overweight.. 5 ft 9 and 230 pounds. My breasts are definitely flabby and bulge a bit into my torso under the arms. Never smoked, hardly ever drink. Thx.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. A detail examination is warranted.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. A persisting tenderness is alarming. It is because you might not feel anything but it may be harbouring small nodes which you can not palpate. Only a physician or surgeon can do this as armpit has 5 different groups of nodes situated in various areas.
If there are nodes then their cause needs to be looked after accordingly.
However if there are no nodes, then local cause for skin ailments needs to be looked after. Foremost is a detailed physical examination.
Very uncommonly it can be due to a neurological cause.
Please get back to me after an examination.
Fell free to ask further
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (28 minutes later)

Thanks for the reply but it doesn't seem very detailed. I could recommend I see a doctor myself. Perhaps it helps if I tell you that my armpit feels hot as well? What types of ailments could cause these symptoms please?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. causes can be varied

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir.
Most likely reason for tenderness which is there for so long is infected nodes. Infection sometimes can cause a low grade lymphangitis(inflammation of lymph vessels) which can cause pain.
Uncommonly it may be due to an occult(not obvious) tumor. it is shared with you not to afraid you but it is an uncommon possibility.
Pain can also be there due to brachial neuritis which is inflammation of nerves web in the undearm ( it is mostly infected in nature due to viral infection or inflammatory).
Some local skin conditions can also give rise to such picture like focal allergic phenomenon.
it can also be due to underlying muscle tenderness due to trivial trauma sustained during lifting weights or exercises.
As i have said earlier, practical approach will be a detailed physical examination which can narrow down our clinical diagnosis and then based on the clinical diagnosis appropriate investigations may be required.
Thanks and regards
Further queries are welcomed again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (17 hours later)

Thank you. This is the level of response that I was hoping for. I shall not get alarmed. I have booked a visit with my doctor for next week. I shall post any outcome for your information. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Get well soon and revert back.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir. Please revert back with your appointment results.
Thanks and regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D