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Suggest Treatment For Occupational Dermatitis And Swollen Lymph Nodes In Armpit

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Posted on Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Question: It all started with a itchy, scally, burning rash on my hands. It really started irratating me after not having it looked at for over two weeks. It started affecting my sleep and my hands were looking horrible. So finally i went and seen a doctor because my hands looked horrible. The doctor said it was occupational dermatitis that had became infected because i kept itching it and causing it to have pus. I am a hair stylist so my hands are always in hair XXXXXXX hair products, and water. So the doctor perscribed me a steroid and antibiotic. I took the medicine and it seem to go away but i continued working and it seem to come right back and at this time is when i noticed the the two swollen lymph nodes in my arm pit. One being under the arm rifht where the arm meets the arm pit and one being right at the start of the armpit but not mushed together. They are both on my right arm. They are both about the size of a marble and are a little hard and painless. So i went back in to the doctor to take care of my hands again and have the lumps checked out. He prescribed me more steroids to deal with the hands but no antibiotic this time. He said the lymph nodes were swollen because i just had an infection and that what happens. So i took the steroid again and the hands got better but the lymph nodes stayed the same. I continued working and a month later i still have the swollen lymph nodes and just a little irration to my hand, specifically my finger is still a little itchy and has a few little scales and cuts. After reading online about swollen lymph nodes that are firm and painless only associated with cancer i freaked out. I jave anxiety through the roof and i went back to my doctors and he was still convinced it was from my hand infection a month ago. So since i was so upset he ordered me a ultra sound of my armpit. I am still worried and cannot sleep and was wondering if this is lymphoma cancer or could it really be just swollen lymph nodes from my hand irratation/infection? The reason i ask is because google and all my online reseach convinced me that firm painless swollen lymph nodes are only asscoiated with cancer! Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Wear gloves while working, ask for FNAC

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
I have gone through your query.
Lymph nodes in axilla drain from hand and upper part of the breast. As you have mentioned that you had infection in hand, it might be due to this. Painless enlarged lymph nodes does not mean, that it is cancer. I would suggest you to relax and not be anxious.
You can ask the local doctor for Fine needle aspiration cytology, to confirm, and also you will be relieved of your anxiety.
I would also suggest you to wear gloves if possible while working, which will be beneficial in reducing your symptoms.

This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.

Hope this helps.
Take care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Occupational Dermatitis And Swollen Lymph Nodes In Armpit

Brief Answer: Wear gloves while working, ask for FNAC Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome. I have gone through your query. Lymph nodes in axilla drain from hand and upper part of the breast. As you have mentioned that you had infection in hand, it might be due to this. Painless enlarged lymph nodes does not mean, that it is cancer. I would suggest you to relax and not be anxious. You can ask the local doctor for Fine needle aspiration cytology, to confirm, and also you will be relieved of your anxiety. I would also suggest you to wear gloves if possible while working, which will be beneficial in reducing your symptoms. This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor. Hope this helps. Take care