Armpit Pain
Pain or tenderness in the underarm area
Quick Facts
- Type: Musculoskeletal / lymphatic symptom
- Common causes: Muscle strain, swollen lymph nodes, skin issues
- Often with: A lump, redness, or arm pain
- See a doctor if: A persistent lump, severe pain, or fever
Overview
Armpit (axillary) pain is discomfort in the underarm area, where muscles, lymph nodes, blood vessels, nerves, and skin all come together. Because so many structures pass through this region, armpit pain can have many causes, from a simple muscle strain or skin irritation to swollen lymph nodes responding to an infection. The pain may be sharp, aching, or tender to the touch, and may involve a lump.
Most armpit pain is minor and short-lived, often related to overuse, shaving, or deodorant irritation. However, a persistent lump, severe or worsening pain, or pain with signs of infection deserves evaluation. In some cases, armpit pain can also be related to the breast or, rarely, can be a referred sensation from the chest.
Common Causes
Armpit pain can arise from several structures:
- Muscle strain or overuse: Lifting, sports, or repetitive arm movements can strain chest and shoulder muscles near the armpit.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Often tender, they enlarge in response to infections in the arm, breast, or elsewhere.
- Skin irritation and infection: Shaving, deodorant, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, or boils can cause local pain.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition that causes painful lumps in the armpits.
- Contact dermatitis: An allergic or irritant rash from products applied to the underarm.
- Nerve irritation: Compression or irritation of nerves passing through the area.
- Breast-related causes: Breast tissue extends toward the armpit and can cause pain or lumps.
- Referred causes: Less commonly, chest or heart-related pain can be felt in this region.
Associated Symptoms
The symptoms that come with armpit pain help point to the cause:
- A tender or firm lump or swelling
- Redness, warmth, or a rash on the underarm skin
- Pus-filled bumps or boils
- Pain that worsens with arm movement (suggesting a muscle cause)
- Swollen lymph nodes elsewhere, fever, or signs of infection
- Breast changes or a breast lump
Pain with chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw could indicate a heart problem and needs emergency care.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
A clinician evaluates armpit pain by examining the area and asking about activity, skin care, and other symptoms.
- Physical exam: Feeling for lumps, lymph nodes, tenderness, and skin changes, and checking arm movement.
- History: Recent infections, injuries, new products, and any breast symptoms.
- Imaging: Ultrasound or, when relevant, mammography to evaluate lumps or lymph nodes.
- Blood tests: If infection or another systemic cause is suspected.
- Further evaluation: Of any persistent or unexplained lump.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the cause; many cases respond to simple measures:
- Rest and gentle care: For muscle strain, rest the arm and avoid aggravating activities.
- Warm or cool compresses: To ease discomfort and soothe swollen nodes or strained muscles.
- Skin care: Switch to gentle, fragrance-free products, avoid harsh shaving, and treat ingrown hairs.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Such as anti-inflammatory medicine, if appropriate for you.
- Antibiotics: For a skin or lymph node infection when prescribed.
- Treating underlying conditions: Such as hidradenitis suppurativa or a breast-related cause.
- Drainage: A clinician may drain a large or painful boil or abscess.
Because the armpit contains so many different structures, it helps to notice what makes the pain better or worse. Pain that clearly worsens with arm movement points toward a muscle or joint cause, while a tender lump suggests a swollen lymph node, and pain centered on the skin with redness or bumps suggests a skin cause. Avoiding tight clothing, harsh deodorants, and aggressive shaving gives irritated underarm skin a chance to recover. Keeping the area clean and dry, and not squeezing boils or lumps, reduces the risk of spreading infection. Any lump that does not settle within a few weeks deserves a proper check.
When to See a Doctor
See a clinician if armpit pain:
- Comes with a lump that is firm, growing, or does not go away in a few weeks
- Is severe, worsening, or not improving with self-care
- Has signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever
- Is associated with a breast lump or breast changes
Seek emergency care if armpit or chest pain comes with chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, as these can be signs of a heart problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pain in the armpit?
Common causes include muscle strain from arm use, swollen lymph nodes from an infection, and skin problems such as irritation from shaving or deodorant, ingrown hairs, or boils. Breast tissue near the armpit and, less often, nerve or referred pain can also be involved.
Should I worry about a lump with armpit pain?
A tender lump is often a swollen lymph node reacting to an infection and may settle on its own. But a lump that is firm, growing, painless, or lasts more than a few weeks should be checked by a clinician to determine the cause.
Can deodorant cause armpit pain?
Yes. Deodorants, antiperspirants, and shaving can irritate the underarm skin or trigger an allergic rash, causing pain, redness, and itching. Switching to a gentle, fragrance-free product and avoiding harsh shaving often helps.
When is armpit pain an emergency?
Seek emergency care if armpit or chest pain comes with chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, since these can signal a heart problem. Rapidly spreading redness with fever also needs urgent care.
How can I relieve armpit pain at home?
Rest the arm if it is a muscle strain, use warm or cool compresses, switch to gentle skin products, and consider an over-the-counter pain reliever if suitable for you. See a clinician if the pain is severe, persistent, or comes with a lump or signs of infection.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Swollen lymph nodes and armpit problems.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hidradenitis suppurativa.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Swollen lymph nodes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Skin infections.