8 causes of armpit pain and its treatment
Underarm pain occurs for multiple reasons, ranging from simple causes to complications and serious health problems, and many associate the feeling of pain in this area with cancer, and in this article we will learn about the many reasons for feeling this pain.
Causes of pain under the armpit
The feeling of pain in this area occurs for several reasons, and the pain may occur on the right or left side, and here we will learn about some of these reasons:
1. Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is a condition that causes severe chest pain due to a temporary lack of blood flow to the heart, and this occurs because the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen to function efficiently, and one of the symptoms that results from angina is pain under the left armpit and arm, in addition to feeling tired, dizziness and difficulty Breathing and pain in the neck, jaw and chest.
2. Allergic reactions
The use of deodorants, perfumes and shower gels can lead to allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin, which can lead to underarm pain and other symptoms such as inflammation, itching, rash, and swelling.
3. Shaving
The use of sharp or unsanitized razors causes pain in this area, which increases the risk of infection and inflammation of the hair follicles, painful blisters and hair under the skin. To avoid this pain, care must be taken to disinfect the razor blade and moisturize the skin after shaving.
4. Infection
Pain in this area occurs due to a bacterial infection of the skin, which causes skin irritation, pain and swelling, and pain may occur due to inflammation of the thyroid glands, a condition that occurs due to blockage of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, especially under the armpit, causing symptoms such as the recurrence of boils and abscesses. .
5. Muscular tension
Muscle tension occurs for people who regularly exercise, such as weightlifting, and muscle tension may cause pain in this area and the muscles of the arm, and this pain often goes away within a week, and if the pain increases for this period, a specialist doctor must be consulted.
6. Herpes zoster
Shingles is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes a rash on the back, chest, and underarms, which may progress to burning and tingling sensations.
7. Breast cancer
Breast cancer begins without painful symptoms, but among its symptoms is a swelling under the armpit with a lump in this place, and in the event of any of these symptoms, a specialist doctor must be consulted.
8. Underarm pain before period
Tenderness and pain in a woman’s breasts is a common symptom before and during her period, and this pain may sometimes extend to the underarm area
Does cold cause underarm pain?
Sometimes pain occurs in this area as a result of swollen lymph nodes, which appear in many areas of the body such as the armpit and neck, and when pain and swelling occur in these areas, this indicates the body’s resistance to a viral infection, including colds, sore throat and measles infection that It affects the respiratory system and spreads quickly, and infection of the ear and teeth, and when these nodes swell, symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, fever and sweating during sleep appear.
When should a doctor be consulted?
It is imperative to consult a specialist doctor quickly when feeling pain in this area when noticing the following:
- When the swelling lasts more than two weeks, or when it gets worse.
- When the swelling becomes lumpy and does not move when touched.
- When the swelling spreads to more than one area of the body next to the armpit, such as the neck, for example.
- When the swelling becomes painless.
- Symptoms such as fever, sweating during sleep, and abnormal weight loss.
Underarm pain treatment
The treatment of pain in this area depends on the cause of the pain, and the appropriate treatment is determined according to the following:
- If the cause of the pain is muscle tension, this can be treated by taking enough rest and placing ice on the site of pain, and when feeling better, a hot pat can be placed on the site of pain, which contributes to improving blood circulation and practicing some stretching exercises.
- Shingles can be treated with antiviral and narcotic pain medications, and topical creams can be used to relieve pain.
- If the cause of the pain is breast cancer, the woman undergoes chemotherapy or radiation therapy to remove the tumor.
- If the cause of the pain is skin sensitivity to some perfumes or deodorants, the use of these types can be avoided, and if sensitivity occurs, it is treated with topical soothing creams or antibiotics.
- In the case of swollen lymph nodes due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are treated, and in the case of a viral infection, it takes more time for the swelling to subside, and one of the things that can help reduce the pain is to put a warm piece of clothing on the site of the pain.
After identifying the causes of armpit pain, this pain may refer to simple causes that can be avoided, such as avoiding the use of some products that cause skin sensitivity, and may indicate serious complications, so it is best to consult a specialist as soon as you feel pain in this area.