Armpit pain can be a new thing for you. It is possible to have pain under both armpits at the same time or just in one. It is of course uncomfortable but it can also mean that there’s something serious underneath. This is because it can signal several health conditions, even those like cancer, making it more necessary to find the cause and avoid complications. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what causes armpit pain and how it can be diagnosed and treated. Read on to know.
Understanding Armpit Pain
Also known as axillary pain, armpit pain can be a result of several factors. Your pain could be due to muscle strain or skin issues. It can also be a problem related to your nerves or lymph nodes. The pain can be more or less and may be accompanied by symptoms like swelling and redness, resulting in an armpit pain lump.
Causes of Armpit Pain
Your armpit pain can be temporary or a warning sign of something serious lying underneath. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Skin conditions: Left or right armpit pain no lump can be because of skin conditions like dermatitis, ingrown hair, and infections. The presence of a lump can indicate a different cause.
2. Lymph node enlargement: There can be instances where the lymph nodes in your armpit swell due to illnesses or infections, causing pain in that region.
3. Muscle strain: Pain in the shoulder and chest muscles can radiate to your armpit as well.
4. Nerve damage: If you are suffering from nerve-related conditions like nerve compression or neuropathy, they can also lead to pain in the armpit.
5. Breast conditions: There can be cysts or mastitis causing you the pain, or, in cases of pain under left armpit female, the pain can be a result of breast cancer.
6. Use of some specific products: Lastly, there may be some allergic reactions to skin products leading to this discomfort.
Diagnosing Pain Under the Armpits
The diagnosis of armpit pain consists of the doctor carrying out your physical examination and reviewing your medical history. You will be asked about your symptoms, the onset of pain, and its duration. Besides all this, you may also have to undergo several tests like blood tests and biopsies. Imaging tests like ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may also be recommended as per the need of your case in particular.
Treatment for Armpit Pain
The treatment of this pain is dependent on its cause. So, once the diagnosis is done and the cause of your symptoms is clearer, the doctor starts treating you accordingly. Here’s an overview of what treatment options will be used for specific causes:
1. For skin conditions: If your pain in the armpit/s is due to certain skin conditions, you may be prescribed some topical treatments or medications.
2. For muscle strains: This can be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers while making sure that you take the required amount of rest.
3. For infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medicines may be enough to curb infections.
4. For nerve-related problems: Physical therapy along with medicines can alleviate your nerve issues; surgery may be required in extreme cases.
Besides these treatment options for right or left armpit pain no lump, you can always be one step ahead by following some of the best practices. These include maintaining good health, eating a balanced diet, not wearing clothes that are very tight near the armpits, and using skin products that do not cause allergies or any other form of irritation to the skin.
Home Remedies and Prevention for Armpit Pain
There’s no lie in the good old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’. So, you can take the following steps to prevent armpit pain:
· Keep the area clean and dry at all times.
· Avoid shaving if you notice or feel any irritation in the armpit region.
· Use suitable products to minimise the risk of allergies and infections.
· Get a massage to reduce swelling by promoting circulation.
· Use a warm compress as it reduces lymph node swelling and eases pain.
· Use topical steroids such as antifungal or medicated creams to manage any skin conditions.
· You may also avoid hot temperatures, wear loose-fitting clothes, and apply moisturisers and other hydrating creams.
Even if you have developed pain in your armpit/s, you can try some home remedies to overcome it. You can do this by using warm compresses. This eases the muscle tension and swelling, if any, in that part of your body. You may also consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
Seeking Medical Attention for Armpit Pain
As mentioned, you can adopt home remedies and try to handle the pain under right armpit female on your own or with family support. However, if the pain still persists and affects your daily activities and quality of life, you must consult a doctor immediately. Here are some of the circumstances where you should do so:
· If the pain does not go away even after a few days, or worsens with time.
· If you feel a lump in the region, or swelling that is not going.
· If you feel any other significant changes in the armpit area.
· If there are other symptoms like fever, fatigue, and/or unexplained weight loss along with armpit pain.
Getting prompt medical attention will help address any underlying serious condition.
Conclusion
Do not worry, as armpit pain is usually curable, with most causes being treatable with ease. Being proactive upon finding anything unusual will keep you on the safer side even if there’s anything serious, for you will be in a position to better manage the same. You just need to be careful about your symptoms and should be active in getting medical help upon finding anything abnormal as soon as possible.
