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Suggest Treatment For Bumps In The Armpit

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Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Question: I am concerned about a bump under my left armpit. I thought perhaps it was from my deodorant. I was using one that was old, but stopped. I started to use a more natural one without all the chemicals. However, it's still there. Anyway, I uploaded a picture for your review. Please let me know if I should be concerned. I have been doing research on this on the internet and your forum. It's not discolored. Does not bleed. And it does not itch. It's small and just a bit raised. How concerned should I be about this? Do I need to get lab work done? What is this? I look forward to hearing back from you and would appreciate an honest answer. Thank you! Does it have something to do with lymph nodes? I thought maybe it was a stretched muscle or body changing from age, after years of working out.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please attach a photo of it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Can you please attach a photo of this lump? Otherwise it will be extremely hard to give valuable answer.

Generally under the armpit we can find superficial lumps (just below the skin) and deep lumps. This deep lumps (it is necessary to palpate really deeply to feel them) are usually lymph nodes.
Superficial lumps are usually visible from the outside and easily palpated right under the skin. If thats what seem to be your lump, there is no need to worried. Most likely this lump is a hair follicle infection due to shaving or deodorant usage indeed. And if its superficial (and you are not a skinny person), there is no need to perform any blood work or other tests. All you have to do in such case is wash it with water and soap and use sterile shaver.

This is the best I can tell not being able to see it. So please attach a photo of it if that possible. Or at least please describe how you palpate it and how deep it is located.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (28 hours later)
I uploaded 2 pictures for your review. It does not appear to be a deep lump at this time. However, will it become one? There are no hair follicles over this bump. Yes, I am an average built person for my weight. No, I am not over weight, as u can tell by the picture.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is not a lymph node.

Detailed Answer:
This really does not look like a lymph node. Its just under the skin and looks typically to skin changed caused by shaving. Even if you do not see hair follicles over the lump, it seems to be it.
Lymph nodes are usually much deeper in the armpit.

So please follow as instructed above (use sterile shaver and wash it with water and soap). If this wont help, you may consult your doctor and have armpits and breasts ultrasound. But it does not seem to be necessary at this point.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (5 hours later)
How many days should I give this to get better? It has now been there for 2 weeks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Give it a week.

Detailed Answer:
You can give it one more week. If no improvement that go for an ultrasound.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (14 hours later)
What can I do in the time while awaiting? IS there anything I can do to make it go away? Can I go to a ER to get that done-ultrasound?

It's not that deep into the skin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
There is not much you can do at home.

Detailed Answer:
Well, if it wont go away by its own, the best method is its incision and drainage. Unfortunately you wont be able to do that at home.
And as this is not an urgent condition, ER visit is not a good idea. You should rather get scheduled to such ultrasound.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Bumps In The Armpit

Brief Answer: Please attach a photo of it. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Can you please attach a photo of this lump? Otherwise it will be extremely hard to give valuable answer. Generally under the armpit we can find superficial lumps (just below the skin) and deep lumps. This deep lumps (it is necessary to palpate really deeply to feel them) are usually lymph nodes. Superficial lumps are usually visible from the outside and easily palpated right under the skin. If thats what seem to be your lump, there is no need to worried. Most likely this lump is a hair follicle infection due to shaving or deodorant usage indeed. And if its superficial (and you are not a skinny person), there is no need to perform any blood work or other tests. All you have to do in such case is wash it with water and soap and use sterile shaver. This is the best I can tell not being able to see it. So please attach a photo of it if that possible. Or at least please describe how you palpate it and how deep it is located. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.