At some point in your life, you may have experienced armpit pain. We usually ignore it but let us be reminded that this pain might be a sign of severe health complications, overexertions and some minor infections.
Know the probable causes of your armpit pain here:
1. Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes swell when bacterial, viral or fungal infection occurs. Such enlargement causes pain.
Swollen lymph nodes were usually caused by:
Viral infection
Allergens and skin irritants (deodorant, anti-perspirant, body soap, detergent)
Measles
Strep throat
Ear infection
Common cold
Tooth infection
Upper respiratory infection
Mononucleosis
Wounds and skin infections
2. Ringworm of the body
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the uppermost layer of the skin that leaves behind a red, ring-shaped rash. It can be painful and lead to inflamed, itchy, and scaling skin.
Ingrown hairs
When a single hair follicle becomes infected, a boil or furuncle may develop. Boils are swollen, red lumps that are tender to touch. When neighboring hair follicles become infected, the underlying tissue may become inflamed and painful.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes reddish-brown skin plaques that are covered by silvery or shiny scales.
4. Sore muscles
Strained pectoral or chest muscles, which are used for lifting and pulling, can often cause underarm pain.
5. Cancer
The lymph nodes in the armpit may swell or be painful if a person has cancer, or is receiving cancer treatments.
The lymph nodes in the chest, including those in the armpits, often work overtime when cancer affects the upper body.
6. Heartburn
Indigestion can cause shooting and sharp pain in the chest and occasionally in the armpit.
Intertrigo
It is caused by friction and moisture in folds of the skin. It results in redness, pain, burning, and may have an unpleasant odor. Secondary bacteria or fungal infections occur if it is left untreated.
7. Peripheral artery disease
PAD narrows the small blood vessels of the arms and legs, reducing oxygen flow to the surrounding tissues. Oxygen-deprived muscles and cells begin to whither and die, which is a very painful process.
8. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause neuropathy or nerve damage, resulting in burning pain in the affected body part. Diabetic neuropathy is often associated with untreated, long-term cases of the disease.
9. Shingles and the herpes zoster virus
Shingles, which is caused by the herpes zoster virus, can also cause a burning or tingling sensation in the skin and underlying tissues.
10. Cysts
These happen when body fluids accumulate in the armpits, causing swelling and pain. It can become infected by Staphylococcus bacteria.
11. Lupus
This chronic immune condition causes inflammation throughout the body, including the lymph nodes.
12. Hidradenitis suppurativa
This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the sweat glands associated with hair follicles.
13. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis leads to swelling and inflammation in the inner tissues of the joints, which may include the armpit.