Fact Checked
An underarm pain is pain under the area of the arm which is also called axilla. Generally, the pain can be caused by an injury, inflammation and infections. Sometimes cardiac condition can cause pain in the axilla.
Causes of underarm pain
- Common cold
- Muscles of the chest and upper arm becomes inflamed or strained can result to pain in the underarm.
- Waxing or shaving the underarm. Generally, deodorants and laundry detergents can cause allergic reactions such as rashes.
- Shingles caused by varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by development of rashes on the back, chest or underarm.
Reduced range of movement of the shoulder due to pain. - Swelling lymph nodes near the underarm on both sides of the body.
- Lymphatic conditions such as lymphedema and lymphadenopathy causes enlargement of the lymph nodes.
- Peripheral artery disease which is the narrowing of smaller in the legs and arms
- Breast cancer
- Infection of the sweat gland with itchiness and redness of the area due to poor hygiene and moist condition.
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Strained pectoral muscles
- Lumps or cysts that develops in the armpit
- Diabetes due to nerve damage
- Inflamed follicles of hair
Symptoms
- At first, reduced range of movement of the shoulder due to pain
- Weakness of the muscles
- Pain in the shoulders
- Redness and swelling of the armpit
- Skin discoloration
- Numbness or tingling sensation of the arms
- Lumps in the armpit
- Pain in the chest or tightness
- Bone protruding out of the skin
- In addition, paralysis with difficulty moving the body
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Lastly, breathing difficulties
Treatment
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Take the prescribed antiviral, antibiotics and anti-fungal medications to lessen the infections which will depend on the type of infection.
- Prescribed muscle relaxant to lessen strains on muscles.
- Apply hot or cold compress on the affected area. Generally, wrap ice pack in a towel before placing to the area for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Apply heat using a heating pad or a damp hot towel in the area to lessen the stiffness and the pain. In a bathtub filled with warm water add a tablespoon of baking soda. Mix them well and then soak the body in the solution to neutralize the pain and the discomforts of underarm pain. It also lessens the inflammation, the itchiness and reduces formation of the lumps.
- Massage gently the affected area to increase blood circulation in the area and lessen the swelling.
- Wash regularly the underarm area using warm water and soap to prevent development of infection, inflammation and pain. Furthermore, keep underarm dry and clean by applying baby powder after taking a bath or shower or deodorant to lessen sweating.
- Avoid oily and spicy foods to prevent irritation on the armpits, and the sweat causes growth of bacteria and worsen the condition.
FACT CHECK
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