Contents:
- Medical Video: What Causes Armpit Pain Medical Course
- Various things that cause pain in the armpit
- 1. Muscle injury
- 2. Shaving or irritation wounds
- 3. Shingles
- 4. Swollen lymph nodes
- 5. Rheumatism
- 6. Peripheral arterial disease
- 7. Breast cancer
- What can I do to reduce the pain in my armpit?
- When should I go to the doctor immediately?
Medical Video: What Causes Armpit Pain Medical Course
Pain in the armpit can be caused by many things that you may never have realized before. Some of the causes are common and easy to overcome. On the other hand, armpit pain may be a sign of a disease or a more serious health condition. Therefore, do not underestimate your pain. Find out what are the causes of the armpit below.
Various things that cause pain in the armpit
1. Muscle injury
Pectoralis major, muscles stretching from chest to shoulder can get injured when you move (for example, lifting heavy items) or when exercising. In addition to the chest muscles, the upper arm muscles can also be tense and attracted when we throw, lift, or do other movements.
Injury to these muscles can then cause inflammation and the onset of pain in the armpit.
2. Shaving or irritation wounds
Armpit pain can be caused by irritation due to the technique of shaving or removing the wrong hair.Some deodorants, antiperspirants, detergents and bath soaps can also trigger irritation or allergic reactions to the skin, including the underarm skin. This skin irritation can cause a rash called contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can cause reddish, swollen, painful and hot armpit skin.
3. Shingles
Shingles is a contagious skin disease caused by a virusVaricella zoster.This virus causes red pimples filled with water that feel hot and itchy. The most common areas are the arms, chest and face. Shingles can also cause scaly skin rashes and a tingling sensation in the infected area.
4. Swollen lymph nodes
There are around 600 lymph nodes in the body, but only a few can be felt or touched by the hand. Among them are in the lower part of the jaw, neck and armpit. Lymph nodes play a very important role in fighting disease and maintaining endurance.Your lymph glands can swell when you experience an infection, such as the flu.
There are also several other conditions that affect the condition of lymph nodes, such as lymphedema, limpadenitis infection, upper respiratory tract infections (ARI), ear infections, sore throat, viral infections, to lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation throughout the body, including lymph nodes.
All disorders of the lymph nodes can cause the armpit to hurt.
5. Rheumatism
Rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis) and other types of joint pain can cause joints to become inflamed and stinging. It is also possible for swelling to occur around the armpit joints, causing pain.
6. Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral artery disease is a condition of narrowing of small blood vessels in the arms or legs. This narrowing will reduce oxygen to the surrounding tissue. Muscles that lack oxygen for a long time will hurt. If you experience peripheral artery disease in one or both armpits, you will feel this pain.
7. Breast cancer
Breast cancer is often painless in its initial stages. But over time you will feel pain or feel a lump under the arm or in the breast. You should seek medical attention immediately if this happens.
What can I do to reduce the pain in my armpit?
- Use ice compresses to reduce muscle pain
- NSAID drugs that can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Use warm compresses to facilitate swollen lymph nodes
- Apply moisturizer to prevent dry skin underarms
- Avoid deodorants, soaps, and detergents that contain allergens or irritants
- Using loose clothing, avoid tight clothing on the arms and armpits
- Avoid shaving with a razor that can cause further irritation
When should I go to the doctor immediately?
If your armpit pain occurs with muscle tension, you may be able to recover fully by resting your muscles for several days.
But if your complaint does not go away or even get worse, for example swelling gets bigger, you should immediately consult a doctor. You will usually be referred to a hematologist who has expertise in lymph nodes, or to a breast cancer specialist if the lump is suspected of being cancerous.
In addition, see a doctor immediately if there is pain accompanied by the following conditions:
- Severe pain suddenly under the armpit
- Bleeding in the armpit
- If you also experience shortness
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing, or choking while breathing
- A part of the body suddenly becomes paralyzed
- There are bones coming out of the skin
