Have A Bump Below Armpit. Could It Be An In Grown Hair?

Posted on Mon, 5 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 Answered on

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor,
I have a bump below my armpit that hurts a lil when I raise my arm...can it be an in grown hair? can't really see an ingrown because it's below my skin.

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (2 hours later)

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Please provide the following clarifications so that I will be able to advise you better...

How long have you had swelling? How did it start?

How big is the swelling? Is it gradually increasing in size?

Do you have any redness over it?

Is there any discharge of fluid or pus or sticky material from it?

Have you had recurrent swellings / pimple-like eruptions in that area before?

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (8 hours later)

Thank you for your reply.. I had it for approx two weeks now.. No redness or pus.. No rash just feels like a bump doesn't hurt just slightly when I stretch my arm up. I can feel the bump if I lift my arm up if not feels like nothing is there. About two weeks ago I tried to take out a blackhead located in the same area and I made it bleed.. Could I have infected the area?
It's not that big.. Don't know how to describe the size, smaller then a dime for sure..it's not growing stays the same size.

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (2 hours later)

Hello again and thanks for the clarifications.

There are two possibilities. One is an infection / inflamation of the hair follicle or sebaceous gland in that area. (It is possible that you could have caused an infection while pinching the blackhead). The second possibility is an axillary lymph node. In either cases, the management is conservative and the swelling should subside on its own within a few days. In addition, you can try the following:

- Firstly, never pinch or sqeeze the swelling, as it can result in superimposed infection
- Secondly, gently wash the area with soap or a mild anti-septic solution frequently
- Keep the area dry and free of sweat as far as possible
- You can apply a topical antiseptic cream over the swelling
- You can take a mild anti-inflamatory medication for reducing the inflamation.

In case you develop any redness, tenderness, increase in size or pus discharge from the swelling, then you have to see a doctor for further management.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar