I Woke Up With Swelling And Redness Under My Arm

Posted on Mon, 21 Jan 2019

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

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up with swelling and redness under my arm in my arm pit area...it is sore to the touch...what could it be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Localised infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The description sounds like a localised skin infection. A blocked gland and infected hair follicle are couple of close possibility. Rarely the lump could be related to an enlarged lymph node.

I suggest to start topical antibiotic agents like clindamycin or neosporin as you plan a visit to the doctor. You may also start over the counter antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen 200mg twice daily.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

I also feel some lumps under each arm…does that change your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
blocked glands / lymphnode...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is not uncommon to have lumps following a blocked gland. Infected hair follicle also present as lumps secondary to collection underneath. Similarly a swollen lymph node is also lumpy there. So, no my opinion doesn't change with this information.

I will still suggest you use topical antibiotics and then consider visiting a doctor.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (17 minutes later)

so you are recommending something like neosporum?

Also, I could understand one side but why both at the same time?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Neosporin will be useful...

Detailed Answer:
Can you send a picture of the both the affected areas? There is an option to upload reports and picture on this page.

Based on the description, I feel this is an infection, blocked gland or enlarged lymph node. And neosporin will be helpful.

Regards

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