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What Causes Lump In The Armpit Of A Child After Vaccination?

Posted on Thu, 17 Aug 2017

Question: Hi my 4 month old baby has a bcg lump in his armpit. Doc gave antibiotics for a week. Now the course is over. Still the lump has not reduced much. Please advice .. how long does it take to go?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry if there is no discharge

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
Lymph node enlargement is common following BCG vaccination. Active treatment is needed if there is discharge from the node.
Antibiotic is given to avoid any superinfection or if superinfection is suspected.
In most of the cases wait and watch should be done if there is no discharge.
It may take 6-8 months to resolve the swelling.
I won't get worried if the node is not enlarging, there is no redness and discharge.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Thank you doc.. the ped. We consulted told we have to give him anti-tb medicine after 10 days if no improvement...Should I wait for a month or just do that after 10 days?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I don't recommend anti tubercular treatment for non discharging static node

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

As per recommendation and general consensus wait and watch is the choice for small, non increasing, non discharging lymph node where there is no pain or redness.
Anti tubercular medicine has not shown any improvement in such cases and most of these remove on its own over a period of time.
I personally don't recommend anti tubercular treatment in such cases and prefer wait n watch.

I shall be glad to help you further if needed.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad