Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsInjuriesSkin IrritationInfectionsEnlarged Lymph NodesShinglesNerve CompressionHormonal ChangesSelf-ExaminationWhen to See a ProviderDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Injuries
Skin Irritation
Infections
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Shingles
Nerve Compression
Hormonal Changes
Self-Examination
When to See a Provider
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Possible causes of armpit pain range from the minor irritation of clothing, or an infection that goes away quickly, to serious medical issues such as swollen lymph nodes and cancer-related pain.Hormonal changes, including those related tomenstruationor breastfeeding, also may cause pain under the armpit (also called the axilla).
1. Muscle Strain
Any of the muscles in and around the axilla can become painful from overuse and muscle strain. These injuries can occur in children as well as adults.Activities that can cause this type of pain include:
Pressure on the muscles and other armpit structures (from usingcrutches, for example) can also cause pain and damage nerves and blood vessels.
2. Injuries
Armpit pain is often the result of an injury. Structures in the armpit can be injured in several ways.
Other injuries in this region, includingshoulder dislocations, can cause axilla pain.
Axillary Arch VariantIn some people (about 9% of Central Europeans, in one study), an anatomical variant called an axillary arch is made of muscle and tissue that connects topectoralis majorandlatissimus dorsimuscles. An injury here can cause armpit pain. So can nerve compression and other factors associated withthoracic outlet syndrome.
Axillary Arch Variant
In some people (about 9% of Central Europeans, in one study), an anatomical variant called an axillary arch is made of muscle and tissue that connects topectoralis majorandlatissimus dorsimuscles. An injury here can cause armpit pain. So can nerve compression and other factors associated withthoracic outlet syndrome.
3. Skin Irritation
Personal care products can cause either irritant contact dermatitis or allergiccontact dermatitis, reactions to things that touch the skin.
Products that can cause irritation include:
4. Rashes
The armpit is a prime rash site because of the skin folds and a tendency to be warm and wet.Rashesthat can affect the armpit include:
5. Fungal Infections
The armpit’s skin folds and warmth make it a good breeding ground for fungal infection.Fungal infectionscommon to the armpit include:
Both local and systemic (bodywide) infections can lead to armpit pain. Some of these cause inflammation in the axilla. Others affect the lymph nodes in the armpit.
6. Bacterial Infections
Some bacterial skin infections may lead to pain in the armpit. They include:
Systemic Infections and Lymph Nodes
Body-wide infections can cause pain and swelling in the lymph nodes. They include:
7. Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Pain in the armpit may be due to an infection of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) that causes swelling on one or both sides of the body. Common reasons for swollen lymph nodes can include:
Infected Lymph NodesTenderSoftEasy to move
Tender
Soft
Easy to move
Non-tender
Firm
Fixed in place
8. Shingles
When the dermatome that serves the area around the armpit is affected, you can experience armpit pain. A painful rash usually develops a few days later. It’s confined to the dermatome, as well.
9. Nerve Compression
Nerve compression (pinched nerves) in the armpit may cause armpit pain that is often described as burning. You may also have weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hand or arm.
10. Hormonal Changes
Breast tenderness can occur just before and during your menstrual periods, and you may feel the pain and discomfort in your armpit.
In people who are nursing, breasts that are overfilled with milk can sometimes place pressure in the armpits.Mastitis, an infection in a clogged milk duct, can cause axillary lymph nodes to swell.
Generally, a lump that is tender, soft, and moves around a little bit is less concerning than a firmer lump that is not tender and is fixed in place.
To examine a lump under your armpit:
Armpit Pain on Both SidesLumps or swollen lymph nodes usually occur only on one side. If both sides are tender and swollen (along with lymph nodes in other areas of the body), this may indicate a systemic condition calledlymphadenopathy.
Armpit Pain on Both Sides
Lumps or swollen lymph nodes usually occur only on one side. If both sides are tender and swollen (along with lymph nodes in other areas of the body), this may indicate a systemic condition calledlymphadenopathy.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see your healthcare provider for armpit pain if it:
Seek prompt care if you have signs of an infection, such as:
When to Go to the ER
Your healthcare provider will ask about your pain and other symptoms. During a physical exam, they will also look for redness, rashes, lumps, or enlarged lymph nodes in your axilla.They may perform a neurological exam to check for nerve compression, while also checking your head, neck, arms, breasts, and chest.
For some injuries, cancer, and other masses, you may have some imaging studies done. These may include:
The lab tests your provider orders (if any) depend on your symptoms and what they’ve found during a physical exam. Lab tests may include:
Abiopsyused to diagnose or rule out cancer also may be needed. It involves a small tissue sample that is collected and sent to the lab for examination under a microscope.
The treatment of armpit pain depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, rest and over-the-counter medication may be sufficient. In others, medical intervention to address the condition causing the pain may be necessary.
As some of these conditions can progress if not treated early, it’s essential that you get a proper diagnosis if your armpit pain is persistent or otherwise concerning.
TheR.I.C.E. protocolcan be used to treat muscle pain. It stands for rest, ice, compression (pressure) and elevation. You also can try:
Underlying Causes of Armpit Pain
Medical treatments for armpit pain vary widely. Here are some common causes and their treatments:
It may be possible to stretch the armpit area to prevent injury or relieve muscle pain. The American Council on Exercise recommends stretching thelatissimus dorsiand triceps muscles.
Many other causes of armpit pain can’t be prevented, but some can. Here are some tips:
Summary
Possible causes of armpit pain range from simple skin irritation or muscle strain, to autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Diagnostic tests and treatment depend on your symptoms and what your healthcare provider finds or suspects.
Some causes of armpit pain can’t be prevented. However, using gentle products, soft clothing, and doing a pre-exercise warm-up may help you avoid irritation, allergies, and injuries.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang ZH, Gang TR, Wu SS, Lu C, Gao GX, Xu W,et al.Single-port endoscopic-sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with indocyanine green and carbon nanoparticles in breast cancer.Surg Endosc. 2023 Oct;37(10):7591-7599. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10018-9.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve).Caprock Health.Why Are My Child’s Armpits In Pain?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Lalloo J, Gupta P.Relationship Between Gender, Age, BMI and Side of Body on the Size and Position of Nerves of the Brachial Plexus in Axilla: Pilot Study.Local Reg Anesth. 2021 Nov 20;14:161-166. doi: 10.2147/LRA.S334618.Weninger JT, Pruidze P, Didava G, Rossmann T, Geyer SH, Meng S,et al.Axillary arch (of Langer): A large-scale dissection and simulation study based on unembalmed cadavers of body donors.J Anat. 2024 Mar;244(3):448-457. doi: 10.1111/joa.13976.Kumar PA, Islary B, Ramachandra R, Naik T.Axillary nerve schwannoma: A rare case report.Asian J Neurosurg.2017;12(4):787-789. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.181147American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes.Vinkel C, Thomsen SF.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes, features, and current treatments.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(10):17-23.Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, Bassetto F, Janowska A, Scarpa C,et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: a review.J Wound Care. 2023 Jul 2;32(7):411-420. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Schwartz N, Chalasani MLS, Li TM, Feng Z, Shipman WD, Lu TT.Lymphatic function in autoimmune diseases.Front Immunol. 2019 Mar 20;10:519. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00519American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.Kayıran O, De la cruz C, Tane K, Soran A.Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment.Turk J Surg. 2017;33(2):51-57. doi:10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870Chen JK, Shen SC, Chang YC.Trigeminal herpes zoster with multi-dermatome and temporomandibular joint involvement.J Dent Sci.2024 Jan;19(1):659-660. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.10.023.Marulli G, Battistella L, Mammana M, Calabrese F, Rea F.Superior sulcus tumors (Pancoast tumors).Ann Transl Med.2016;4(12):239. doi:10.21037/atm.2016.06.16Kaiser Permanente.Mastitis While Breastfeeding.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in armpit: Should I be worried?Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.National Health Service.Chest pain.Figueira PVG, Haddad CAS, De almeida rizzi SKL, Facina G, Nazario ACP.Diagnosis of axillary web syndrome in patients after breast cancer surgery: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects: A prospective study.Am J Clin Oncol.2018;41(10):992-996. doi:10.1097/COC.0000000000000411American Academy of Family Physicians.Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).American Council on Exercise.Muscles that move the arm.
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang ZH, Gang TR, Wu SS, Lu C, Gao GX, Xu W,et al.Single-port endoscopic-sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with indocyanine green and carbon nanoparticles in breast cancer.Surg Endosc. 2023 Oct;37(10):7591-7599. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10018-9.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve).Caprock Health.Why Are My Child’s Armpits In Pain?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Lalloo J, Gupta P.Relationship Between Gender, Age, BMI and Side of Body on the Size and Position of Nerves of the Brachial Plexus in Axilla: Pilot Study.Local Reg Anesth. 2021 Nov 20;14:161-166. doi: 10.2147/LRA.S334618.Weninger JT, Pruidze P, Didava G, Rossmann T, Geyer SH, Meng S,et al.Axillary arch (of Langer): A large-scale dissection and simulation study based on unembalmed cadavers of body donors.J Anat. 2024 Mar;244(3):448-457. doi: 10.1111/joa.13976.Kumar PA, Islary B, Ramachandra R, Naik T.Axillary nerve schwannoma: A rare case report.Asian J Neurosurg.2017;12(4):787-789. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.181147American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes.Vinkel C, Thomsen SF.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes, features, and current treatments.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(10):17-23.Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, Bassetto F, Janowska A, Scarpa C,et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: a review.J Wound Care. 2023 Jul 2;32(7):411-420. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Schwartz N, Chalasani MLS, Li TM, Feng Z, Shipman WD, Lu TT.Lymphatic function in autoimmune diseases.Front Immunol. 2019 Mar 20;10:519. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00519American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.Kayıran O, De la cruz C, Tane K, Soran A.Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment.Turk J Surg. 2017;33(2):51-57. doi:10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870Chen JK, Shen SC, Chang YC.Trigeminal herpes zoster with multi-dermatome and temporomandibular joint involvement.J Dent Sci.2024 Jan;19(1):659-660. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.10.023.Marulli G, Battistella L, Mammana M, Calabrese F, Rea F.Superior sulcus tumors (Pancoast tumors).Ann Transl Med.2016;4(12):239. doi:10.21037/atm.2016.06.16Kaiser Permanente.Mastitis While Breastfeeding.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in armpit: Should I be worried?Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.National Health Service.Chest pain.Figueira PVG, Haddad CAS, De almeida rizzi SKL, Facina G, Nazario ACP.Diagnosis of axillary web syndrome in patients after breast cancer surgery: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects: A prospective study.Am J Clin Oncol.2018;41(10):992-996. doi:10.1097/COC.0000000000000411American Academy of Family Physicians.Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).American Council on Exercise.Muscles that move the arm.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wang ZH, Gang TR, Wu SS, Lu C, Gao GX, Xu W,et al.Single-port endoscopic-sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with indocyanine green and carbon nanoparticles in breast cancer.Surg Endosc. 2023 Oct;37(10):7591-7599. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10018-9.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve).Caprock Health.Why Are My Child’s Armpits In Pain?American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Lalloo J, Gupta P.Relationship Between Gender, Age, BMI and Side of Body on the Size and Position of Nerves of the Brachial Plexus in Axilla: Pilot Study.Local Reg Anesth. 2021 Nov 20;14:161-166. doi: 10.2147/LRA.S334618.Weninger JT, Pruidze P, Didava G, Rossmann T, Geyer SH, Meng S,et al.Axillary arch (of Langer): A large-scale dissection and simulation study based on unembalmed cadavers of body donors.J Anat. 2024 Mar;244(3):448-457. doi: 10.1111/joa.13976.Kumar PA, Islary B, Ramachandra R, Naik T.Axillary nerve schwannoma: A rare case report.Asian J Neurosurg.2017;12(4):787-789. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.181147American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes.Vinkel C, Thomsen SF.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes, features, and current treatments.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(10):17-23.Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, Bassetto F, Janowska A, Scarpa C,et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: a review.J Wound Care. 2023 Jul 2;32(7):411-420. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Schwartz N, Chalasani MLS, Li TM, Feng Z, Shipman WD, Lu TT.Lymphatic function in autoimmune diseases.Front Immunol. 2019 Mar 20;10:519. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00519American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.Kayıran O, De la cruz C, Tane K, Soran A.Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment.Turk J Surg. 2017;33(2):51-57. doi:10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870Chen JK, Shen SC, Chang YC.Trigeminal herpes zoster with multi-dermatome and temporomandibular joint involvement.J Dent Sci.2024 Jan;19(1):659-660. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.10.023.Marulli G, Battistella L, Mammana M, Calabrese F, Rea F.Superior sulcus tumors (Pancoast tumors).Ann Transl Med.2016;4(12):239. doi:10.21037/atm.2016.06.16Kaiser Permanente.Mastitis While Breastfeeding.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in armpit: Should I be worried?Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.National Health Service.Chest pain.Figueira PVG, Haddad CAS, De almeida rizzi SKL, Facina G, Nazario ACP.Diagnosis of axillary web syndrome in patients after breast cancer surgery: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects: A prospective study.Am J Clin Oncol.2018;41(10):992-996. doi:10.1097/COC.0000000000000411American Academy of Family Physicians.Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).American Council on Exercise.Muscles that move the arm.
Wang ZH, Gang TR, Wu SS, Lu C, Gao GX, Xu W,et al.Single-port endoscopic-sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with indocyanine green and carbon nanoparticles in breast cancer.Surg Endosc. 2023 Oct;37(10):7591-7599. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10018-9.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve).
Caprock Health.Why Are My Child’s Armpits In Pain?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.
Lalloo J, Gupta P.Relationship Between Gender, Age, BMI and Side of Body on the Size and Position of Nerves of the Brachial Plexus in Axilla: Pilot Study.Local Reg Anesth. 2021 Nov 20;14:161-166. doi: 10.2147/LRA.S334618.
Weninger JT, Pruidze P, Didava G, Rossmann T, Geyer SH, Meng S,et al.Axillary arch (of Langer): A large-scale dissection and simulation study based on unembalmed cadavers of body donors.J Anat. 2024 Mar;244(3):448-457. doi: 10.1111/joa.13976.
Kumar PA, Islary B, Ramachandra R, Naik T.Axillary nerve schwannoma: A rare case report.Asian J Neurosurg.2017;12(4):787-789. doi:10.4103/1793-5482.181147
American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes.
Vinkel C, Thomsen SF.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Causes, features, and current treatments.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2018;11(10):17-23.
Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, Bassetto F, Janowska A, Scarpa C,et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: a review.J Wound Care. 2023 Jul 2;32(7):411-420. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cellulitis.
American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
Schwartz N, Chalasani MLS, Li TM, Feng Z, Shipman WD, Lu TT.Lymphatic function in autoimmune diseases.Front Immunol. 2019 Mar 20;10:519. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00519
American Cancer Society.Lymph nodes and cancer.
Kayıran O, De la cruz C, Tane K, Soran A.Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment.Turk J Surg. 2017;33(2):51-57. doi:10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870
Chen JK, Shen SC, Chang YC.Trigeminal herpes zoster with multi-dermatome and temporomandibular joint involvement.J Dent Sci.2024 Jan;19(1):659-660. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.10.023.
Marulli G, Battistella L, Mammana M, Calabrese F, Rea F.Superior sulcus tumors (Pancoast tumors).Ann Transl Med.2016;4(12):239. doi:10.21037/atm.2016.06.16
Kaiser Permanente.Mastitis While Breastfeeding.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in armpit: Should I be worried?
Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.
National Health Service.Chest pain.
Figueira PVG, Haddad CAS, De almeida rizzi SKL, Facina G, Nazario ACP.Diagnosis of axillary web syndrome in patients after breast cancer surgery: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects: A prospective study.Am J Clin Oncol.2018;41(10):992-996. doi:10.1097/COC.0000000000000411
American Academy of Family Physicians.Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
American Council on Exercise.Muscles that move the arm.
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