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Unusual Bump Found in My Cousin's Armpit

6/17/2025, 3:10:20 AMMale25-34

Unfortunately, I don’t have an image to share since the item was tiny and slipped from my grasp. My cousin, however, made some sketches to illustrate what he saw. One drawing represents its appearance while it was still in his armpit, and the other shows how it looked after he removed it. My cousin is a 12-year-old boy who weighs 160 pounds and stands at 5’6" tall. He noticed a peculiar black entity nestled in his armpit. It was thicker than a strand of hair yet shorter, with roughly half of it embedded in his skin, not too deeply. While showering, he decided to extract it, and oddly enough, the process was painless with no bleeding observed. Upon removal, we noted that it had a somewhat rounded base along with a small protrusion.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/17/2025, 3:10:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like your cousin may have found something unusual in his armpit that raised concerns. The description of a tiny black entity that was painless to remove suggests it could be a harmless skin growth, such as a hair follicle cyst, a mole, or perhaps a small piece of debris or a foreign body. Here's some guidance on what to consider next.

Explanation

The skin can develop various types of bumps and growths for several reasons, some of which are common and benign. Since he experienced no pain or bleeding upon removal, it may not indicate a serious issue. However, it’s important to monitor the area for any changes.

Next Steps

  1. Monitor the Site: Keep an eye on the armpit area where the bump was located. Look for signs of redness, swelling, or new growths.

  2. Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure he cleans the area gently, especially after activities like sweating or showering, to keep it hygienic and prevent infection.

  3. Document Changes: If the area develops any new bumps, changes color, or becomes painful, consider documenting each observation. This can be helpful for healthcare providers if further evaluation is needed.

  4. Consider a Dermatology Consultation: Although it might not be an immediate concern, if anything unusual appears after this, or if there are recurrent bumps, seeking advice from a healthcare professional, particularly a dermatologist, would be beneficial.

Remember, most skin bumps in children and adolescents are not serious, but it's wise to keep a vigilant eye on any changes. If your cousin or you have further concerns, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on a full examination.

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