Sore Bump in Armpit Area
Female, 41 years old. No ongoing medications. No previous medical conditions noted. I underwent a complete hysterectomy on May 7, which marks my significant medical history. For the past few days, I've experienced discomfort in my armpit, but there were no visible signs. However, a small bump appeared last night, and it seems to have enlarged slightly by this morning. I made sure to mark it in the photo I took. I opted not to apply deodorant today and chose to wear a loose-fitting shirt. The area feels tender without any pressure, and it becomes quite painful when I touch it. Currently, it doesn't feel warm to the touch. I am trying to remain calm, especially since it is on my left side. Can anyone offer suggestions about what this might be? I am considering a visit to urgent care after work.
Answers (1)

7/10/2025, 2:01:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
You've observed a sore bump in your armpit, which has recently become tender and slightly larger. It's understandable to feel concerned, especially in the context of your recent hysterectomy. Let's break this down to help ease your worries and provide actionable steps.
Main Points
The bump could be due to several possible causes such as a blocked sweat gland, an infection, or a swollen lymph node. The tenderness and size change are important signs to monitor. While it's good that you're remaining calm, you should keep a close eye on this bump.
Explanation
-
Possible Causes:
- Blocked Sweat Gland (Sebaceous cyst): Sometimes, hair follicles or sweat glands can become blocked, leading to a bump.
- Infection: This could be a localized infection, which can cause lumps that are tender and painful.
- Lymph Node Swelling: Lymph nodes in your armpit can swell in response to infections elsewhere in the body.
-
Symptom Monitoring: The absence of warmth and the fact that it’s becoming painful when touched are noteworthy. It's reassuring that you're attentive to these changes.
Next Steps
- Observe the Bump: Monitor any changes in size, shape, or pain level over the next day or two.
- Apply Warm Compress: Gently place a warm, damp cloth on the area for 10-15 minutes a few times daily to soothe discomfort.
- Manage Pain: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain becomes bothersome.
- Avoid Irritants: Since you’ve already opted for no deodorant and loose-fitting clothing, continue this to avoid further irritation.
- Document Changes: Take note of any additional symptoms such as fever, increased redness, or drainage from the bump, as this can help in evaluating it.
If the bump continues to grow, becomes increasingly painful, develops a fever, or shows signs of infection (such as warmth, redness, or pus), definitely consider your visit to urgent care sooner rather than later. In the meantime, try to stay relaxed and take care! If you have more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toddler's Bowel Movement
Child's Age: 2 and a half years Hello everyone. While I was changing my toddler's diaper, I observed something unusual. His stool had an odd odor and appeared to be a greenish-brown hue. It’s challenging to capture an accurate picture, but I managed to take a few shots. I tend to be quite anxious, so I’m unsure if this is a typical occurrence or if I should reach out to his pediatrician tomorrow. He seems to be behaving normally, and the only recent change in his diet was a small piece of Starburst candy. I appreciate any advice you can share.
Should I Be Concerned About My Toddler's Stool Color?
Toddler Age: 2.5 Years Hello everyone! I recently changed my toddler's diaper and noticed something unusual. His stool had an odd scent, and the color was a mix of green and brown. While I tried to capture a clear photo, it’s somewhat difficult to do so. Being quite anxious by nature, I’m uncertain whether this is typical or if it warrants a call to his pediatrician first thing tomorrow. He seems to be behaving normally, and the only new thing in his diet was a small piece of a Starburst candy. I appreciate any guidance you can provide!
Experiencing Brief Trauma: A Week On
Twenty years of age, Approximately a week ago, I sustained a severe impact to my groin, and one of my testicles appears to be retained. After examining the area, I noticed that one is relaxed while the other feels somewhat constricted. Although I am not currently in pain, I am uncertain about the necessary actions to take between experiencing discomfort and seeking medical advice. Any guidance would be greatly valued.
Inquiry About Elevated Blood Platelet Levels
Hello everyone, I’m a 32-year-old female, weighing approximately 270 pounds, and I've been facing a series of health challenges lately. I regularly undergo blood testing due to my pre-diabetic condition. Since November 2023, I've noticed that my platelet count is persistently elevated. The standard range is between 150 and 400, yet mine frequently reaches close to 500. I've brought this up with my healthcare providers, but they don’t seem concerned about these elevated levels. I’m curious if any medical professional here has encountered similarly high platelet counts and what conclusions or diagnoses were drawn from them. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Next Steps for Mildly Elevated ALT Levels in a Healthy Young Adult?
At 29 years old, I’m a male with no history of smoking or alcohol consumption, and I don’t regularly use Tylenol or any similar medications. I maintain a healthy weight of 140 pounds at a height of 5 feet 9 inches, and I engage in running or swimming activities three to five days weekly. For the past two years, my ALT levels have consistently been elevated, typically ranging in the 50s to 60s. I've undergone various laboratory tests and imaging procedures; the only notable finding aside from my ALT levels is a mild increase in bilirubin. I'm still awaiting a response from my physician regarding further actions to take and I’m interested in hearing what insights others might offer on this situation.