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
Unexpected Heart Rate Fluctuation
Greetings, I have an inquiry regarding a 74-year-old female patient who has been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for more than a month and is currently on a tracheostomy. Her recovery trajectory appears favorable, having successfully overcome septic shock and pneumonia. Today, while she was resting, an unusual event occurred: her heart rate suddenly surged to 148 beats per minute. This spike was quite brief, lasting no more than 6 to 7 seconds, before it promptly returned to its normal range. Notably, there were no changes in her respiratory rate or oxygen saturation levels during this occurrence. Could this be attributed to a possible malfunction of the monitoring equipment, or could it represent some physiological reaction from her? There were no accompanying symptoms, and she remained asleep throughout the episode without any awareness of it. I would appreciate any insights you might have on this matter.
Consulting Your Primary Care Physician About Dermatological Prescriptions: A Frustrating Experience
Last week, I finally managed to visit the dermatologist after several instances of scheduling conflicts—some on their part, others on mine. The appointment began typically enough, although there was a bit of a hiccup when they struggled to update my name after my recent marriage. Interestingly, during the consultation, they skipped over some standard protocol; for example, they did not inquire about any medications I was currently taking. At the time, I didn't think much of this oversight. We discussed the potential prescription of spironolactone, highlighting its various hormonal benefits. I acknowledged the associated risks and consented on a form provided to me. However, while reviewing the informational handout, I noted a caution against taking the drug alongside blood pressure medications. Concerned, I asked the nurse whether this could be an issue. She communicated my question to the dermatologist, who relayed a rather unexpected instruction: I needed to reach out to my primary care physician (PCP) to get the green light for the prescription. The irony is that my PCP doesn't even oversee my medications; that duty falls to my psychiatrist. I promptly reached out to my psychiatrist, and he wishes to meet with me to go over this matter in detail. Unfortunately, that appointment is several weeks away. Today, I received a voicemail from the dermatology clinic checking in on whether I had spoken to my PCP yet. To add to my frustration, they addressed me by the incorrect name. Given this experience, I’ve decided to find a new dermatologist. But is this usual practice? I’ve never encountered a situation where one doctor required permission from another before prescribing something. Shouldn’t it be the responsibility of the prescribing physician to ensure there are no potential drug interactions?
Persistent Cough with Mucus: Seeking Answers
Hello, I'm a 21-year-old female and I'm experiencing a continuous cough. The only issue I have is that I consistently bring up stringy mucus. I'm unsure of the cause. Two weeks ago, I recovered from Covid-19, yet this cough lingers. I often feel mucus accumulating at the back of my throat, leading to frequent coughing up of small strands of mucus that are white or occasionally yellow in color.
Concern Regarding Blood Stains
Greetings. I am a 34-year-old man, weighing around 200 pounds and standing at 6 feet tall, residing in the Northeastern region of the U.S. Upon returning home from work, I discovered two blood marks on my pillow, measuring approximately a quarter inch each. After inspecting my ear, I found some minuscule blood flakes. Fortunately, I do not experience any discomfort in my ear. However, now that it's on my mind, I find it somewhat unsettling. There have been no noticeable changes in my hearing, no headaches, and I otherwise feel fine. I’m just a bit anxious because the blood spots seem quite significant. I’m looking for any guidance on this matter. I would prefer to avoid an urgent care visit unless absolutely necessary.
Seeking Guidance on Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease of the Liver
I’m a 25-year-old female currently prescribed colchicine and with a background of autoimmune disorders, for which I am undergoing evaluations for Crohn’s disease. Recently, I underwent a liver biopsy following elevated liver function tests (LFTs) and received a diagnosis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD). While my gastroenterologist has shared some insights, I am struggling to gather more information online. If anyone has resources or can offer insight into what I might anticipate moving forward, I would greatly appreciate your assistance!