What Could This Persistent Bump in My Armpit Be?
For around six months now, I've been dealing with a peculiar bump in my armpit that occasionally causes discomfort. It fluctuates in appearance; sometimes it feels almost tender and raw, while at other times it appears to have healed, resembling a typical wound. Despite seeming to recover multiple times, it invariably returns. During the raw phases, it's more prominent, tender to the touch, and occasionally discharges what looks like pus. When it appears to be healing, it gives off a bruised look accompanied by a slight elevation beneath the skin. I am currently undergoing treatment with Accutane, and I've discussed this issue with my dermatologist. They recommended a specialized body wash, but unfortunately, it hasn't yielded the desired results. If anyone has insights into what this might be or recommendations on how to prevent its recurrence, I would greatly appreciate your input! Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 2:10:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a persistent bump in your armpit that fluctuates between being tender and appearing to heal, potentially accompanied by discharge. This type of bump can be concerning, especially given its duration and the symptoms you're describing. There are several possible causes for this type of lesion, such as an infected hair follicle (hidradenitis suppurativa), cysts, or possibly an allergic reaction or irritation, especially in light of your Accutane treatment.
Key Points:
- Possible Causes: The bump may be due to infection, cysts, or inflammation. Accutane can cause dry skin, which might contribute to irritation or infection.
- Observation Required: Since the bump has been present for six months and fluctuates, monitoring changes carefully is important.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Care Tips:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and avoid heavy creams or perfumes that might irritate the skin.
- Consider warm compresses to promote drainage and relieve discomfort when the bump feels tender.
- Avoid picking at or squeezing the bump, as this can worsen irritation and possibly introduce infection.
-
Symptom Diary:
- Document any changes in size, tenderness, or discharge over the next few weeks. Note any potential triggers (such as new products or activities) to help identify patterns.
-
Follow-Up:
- If the bump worsens, increases in size, or if you develop fever or increased pain, it would be wise to follow up with your dermatologist for further assessment. This may include imaging or a possible biopsy to determine the nature of the bump if it doesn’t improve.
-
Communicate Concerns:
- Since you're under dermatological care, consider discussing any changes or persistent concerns directly, especially considering the lack of improvement with the current wash.
It's understandable to feel concerned about this persistent bump, and proactive self-care coupled with careful observation will help you manage the situation. If needed, don’t hesitate to reach out for more specific advice. Your skin health is important, and addressing this can lead to better comfort and resolution.
Related Questions
Experiencing Pain at the Base of the Skull When Feeling Elated?
A 27-year-old male, who maintains moderately high blood pressure managed with lisinopril, has been encountering an unusual issue. He recalls experiencing similar sensations a few years back but attributed them to his mental health condition (schizoaffective disorder) after being prescribed Haldol. For a prolonged time, he struggled to feel genuine excitement or happiness, which seemed to lessen these occurrences. Recently, however, he noticed that whenever a wave of true joy or elation hits him, sharp pain radiates from the lower region of his skull. Interestingly, this discomfort intensifies when he laughs, reminding him of past experiences. The connection between these bouts of happiness and the onset of pain is puzzling, raising questions about the underlying cause.
Two Months of Illness with No Answers: Seeking Guidance
For the past two months, I've found myself confined to bed, grappling with a plethora of debilitating symptoms. You can delve deeper into my story [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/DiagnoseMe/comments/1m532pw/my_doctor_has_no_idea/); however, I’ll summarize the critical aspects, knowing many of you are busy and may want concise information. (I apologize for the length of this post. It genuinely took me three hours to compose.) **Personal Details:** - Age: 25 - Height: 5'7" - Weight: Initially 110 lbs, which has decreased to 97 lbs since the onset of my symptoms. **My Current Predicament:** - **Main Symptoms:** I experience severe shortness of breath, tightness and pain in my chest and back, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, tingling in my limbs, fluctuating blood pressure, and trouble swallowing. - It’s crucial to underscore just how intense these symptoms are. On particularly bad days, I've found myself in bed, writhing and crying out in pain, which may sound overly dramatic, but I assure you it's not. My mother and sister have been my constant caretakers throughout this ordeal. - **Additional Symptoms:** These vary day by day and can include a sore throat that feels constricted, coughing, chills, stiffness throughout my body, involuntary movements, visual disturbances, sound sensitivity, sleep apnea accompanied by nightmares, and nocturnal panic episodes. - This bizarre series of health issues began on May 23rd without any clear triggering event. Although there are brief moments when symptoms ease, the reasons for these fluctuations remain a mystery. The initial week was particularly brutal, but thankfully, since then, things haven’t deteriorated to that extreme. **Medical History:** - **Diagnoses Include:** Asthma, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), ADHD. - I experienced pneumonia as a child and had severe eczema until age 14. - I've dealt with chronic pain and fatigue starting around age 11. - Orthostatic hypotension has been observed by healthcare providers since I was 14 years old. - My primary care physician (PCP) suspects I may have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and possibly Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), though these conditions remain undiagnosed. - My mother and I both have a tendency to develop kidney stones, and every woman in my family, including myself, suffers from extremely painful menstrual periods. - Interestingly, I have never contracted COVID-19 or its variants; we regularly check at home whenever I feel unwell. **Current Medications:** - The only drugs that have provided a modicum of relief include Clonazepam (0.25-0.5 mg) and Baclofen (5 mg), though the effects are short-lived. I limit these to every other day at most. - I also take Pantoprazole (40 mg once daily), Cyproheptadine (4 mg once daily), and Propranolol (20 mg three times daily). **Previous Medication Regimen:** - Initially, I was prescribed naproxen and prazosin but only for a brief period. Omeprazole was my antidepressant for a few weeks before switching to Pantoprazole. I took buspirone for some time, but we discontinued it due to limited benefits and intolerable side effects. - Previously, I used Ritalin and occasionally consumed a small amount of marijuana to aid sleep. Alcohol intake was rare, and I have never smoked cigarettes. - Since May 23rd, I have avoided caffeine, Ritalin, marijuana, and alcohol. One of the early nights of illness, I tried alcohol to see if it would help with sleep, but it was ineffective. - I take B vitamins in a methylated form due to a genetic variant (MTHFR t677t). - I had been taking Baclofen, Ondansetron, and Hydroxyzine as needed for muscle spasms, nausea, and insomnia; however, I have ceased Hydroxyzine usage since it conflicts with Cyproheptadine. **Diagnostic Tests:** - An echocardiogram and Holter monitor conducted on July 22nd showed normal results apart from minor tricuspid valve regurgitation deemed not clinically significant. - During a visit to the ER, both chest X-rays and abdominal CT scans were performed to check for tumors or blood clots. While no significant findings were noted, a sizable kidney stone and two endometrial polyps were discovered. - Two MRIs of the brain indicated minor cysts on the pituitary gland, which do not warrant concern, coupled with some sinus swelling. - An abdominal ultrasound ruled out gallstones but found swollen blood vessels in the pelvic area, marked as "pelvic congestion." - My blood tests have been extensive, making it impossible to summarize all findings here; please inquire if you wish to know specific results, though nothing conclusive has surfaced so far. - Urine tests revealed blood and crystals linked to the kidney stone, yet everything else appeared normal, and urine cultures indicated no infection. **Medical Opinions:** - Most specialists and ER doctors attribute my symptoms to anxiety, considering their widespread nature and resemblance to panic attacks. - Conversely, my psychologist/therapist disagrees, noting the absence of a triggering event, differences in symptom presentation compared to past anxiety, and lack of response to our interventions. - My PCP candidly admits uncertainty regarding the root cause. She posits that anxiety may be intensified by my current condition, but not as the primary factor. We are working under the assumption that my nervous system could be reacting to the kidney stone and giving rise to autonomic dysfunction that may be inciting POTS symptoms. **Additional Information:** - I am scheduled for surgery to address the kidney stone, measuring 2.1 cm, and its removal is essential. There’s hope that this could alleviate some of my symptoms. - I am awaiting results from a saliva test to assess my adrenal hormones. - A pulmonary function test, along with consultations with a gastroenterologist and neurologist, have been arranged, though the waiting periods are lengthy. - Additionally, my PCP recommended a tilt table test, but the cardiologist dismissed it as unlikely to yield useful information. I apologize for the extensive content; I genuinely struggle to condense it further without omitting crucial details. I would deeply appreciate any assistance, insights, or direction on how to proceed. My doubts about the kidney stone being the true source of my issues are echoed by my doctors as well, leaving us at a loss. Your guidance would mean so much to me.
Will GLP-1 Medications Revolutionize Obesity Treatment?
Many publications are portraying GLP-1 medications as a revolutionary solution for achieving optimal health and weight loss. In contrast, there are also discussions emphasizing potential side effects and health implications associated with these treatments. I am eager to gather insights from knowledgeable medical experts regarding the implications for obesity management and pharmacological weight loss interventions. Could we see a decline in obesity rates reminiscent of the 1950s, or is this merely a fleeting remedy for an escalating health crisis?
Understanding Small Red Spots on the Skin
Age: 16 | Weight: 47 kg | Height: 5’2" (161 cm) Yesterday, I noticed the sudden appearance of small red spots covering my stomach, face, and neck. Initially, they were quite itchy, but today the itching has intensified. The spots resemble tiny red goosebumps and have spread across my body. Recently, I've been on amoxicillin to treat pneumonia. However, I ceased taking the medication due to a severe yeast infection and episodes of coughing up black phlegm. At first, I suspected it could be a fungal infection. I mentioned my symptoms to my grandfather, who suggested it might be measles. I should note, though, that I don't exhibit any other measles-related symptoms. The rash has similarities to keratosis pilaris, but my arms and legs aren't particularly itchy, which led me to dismiss that as a possibility. I've also tried antihistamines, but they haven't relieved the itching. Can anyone provide insight into what this condition might be?
Addressing Concerns Regarding Melanoma: Seeking Timely Attention
I’m a 31-year-old female in relatively good health, standing 5’7” and weighing 200 pounds. Earlier this month, I observed a yellowish spot on my nail that has since evolved into a dark, uneven patch accompanied by black dots. My concern is whether I should start treating it with antifungal remedies while I await an appointment, which might take months. I’m also contemplating if I should consider traveling to other locations for a quicker consultation.