Irritated Red Bump in Armpit
I'm a 29-year-old female currently on a regimen that includes Trintellix 10 mg, drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol tablets, and a daily woman’s multivitamin. Additionally, each night I apply adapalene gel and Winlevi on my face. Recently, I noticed a painful red bump in my left armpit that developed just yesterday. In the past, I've experienced similar issues in my right armpit, but none have ever been this swollen. Typically, these spots resolve on their own within a few days; however, I am uncertain about the nature of this irritation or its cause. The area is painful and feels warm when touched. On Sunday, I completed a 5.50-mile walk, and I had shaved my armpits a few days prior using an electric razor. My previous experiences with irritation have occurred regardless of the type of razor used, whether it was a safety razor, a disposable one, or a body hair trimmer. While I am unsure if shaving is the root of this issue, the timing seems to align with previous bouts, leading me to suspect a connection. I don’t feel or see any hair in the affected area (just as I haven’t in the other armpit), so it’s hard to determine if an ingrown hair is the cause. For context, my dermatologist has previously suggested that I might have eczema, which could be relevant to my current issue.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 5:31:10 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a painful red bump in your armpit, which could be related to irritation from shaving or possibly an inflammatory reaction. It's understandable to feel concerned, especially when you've had similar issues in the past. Here’s an overview of what you might be experiencing and some steps you can take to find relief.
Explanation
The bump you're noticing could possibly be an inflamed hair follicle (folliculitis), an ingrown hair, or even an irritation from shaving. When you shave—especially if the skin is sensitive—it can lead to small cuts or irritations. Considering your history of similar bumps and your dermatologist's suggestion of eczema, it’s possible that you have a sensitivity or reaction that could lead to such symptoms.
Next Steps
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Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently wash your armpits with mild soap and pat the area dry. Avoid heavy creams or deodorants that may irritate the skin further.
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Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from shaving or using any hair removal methods in the area until the bump resolves. This will help prevent exacerbating any potential irritation.
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Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the bump for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce discomfort and may promote healing.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If the pain is troubling, you can consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the package instructions.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bump over the next few days. If it worsens, doesn't improve in about a week, or if you develop fever, increased redness, or swelling, it may be best to consult with a healthcare provider.
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Consider Your Skincare Products: Since you're using adaptations like adapalene gel, be cautious around the armpits. If you suspect it may be contributing to irritation, avoid applying those products near that area.
Reassurance
It's common for skin irritations to occur, especially in sensitive areas like the armpit. Taking these steps may help alleviate discomfort and resolve the issue. Should you notice significant changes or have ongoing concerns, reaching out for more personalized advice would be wise. Feel free to reach out again if you need more information or support!
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