Lesions in the Armpit Area
I am a 47-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds. I deal with several medical issues, including hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, osteoarthritis, bone spurs in my cervical spine, adenomyosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, TMJ disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and optic nerve disk drusen, which has not yet posed any problems for me. Recently, I noticed some lesions located on the backside of my armpits. Although I had been experiencing discomfort for some time, my vision issues require me to wear glasses, which hindered my ability to see properly while showering. Initially, I assumed the irritation was a reaction to shaving. However, during a recent change near a mirror, I spotted these lesions for the first time. What might these be? I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 10:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about lesions, especially given your complex medical history. The lesions you noticed under your armpits could be due to a few common causes, such as:
- Folliculitis: This is an inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacteria or irritation from shaving.
- Seborrheic keratosis: These are non-cancerous growths that can occur due to aging or skin irritation.
- Eczema or contact dermatitis: These skin conditions can cause red, itchy patches due to irritation from soaps, deodorants, or shaving.
- Heat rash: Especially in warmer weather, clogged sweat glands can lead to small, red bumps.
Given your situation, it's important to evaluate these lesions carefully.
Next Steps:
-
Observe and Document: Keep an eye on the lesions for any changes in size, color, or symptoms (such as increased redness, pain, or discharge). Take note of any factors that seem to worsen or improve them.
-
Gently Clean the Area: Wash the area gently with mild soap and water daily, and avoid harsh products. If you shave, consider pausing or using an electric razor to minimize irritation.
-
Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, which may help reduce irritation.
-
Avoid Irritants: Pay attention to deodorants or skin products that may be aggravating the area. Opt for hypoallergenic products if needed.
-
Control Other Factors: Stay hydrated and consider wearing looser clothing to minimize friction and sweating.
Keep monitoring these lesions. If they don't improve within a week or two, or if they worsen, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for a more in-depth evaluation. They can provide tailored advice and treatment based on an examination. Remember, being proactive is beneficial for your health! Let me know if you need more specific guidance.
Related Questions
Will My Finger Feel Numb Permanently?
At 36 years old, I had an unfortunate mishap with an avocado cutting my ring finger just above the PIP joint last May. It was close to 10:30 PM, prompting a visit to the emergency room for stitching. Fortunately, the wound healed well initially, though I experienced numbness in half of my finger from that joint. Over time, I’ve noticed a bit of sensation returning, yet the area remains incredibly sensitive; I can feel every tiny hair on my dog when I pet him, and any object I touch seems to press against my skin more intensely than normal, leading me to frequently refrain from using the finger. Several medical professionals have advised me to be patient, emphasizing that nerve recovery can be a lengthy process. However, it appears that my progress has plateaued. I find myself wondering: will this heightened sensitivity persist indefinitely, or are there options available to improve the situation?
Unexplained Abdominal Discomfort
Greetings, I’m a 16-year-old male, standing at 5’5" and weighing 48 kg. Approximately two to three days ago, I began experiencing a nagging abdominal discomfort that seems to be widespread rather than confined to one area. Initially, this sensation was dull and aching, but it has since evolved into sharper, more stabbing pains. At first, I suspected that this could be related to constipation, prompting me to take some traditional Chinese medicine in hopes of relieving the issue. Unfortunately, even after this treatment, the discomfort lingered on. At times, the pain intensified significantly, rendering me unable to sleep for the last couple of nights; I even ended up dozing off around 8 AM due to the severity of it all. Yesterday, I went to the hospital seeking answers. The attending physician evaluated me and reassured me that nothing alarming was detected. My initial concern was appendicitis, but the doctor clarified that I wasn’t displaying the usual symptoms associated with that condition. Today, I noticed a slight improvement in my condition, though the pain is far from completely resolved. Occasionally, I experience moments where the discomfort dips to a manageable level of 0 to 1 out of 10, but it can spike unexpectedly back up to about 7 out of 10. The pain tends to worsen, although still tolerable, when I stand up and move around. I find that lying down provides the most comfort. While it’s not unbearable at this moment, the discomfort is consistent and continues to disrupt my sleep.
Is There a Chance of a Vaginal Fistula?
Female, 27 years old. I'm on my menstrual cycle and decided to share additional information (I’ve removed my previous post). Yesterday, I experienced what I assumed was urine escaping from my vaginal area. I didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it might be just blood that was more liquid than usual. However, today when I attempted to urinate into a cup, I noticed a significant amount of bright red blood. I had a fresh tampon in place, and there was no blood around my vulva, which led me to believe it wasn't related to my period. During the urination, I found myself straining, and the flow was coming out irregularly. The subsequent time I needed to urinate, everything seemed normal, and I didn’t observe any blood. Yet, when I took out my tampon, to my surprise, it was thoroughly soaked in urine from end to end. Now I’m considering the possibility that the blood I saw might indeed be menstrual and that there is a connection—possibly a perforation—causing these fluids to mix. I haven't given birth in the last 3.5 years nor experienced any injury. Is it possible that there is a tear?
Concern About Partner's Clitoral Bump (Age 28)
Greetings! I've been with my partner, who is 28 years old, and she has had a small lesion located on the left side of her clitoris since we first met. Recently, however, this bump has become severely painful and has elongated to the point where it appears to be nearly detached from the vulva. This development is quite alarming for both of us, and as we do not currently have health insurance or the funds for a medical consultation, we're seeking guidance on how to identify the issue. Any insights or suggestions for potential diagnoses would be immensely appreciated so we can figure out a path toward the necessary healthcare options. She has no significant medical background and is not on any medication. Thank you very much for your help!
Seeking Guidance on Severe Blood Blister Post-Cryotherapy for Wart
Hello Medical Professionals, A few weeks back, I found myself dealing with a wart that had resurfaced on the sole of my foot, prompting a visit to my physician. After examination, the doctor suggested using cryotherapy, which involved three intensive applications to freeze the wart. However, the day following this treatment, I have been experiencing unrelenting and intense agony in my foot. A large blood blister has developed, causing immense discomfort that makes it impossible for me to bear any weight without feeling a pain level of 10 out of 10. In my quest for relief, I have come across information online regarding the possibility of draining the blister. Yet, I have concerns regarding potential infections and the possibility of hindering the healing process. The thought of enduring another week or two of such debilitating pain and restricted movement is daunting, especially since my life is filled with numerous obligations and commitments. I would greatly appreciate your advice on whether it is advisable to safely puncture this blood blister for some relief, or if it is better to endure the discomfort in hopes of healing over the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your assistance.