Swollen Lumps in Armpits: Could It Be Folliculitis or Lymph Node Issues?
Age 26, height 5’8, weight 155 lbs. Recently, I discovered some elevated lumps developing beneath both of my arms, which started to appear about two days ago. Initially, they were subtle but have gradually increased in size as the hours passed. They have become quite tender, making it challenging to lift my arms normally. I initially suspected they might be swollen lymph nodes since I experienced some body aches two nights ago; however, I feel completely fine now. I haven’t changed my deodorant in over a year, and I don’t believe these lumps are caused by ingrown hairs. Any insights would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 9:36:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
You've noticed swollen and tender lumps in your armpits, which may be concerning, particularly given the recent body aches you experienced. It’s understandable to want to identify the cause of these lumps, and I’d like to help you navigate this situation with clear steps.
Main Points: The lumps you're experiencing could be swollen lymph nodes or possibly a form of folliculitis, both of which can occur as a response to various stimuli, including infections or skin irritation. Given their tender nature and rapid development, it's important to monitor the situation closely.
Explanation: Lymph nodes can swell when your body is fighting an infection, which might explain the tenderness, especially after feeling achy. Folliculitis, on the other hand, typically involves hair follicles becoming inflamed, often due to bacterial infection or irritation.
Since you haven’t changed any personal care products and aren't experiencing severe additional symptoms, this might not point to a major issue, but monitoring is key.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the lumps over the next few days. Note any changes in size, tenderness, or if they begin to develop other symptoms like fever or significant pain.
-
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help relieve discomfort and may promote healing if there is a mild infection.
-
Avoid Irritation: Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid using any anti-perspirants or deodorants until the lumps improve, as these may irritate the skin.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids and getting adequate rest, which helps your body recover.
-
Assess Further: If the lumps do not improve in a few days, continue to grow in size, or if you feel unwell again, consider seeking further evaluation, as this may indicate a need for additional investigation.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need more guidance. Your comfort and health are the priority, and it's great that you’re taking steps to understand your body’s signals.
Related Questions
Discomfort Under My Big Toe – Seeking Diagnosis
I’m a 22-year-old male. About a week ago, I noticed a minor ache in my big toe, which didn’t bother me too much at the time, so I decided to brush it off. However, by yesterday, the discomfort had intensified significantly. I also observed some swelling and a bit of discoloration, but I'm unsure whether this issue stems from a corn, a blister, or something else entirely. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying what might be going on.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!
Unraveling the Mystery of My Walking Difficulties After Three Years
At 27 years old and weighing 180 lbs at a height of 5'7", my journey over the past three years has been fraught with challenges related to mobility. Briefly summarizing: I've endured over a decade of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologics, along with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scoliosis, and chronic migraines, both with and without aura. Additionally, I've experienced orthostatic intolerance and have suffered three minor concussions. Lately, I’ve faced persistent numbness, weakness, and pain in my legs, along with increasing incontinence. Consultations with a neurologist, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, and physical therapist haven't yielded clear answers about my condition. Today is particularly painful; there’s an unbearable ache in my lower back and legs, making it almost impossible to find a comfortable position, which severely hampers my ability to walk. I feel desperate to uncover effective next steps for my situation. In three weeks, I’m scheduled for a repeat EMG, and if the results appear normal, my doctors advise proceeding to a lumbar puncture. I’m eager to explore any additional avenues we might pursue, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or a standing MRI. I welcome your suggestions regarding potential diagnoses or tests I should consider. I’ve attached my symptom notes that have been shared with my healthcare providers. An EMG conducted three years ago indicated only mild C7 radiculopathy. Comprehensive MRIs of my spine have been carried out before and after my symptoms began; the latest imaging was completed just recently. According to the neurosurgeon, my spinal health appears satisfactory. The MRIs confirmed known issues like mild facet arthritis in the lumbar region and mild dextroscoliosis in the thoracic area, alongside some abnormal curvature in my neck attributed to muscle spasms. No changes have been noted in my brain MRIs over the past decade, and there’s been no sign of multiple sclerosis on these scans. Interestingly, I’ve also been experiencing a yellowish fluid seeping from my ears after physical exertion, a decrease in my sense of smell, and noticeable hearing loss since the onset of my symptoms. Over the last few months, I’ve developed sores the size of pimples on my arms, chest, and scalp, which require treatment with antibiotic ointment and regular cleaning with rubbing alcohol to heal satisfactorily. I’ve been tested for diabetes due to suspected reactive hypoglycemia, but results show I am not diabetic. **Details of My Leg Issues:** For three years, I have battled leg numbness that has escalated to include incontinence, episodes of falling, and significant difficulty in walking. The numbness can affect any part of the leg, from toes to hips. It typically surfaces almost instantaneously when lying down with my legs elevated or when seated cross-legged. In contrast, lying on my back, sitting on hard surfaces, or carrying weight gradually intensifies the numbness. Navigating stairs exacerbates my symptoms, causing my legs to feel unusually heavy and leaving me breathless. When one or both legs become entirely numb, they cannot support my weight, resulting in falls. Additionally, I experience groin and saddle area numbness when sitting in a chair or on the toilet, as well as while cross-legged or lying down. Usually, if I have groin numbness, my legs are unaffected and vice versa. This kind of numbness is notably different from the sensation of a leg falling asleep. It is accompanied by a gnawing burning pain, and when the numbness subsides, residual pain often intensifies. Typically, I awaken once each night to use the restroom. If I’m on my back, I may not feel my groin or recognize the need to urinate until awakened by pain. After rising, I may suddenly lose control of my bladder without realizing it until I notice moisture on my leg. Throughout the day, I only recognize the need to urinate when it becomes painful, and often when I stand, I face incontinence at that point. Occasionally, while standing, I get an odd sensation, as if there are bugs crawling on my legs or water splashing against them, particularly when washing dishes. I find substantial relief from my symptoms when using a custom wheelchair with a specialized cushion and have noticed that my legs and back pain respond well to treatment with Journavx. During exacerbations, I typically experience heightened pain in my mid-back, with tenderness in specific areas, and surrounding muscles tightening due to spasms.
Seeking Clarity on Anemia Concerns
Greetings! I'm a 21-year-old female, trying to sort through whether I'm overreacting or misinterpreting information. During a recent appointment with a new doctor, I expressed my concerns about feeling anemic. However, the doctor referenced my previous blood tests and stated that I cannot possibly be anemic since my hemoglobin levels are normal. It’s worth noting that I'm a natural redhead and have quite pale skin. For years now, I've experienced persistent body aches throughout, along with a tendency to bruise easily and take longer than usual to recover. These problems began emerging around the time I went through puberty, if that information is relevant. I'm just looking for some reassurance or insights. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! :)
Discomfort in Right-Side Rib and Upper Abdominal Gas: Seeking Guidance
Hello, I’m a 46-year-old male experiencing some troubling symptoms. Beginning around December 20, 2025, I noticed persistent gas and issues with constipation. I’m uncertain if this condition can be classified as gastric since I don’t experience any burning sensations in my stomach. Following this onset, I consulted a local physician who prescribed a week-long treatment regimen that included: 1. Pentopan DSR (a combination of Domperidone 30mg and Pantoprazole 40mg) 2. Medclave 500mg (an antibiotic) 3. Cyclopam 4. Enzygut Forte While I did notice some improvement after completing this treatment, the relief was not substantial. Consequently, I sought the expertise of a gastroenterologist who recommended a 7-day course of famotidine 20mg and sucralfate syrup. He also advised undergoing a series of tests, including liver function tests (LFT), complete blood count (CBC), and an abdominal ultrasound (USG). The majority of the test results were normal; however, my SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) levels were significantly elevated. In response, the gastroenterologist prescribed Udiliv 150. Additionally, I was found to have deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and D, for which he provided Nurokind-OD and a weekly dosage of D3 sachet 60000. The ultrasound revealed the presence of several gallstones measuring 6-8mm and indicated that my gallbladder is distended. Presently, I am experiencing pain in the last rib on my right side, and my upper abdomen feels excessively gassy. Moreover, I’ve noticed a sensation akin to air movement around my shoulder blades on the left. Could these symptoms be attributed to either gas buildup or the gallstones? Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to any advice or insights you might have.