Concerns About Armpit Lumps
Age 22, 5'8", weighing 85 kg (currently trying to reduce this), not on any medication, do not smoke, and have no significant health history. It has been one month since I first noticed these issues under my armpits. I'm feeling anxious about my situation as I've recently relocated to a different country, and I currently lack a healthcare provider. After shaving my armpits with a new razor, I discovered two small lumps in that area. I initially anticipated that they would disappear with time, but here I am a month later, and I’ve noticed an emergence of additional, larger hard lumps beneath my skin. Though these bumps can’t be seen externally, they are firm and irritate me when I bring my arms close together. I also experience mild pain when I extend my arms. To address this, I've been applying antibiotic ointments to the affected regions and taking oral antibiotics, but I'm at a loss for what steps to take next. Seeking advice is crucial since online searches tend to raise anxiety by suggesting cancer diagnoses, which I find overwhelming.
Answers (1)
9/16/2025, 3:50:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about developing lumps under your armpits, especially after noticing changes over a month. While your symptoms could be from various causes, such as ingrown hairs, cysts, or lymph node swelling, it’s important to address your situation with careful steps.
Explanation:
The lumps under your armpits may be due to irritation from shaving, leading to ingrown hairs or small cysts. The recent relocation and lack of a healthcare provider add to your stress, but it's good that you’re seeking guidance. Self-treating with antibiotic ointments could help if there’s skin irritation or minor infection, but if the lumps persist or increase in size, it’s essential to take further action.
Next Steps:
-
Stop Irritation: Avoid shaving the area for now to prevent further irritation. Consider using an electric razor or hair clippers if hair removal is necessary, as they are gentler on the skin.
-
Warm Compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the area for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can reduce discomfort and help any potential infection drain.
-
Observe: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in size, pain, or additional lumps over the next week. Documenting these details can help you gauge if the situation is improving or worsening.
-
Avoid Self-Medication: Refrain from using more antibiotic ointments or other medications without guidance, as this may complicate the underlying issue.
-
Seek Local Healthcare: Look for available healthcare providers or clinics in your area to get a professional opinion, particularly if the lumps do not improve within a week or if they worsen. Many communities have low-cost or free clinics that can assist newcomers without insurance.
Remember, most issues like these are often harmless, but it’s always best to consult a health professional if you’re unsure or concerned. Your health and peace of mind are important, so please take these initial steps and reach out for local support as soon as you can.
Related Questions
Identifying Triggers for Chronic Rhinitis Symptoms
My significant other has been experiencing what seems like a never-ending cold, which I suspect is a case of allergic rhinitis triggered by some irritant within our home, particularly in the bedroom. Not long ago, we went on a trip, and during that time, all symptoms were completely resolved. However, upon returning, the issues resurfaced and have persisted for the past month, evident in their continually congested nose, frequent sniffing, and the need to breathe through their mouth. They have a history of being sensitive to allergens—around this time of year, hay fever commonly affects them, and they also have reactions to certain fruits, such as apples and grapes, resulting in slight tingling and swelling of the mouth and lips. They are also known to be allergic to horse dander. I wonder if there are effective methods to eliminate potential allergens or exposure risks to pinpoint the exact cause of these symptoms. I previously found mold in the bedroom, tucked behind a cupboard, which has been thoroughly cleaned, and currently, there are no signs of lingering dampness or musty smells. We make it a priority to keep dust levels low through frequent vacuuming. While we do have a cat, she is over five years old and had not posed any issues in the past. Are there other factors we might be missing, such as fabric softeners, deodorants, or the use of hypoallergenic bedding? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Is it Common for a Neurologist to Be So Dismissive?
I am a 38-year-old female weighing 185 pounds, experiencing spasms on the right side of my body for the past eight years, starting in my face. My only medication is Vyvanse, and I do not smoke or consume alcohol often, nor do I use recreational substances. Recently, I consulted with a neurologist based in the United States regarding my hemifacial spasm. After a lengthy wait for an appointment, I found that a fellow accompanied her throughout the session and ultimately provided my diagnosis. Unfortunately, she has been unresponsive to my inquiries via the patient portal. I requested a referral for an MRI to investigate the possibility of multiple sclerosis, as my spasms and twitches extend beyond my facial region. However, a nurse informed me that my neurologist wouldn’t authorize the MRI because she does not believe it is indicative of MS and suggested that we discuss it further only during a follow-up visit, for which I would need to pay a copay. This experience has been incredibly frustrating. Is this level of dismissiveness typical in neurological care?
Unraveling My Mysterious Pain
31-year-old female – For the past three months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper back, beginning specifically in the region around my right shoulder blade and now spreading throughout my entire upper back, shoulder, and bicep areas. This issue appeared unexpectedly a few months ago. Initially, the discomfort was minor, primarily occurring during meals, where I would feel pain in my right bicep and the lower aspect of my right shoulder blade. I have undergone numerous medical evaluations, including a series of blood tests that returned normal results, an abdominal ultrasound, an upper endoscopy, and most recently, a Prenuvo MRI, all of which were largely unremarkable. The MRI did reveal a slight scoliosis, which could potentially explain the upper back pain I'm experiencing, but the discomfort tends to worsen after eating. I often feel a burning acidic sensation in my stomach, fueling my concerns about stomach cancer, and subsequently, the pain radiates throughout my upper back. When I attempt to stretch my neck by looking down, I encounter a persistent dull ache. This upper back discomfort has been unrelenting for the last two months, and I am unsure of the cause. Tomorrow, I will undergo a HIDA scan to investigate my gallbladder, and I hope to finally find some clarity. My greatest wish is for this to be a straightforward musculoskeletal issue. I’ve marked a diagram indicating the initial pain location in red, and the area where I now feel constant discomfort in blue. For reference, I work from home but do make an effort to get up periodically. I have noticed that the pain tends to intensify after consuming sweet or spicy foods. An endoscopy has already ruled out gastritis, yet I find myself increasingly anxious that this might be something more severe, like cancer, due to the continuous presence of the ache.
Neurological Effects Following THCP Tincture Use
I’m a 23-year-old woman, 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weigh 120 pounds. I recently ceased taking antidepressants and typically drink alcohol at least once a week. Previously, I used to consume cannabis every day, but I switched to CBD just a few days ago, and it has notably improved my situation. A few weeks ago, I had a rather intense experience while taking a THCP tincture. At one point, I definitely overdid it; after vomiting, I found myself on the bathroom floor, and I experienced excruciating muscle cramps that left me motionless for several minutes. Since that incident, I have encountered several troubling symptoms. I’ve perceived animals in my vision and heard voices, which is alarming. My ability to pick up on social cues has diminished, and I often speak without thinking first. Waiting my turn in conversations has become a challenge, and I find myself more easily confused and agitated. Additionally, I have noticed a troubling inability to recognize when my bladder is full until it becomes urgent, consistently feeling like I’m tensing up. My sense of body temperature seems off as well; I can only tell when I’m sweating and feeling nauseous or shivering from being cold. Clearly, something is amiss. What steps should I take? It feels as though nobody understands the seriousness of my experience.
Seeking Insights on Eosinophilic Asthma Management
Greetings! I'm a 33-year-old male, and I lead a healthy lifestyle—no smoking and minimal alcohol consumption, alongside a regular exercise routine three times each week. Since my childhood, I have struggled with severe allergic rhinitis, which eventually progressed into eosinophilic asthma as I entered adulthood. For the past two years, I have been undergoing treatment with Dupixent, a medication that has proven effective in managing asthma symptoms. Despite this, I've noticed that my eosinophil levels occasionally stay elevated. To counteract this, I utilize steroids bi-monthly to help bring those levels down. I'm curious to hear from others: aside from biologic treatments, do you also rely on steroids for reducing eosinophil counts? Additionally, having been on Dupixent for a couple of years now, what is the typical timeframe for continuing this treatment? How long do most people remain on Dupixent before reassessing their options? Lastly, I’ve learned that there are alternatives like Fasenra that specifically target eosinophil reduction. Do you think it would be advisable for me to consider a transition to that medication instead of continuing with Dupixent?