Small Lump in Left Armpit: What Could It Be?
I am a 32-year-old woman, standing at 5'1" and weighing 200 pounds. I live in Canada, don’t smoke, and have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Recently, after shaving my armpit, I noticed some discomfort arising in that area a few days later—perhaps close to a week. Specifically, I discovered a lump along with the pain. I applied warm compresses to the affected area, and after a couple of days, the pain subsided. Although the lump persists, it seems to have decreased in size. What could this lump be? Might it be an ingrown hair or a skin infection?
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 12:50:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
A lump in the armpit area can arise from various causes, and given your recent experience with discomfort following shaving, it could indeed be related to an ingrown hair or a localized skin infection, especially since you noticed improvement with warm compresses.
Here's a breakdown of possible causes:
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Ingrown Hair: When hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it, it can cause a lump and discomfort. This is common after shaving.
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Lymph Node Swelling: Swollen lymph nodes can occur in response to infection or irritation in nearby areas, like from shaving.
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Skin Infection (Folliculitis): This can happen if bacteria enter the hair follicles, leading to lumps filled with pus, usually tender and surrounded by redness.
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Other Possibilities: While less common, cysts or benign tumors could also present as lumps in this area.
Next Steps:
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Continue Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses can help soothe irritation and potentially encourage any trapped hair to emerge, or assist in healing if it's an infection.
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Monitor the Lump: Keep an eye on the size and any changes. If it decreases further and remains painless, it's likely resolving.
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Avoid Shaving or Irritation: Give the area a break from shaving until it completely heals to prevent further irritation.
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Watch for Symptoms: If you notice increased pain, redness, warmth, or any discharge (especially pus), this may indicate infection needing attention.
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Consider Hygiene: Ensure you are using clean shaving practices, including fresh blades, to minimize risk of irritation.
If the lump does not resolve over the next few weeks, or if you have any additional concerns, it would be a good idea to seek professional medical advice. Your health, particularly considering your history with multiple sclerosis, is important, and a medical professional can provide peace of mind and further assessment if necessary.
Let me know if you have more questions or need further information!
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