Pimple under Armpit Causes, Hurts, Small, Lump, How to get Rid, Pictures

Painful pimple under armpit can cause a lot of worries especially if it looks like a lump. However, most pimples in armpit are harmless. Explore more on the causes and how to get rid of them.

Pimple under Armpit – Overview and Meaning

When the pimple is infected, it can develop into a cyst or lump that can be painful and tender when they are touched. It can also grow further into a boil that can result into fever in the body generally.

There are many medical reasons that can result in underarm pimples that are painful. Some of the common reason is the growth of ingrown hairs or hair follicles becoming blocked and swollen. The infection makes the lymph nodes to become swollen and painful.

However, the pimple that results into a type of lump that is not just a benign and it does not away after some time, it requires medical attention. The information in the article provides both medical and home remedies solution towards the problem.

Can you get a Pimple under your Arm?

Yes. It possible for an individual to develop pimples on the arm since the skin on the arm has hair follicles. The causes of pimples are the same regardless of the location on the body.

Some of the common causes of pimples on the arms are sweat, dirt, dust, bacteria, hormone, your bad psychology condition and use of either wrong deodorant or body soaps that causes skin irritation.

The appearance of skin lesion is an indicator of underlying health condition and if the pimples begin to appear on the skin, it could imply something wrong in the body.

Therefore, it is advisable to identify the cause of the problem in the body and try to adjust immediately. In case it is due to diet, maintain balance diet and adopt a proper lifestyle in order to inhibit such problems in the body.

Pimple under Armpit Causes

The types of pimples that appear under the skin in the armpits are generally in form of cyst. But some can be pimples depending on the cause and how they look like. The following are the common causes of pimples under the armpits.

1. Ingrown hairs

This is the main reason behind formation of pimples since the hair follicles become blocked and sometimes develop into a cyst. Ingrown hair occurs due to improper shaving or waxing the hair in the armpits and it became infected.

According to doctors from the National Health Service, there are some instances you will develop ingrown hair that are infected and become inflamed. The infection can result in buildup of pus in the bump under the armpit.

The environmental condition under the armpit like the dark and moist conditions can trigger buildup of bacteria that causes skin infections and abscesses. The infected pimples due to ingrown hair can be painful to some instances.

It is recommended to moisten the underarm hairs before shaving and this is the reason it should be done in the bathroom before taking shower. However, there are many ways on how to get rid of ingrown hairs from the armpits like use of a natural olive oil and sugar scrub or baking soda and coconut oil scrub.

2. Use of antiperspirants

This the common reason behind formation of pimples under the armpits. According to the research done by Dr. Linda Vorvick on MedlinePlus, the common cause of cysts or abscesses is antiperspirants. The bumps are painful in the armpit.

Deodorant is not meant to stop sweating but to reduce the bad odor coming out of the armpits due to sweat. But antiperspirant is meant to get rid of the root cause of the condition by blocking sweat from reaching the skin, and thus preventing a bacterial breakdown that causes body odor.

According to the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, the presence of aluminum in the antiperspirant can result in blockage of the skin pores under the armpit causing formation of pimples.

It is advisable to use natural remedies to help get rid of the bad odor in the armpit such as making their own natural deodorant to control armpit odor. Therefore, avoid use of commercial deodorant and antiperspirant in case the cause the effect on your armpits.

3. Epidermoid armpit cyst

You are likely to experience a pea-sized cyst in your armpit. This is a harmless lump in the armpit that is caused by keratin – the substance that skin cells are made of.

According to Dr. Louise Newson on Patient.info, the kind of cyst can appear on any part of the skin. The pimple can be semi-filled fluid on the skin. The cyst is not painful but they become painful when they get infected.

4. Sebaceous cyst in armpit

These types of cysts can result in a lot of discomfort in the underarm. These pimples occur when the hair follicle or sweat gland becomes blocked.

According to doctors from the Cleveland Clinic, the pimples are filled with an oily or soft cheese-like material that creates a firm lump. Some of the pimples can become tender, red, and sore if an infection gets into the cyst.

5. Underarm bacterial infection

You are likely to develop an armpit abscess or boil in case the bacteria enter the pores in your underarm area. Abscesses and boils are sore, red, painful lumps that are often filled with pus. However, some boils don’t come to a head and can be difficult to drain.

According to Dr. Carol DerSarkissian on WebMD, the armpits are said to contain a high concentration of hair follicles and sweat glands. If one of the axilla glands gets blocked and fills with infected pus, this will result in an abscess. However, an armpit boil will form if any hair follicles get plugged and infected.

6. Hidradenitis suppurative

This is a medical condition can result in the formation of pimples in the armpits. You are likely to experience pain in the armpit caused by small boil-like bumps and cysts to appear near sweat glands and hair follicles.

According to doctors from the National Health Service, pimple mainly occurs around the armpits, around the genitals, below the breasts, and on the buttocks. Itchy armpits could be the reason behind Hidradenitis suppurative.

7. Lipoma

This is a condition that results in the development of tissue growth in the armpits that look like a lump. Most of these lumps are fluid or pus filled so they are likely not to be lumps but pimples.

According to Doctors on WebMD, lipomas are usually small soft bumps under the skin that appear in the armpits, upper body, thighs, and upper arms. However, minor injuries are the main cause of the condition in the body.

8. Swollen lymph nodes

Viral infection or bacterial infection can result in the formation of cyst like pimple in the armpits. Lymph nodes play vital role in the body like filtering out bacteria, viruses, and other waste products.

According to doctors from WebMD, injury, infection or tumors can result in formation of pimples or cyst in the armpits. A lump in your armpit because of infected lymph nodes can be the result of an infection in your arm or hand.

Note:  In rare occasions, the swelling in the armpit lymph nodes is caused by breast cancer or lymphoma.

9. Cancer

Most cysts in the armpit are non-cancerous but they have the chances of developing to cyst. According to the American Cancer Society, pimples or lumps appearing around your armpit could be a sign that breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Underarm Pimples that Hurt

The appearance of skin lesion under the armpits that hurts require medical attention especially if the lesion itch, and intensely painful. Some of the common causes of pimples underarm that hurt include the following:

1. Scratching

It is common to experience itching underarm. The presence of the hair, sweat, skin oils and darkness could be reason behind itching despite a lack of any skin disease. You can sustain injuries due to excessive itching in the armpits.

Having long nails or jagged nails may injure the skin easily and more extensively. It can further lead to bacterial skin infections as dirt under long nails and bacteria from the mouth on bitten nails are introduced into the skin tears.

2. Hair Removal

Many women have the habit of removing hair in the armpit for cosmetic reason. It is recommended to identify the best method of hair removal since there are some methods that cause skin irritation that lead to bacterial infections or even injure the skin and underlying tissue.

Some method of hair removal can trigger an allergic reaction. Hair removal should be done carefully as the skin of the armpits does not have the same underlying support as the skin around it. Always keep the area clean and never scratch the armpits after hair removal.

3. Contact Dermatitis

This is a common skin condition that causes skin inflammation and itching due to certain chemical substance in the chemicals. Some of the common irritants include water, sweat, soap and powders.

4. Folliculitis

This is another skin condition that causes inflammation of the hair follicles. Bacterial infection is the reason behind inflammation of the hair follicles. Folliculitis can occur on healthy skin as well but in the vast majority of cases it occurs when there is a break in the skin or damage to the hair follicle.

5. Ringworm

This is a fungal infection that results in round red lesions that it causes but it is not caused by a worm. The skin fungal infection is caused by dermatophytes and sometimes yeasts can also be responsible.

The warm, dark and moist environment of the armpits provides an ideal environment for fungi and it is further promoted by skin injury.

6. Lymphadenitis

This is a condition that occurs due to infection of the lymph nodes that result in the inflammation. The inflammation leads to axillary lymph node swelling. The enlargement is usually temporary and often due to an infection in the area.

7. Skin Tags and Warts

The most common place where skin tags and warts occur is the armpits, neck and fingers. Skin tags are not the same as warts although these lesions may appear similar. With warts there is abnormal growth of the skin cells often due to an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).

8. Lipomas

These are abnormal fatty tissues around the armpit. It is considered as a benign tumor and the armpits are among the more common sites where lipomas occur.

The exact reason why these fatty growths arise is not clearly understood but it appears to be associated with injury to the area and is also more likely to occur in people who are obese. Lipomas under the arms do not pose any significant health risk.

Small Lump in Armpit feels like Pimple

Some of the common causes of small lumps in the armpit that look like pimples include the following:

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are part of the immune system that helps to fight bacteria causing infection. When the lymph nodes become infected, they swell and develop into pea size lumps in the armpits.

These types of lumps are usually soft to touch and are located under your skin. An arm or breast infection may lead to enlarged lymph nodes.

2. Cysts or Lipomas

Cysts are harmless and may make your skin to turn yellow in color, which can also cause the pea sized lump in armpit. Most of these kinds of cysts do not require treatment since they disappear on their own.

3. Ingrown Hairs

Improper shaving method can result in ingrown hairs which causes formation of small bumps under the armpits. These lumps are not harmful and are more common in young girls.

4. Antiperspirants

Frequent use of antiperspirants can sometimes cause lumps under your armpits. This usually happens when you’re allergic to or your body reacts to one of the chemicals used in your brand of antiperspirant.

5. Allergic Reactions

Some common causes of allergic reactions are penicillin, iodine and sulfa drugs. Also, smallpox and typhoid vaccines can cause lymph node reactions that will lead to lumps in your armpits.

You will have to identify the cause of the trouble and eliminate it from your routine. Think about a drug you may have used recently. If you cannot pinpoint anything, you may consider working with a medical specialist to identify the culprit.

6. Cancers

This is the main reason behind the formation of pea size growth in the armpits. The most common ones are leukemia, breast cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The tumor can be of different sizes and is immobile.

How to Get Rid of Pimple under Armpit

Here are the possible remedies for the treatment of pimple under the armpits.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

It has antiseptic properties that help to get rid of infection that is causing the pain and the swelling. However, it is recommended to understand the cause of the pimple that looks like lumps. This could not be a sign of breast cancer.

Consult your doctor in case the lump does not disappear but you can also use the following home remedies to help relieve the pimple in the armpit.

How to use

• Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
• Soak the cotton cloth in this mixture and place it on the affected area for five to seven minutes.
• Remove the cloth and rinse the area with warm water.
• Pat the area dry.

2. Contrast Baths

This therapy involves using warm and cold water treatment for painful lumps. This therapy entails use of cold treatment that reduces the pain while warm treatment enhances blood circulation in the affected part.

How to use

• Submerge your armpit in warm water for three to four minutes.
• Then, submerge it in the cold water for two minutes.
• Repeat this four to five times.

Note: Use contrast bath therapy twice a day.

3. Garlic

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to get rid of infection causing your lymph nodes to swell up will be eliminated along with the pain and the swelling. Garlic is also an excellent detoxification agent.

How to use

• Either crush the garlic or chop it finely.
• Ingest this with a glass of water first thing in the morning.

4. Charcoal Compress

The commodity is readily available in the market and it helps to get rid of lumps under the skin. This simple remedy will help reduce the pain and inflammation in just a few days. It absorbs toxins, reduces swelling and pain, and treats the infection.

How to use

• Mix both the powders and add enough water to make a thick paste.
• Put this paste on a paper towel and place it on the affected area.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

5. Vitamin A

It helps to boost the immune system of the body. It helps in T-cell and B-cell migrations and activity. It also aids the lymphocyte function.

Therefore, add carrots to your salads and munch on papayas as a mid-day snack to quicken the healing of that painful lump under armpit.

6. Turmeric

It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that help to relieve painful lumps and reduce swelling. The topical application will reduce the urge to itch and also fasten the healing process.

How to use

• Mix the turmeric powder well in the milk so that no lumps remain.
• Drink this hot turmeric-infused milk.
• You can also make a paste with turmeric powder and water and apply it on the lump. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with water.

7. Onion

The juice has both antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It can work wonders in treating the infection that is causing these painful armpit lumps.

Extract the juice of an onion and gulp it down. You can add your favorite veggies to make the onion juice taste better.

8. Nutmeg

It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce the pain. It helps the body to fight any infection and swelling caused due to bacterial infections.

How to use

• Add the honey and nutmeg powder to the water and mix thoroughly.
• Drink this water while it is still warm.

9. Lemon Juice

It has a rich source of vitamin C and has many anti-inflammatory substances. This will help reduce the painful swelling in the lump and heal it.

How to use

• Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water.
• Dip the cotton ball in this juice and apply it to the lump.
• Let it air dry. You can also drink a teaspoon or two of lemon juice added to a glass of lukewarm water in the mornings.

10. Watermelon

It has antioxidant properties that help detoxify the blood and eliminate the lump-causing bacteria. It also reduces the swelling in the affected area. The fruit make the body hydrated as well as cleanse your body and keep the lumps at bay.

How to use

• Have a glass of chilled watermelon juice with breakfast.
• Drink watermelon juice every morning.

11. Vitamin E

It has vital vitamins for the human skin. Vitamin E also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and will reduce the swelling in the lump. Therefore, it is recommended to take diet full of vitamin E.

How to use

• Take a vitamin E capsule with water.
• Have one capsule every day.

12. Massage

Massaging the armpits helps to improve the circulation of blood and reduce the swelling. A good massage can do wonders to a painful lump that is often the reason for both discomfort and uneasiness.

How to use

• Take a drop or two of the oil on your fingertips and gently massage the armpit area.
• Use circular motions and upward and downward strokes.
• Massage for a few minutes.

FURTHER REFERENCE

1. Armpit Lump: https://www.healthline.com/health/armpit-lump
2. Quick Tips: 5 Ways to Treat an Underarm Cyst: https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/underarm-care/problems/5-ways-to-treat-underarm-cyst.htm
3. 10 HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF UNDERARM PIMPLES: https://www.morphemeremedies.com/10-remedies-to-get-rid-of-underarm-pimples/
4. What Are the Pimple-Like Things Under the Arm? https://www.livestrong.com/article/326460-what-are-the-pimple-like-things-under-the-arm/
5. Causes of Armpit (Underarm) Pimples, Sores and Lumps: http://www.healthhype.com/causes-of-armpit-underarm-pimples-sores-and-lumps.html