Armpit pain, or general pain in the armpit area, can be caused by a number of different reasons. Our armpit area contains many lymph nodes that can become swollen and infected, which can cause pain in the left armpit as well as the right armpit. There are also many muscles, tendons, and nerves in the armpits that can cause discomfort or pain in the area where they are damaged or inflamed. Read on to learn more about this condition, its causes, and natural treatments.
Many people become very anxious if they have armpit pain, especially if it is accompanied by a lump or swelling. In most cases, the cause of armpit pain is harmless and will go away on its own. Of course, there are serious conditions that involve pain under the armpit, and medical attention should always be sought, especially if the pain does not go away.
In this article, we will go over the causes of armpit pain and what natural treatments you could use to alleviate it.
Causes of armpit pain
Some people experience mild discomfort or pain under their armpit, while for others the pain can be severe. What are the causes of discomfort or pain under the left or right armpit?
Pain in the armpit from swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes can be a reason for armpit pain. Part of the body's immune system is the lymphatic system which comprises the lymph nodes in different areas of the body. One of those areas is the armpits. Infections can cause the lymph nodes to swell and cause pain. In this case, discomfort and pain in the armpits can be a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
If for some reason you feel a hard lump under your armpit that does not move and does not cause pain, you should see a healthcare professional.
Another requirement regarding the lymphatic system that can cause pain in the armpits is lymphangitis. This is caused by a bacterial strep infection of the skin.
Some of the symptoms of lymphangitis are fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, elbow, or red streaks from the infected area to the armpit or groin, in addition to pain.
Painful armpit rash
An armpit rash can also be a reason why you have armpit discomfort or pain. Of course, you will be able to see the rash and it could possibly be accompanied by itchy red patches and scaly skin.
There are many reasons for a painful armpit rash to form. These are some of them:
· Dermatitis or psoriasis
· Fungal infections
· Mycosis
· Tub
· Staphylococcus infection
To help treat your armpit rash, you can use a little coconut oil on the affected area. Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and other properties that can help relieve armpit pain that is caused by a rash.
Coconut oil also helps treat candida (yeast) infections topically. All you have to do is apply coconut oil to the armpit area several times a day to treat the rash and relieve discomfort or pain.
You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Tea tree oil has many antifungal properties that can help kill infections and soothe pain that is caused by a rash in the underarm areas.
Aloe vera can also help treat armpit dermatitis that can cause pain in that area. Aloe vera has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to treat various skin problems including an underarm rash.
Sometimes your deodorant can cause painful rashes under your armpit. Coconut oil can be used as an ingredient in a natural deodorant.
Muscle pull causing armpit pain
A pulled muscle can cause severe pain in the armpit. Muscle pulls often occur when you strain your arm too much, for example, when exercising or lifting heavy objects, or doing a repetitive action over a long period of time.
To relieve armpit pain caused by pulled muscle, it is advisable to rest the affected arm. Afterward, you can also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes 4-8 times a day. Remember that you should never apply ice directly to the skin. You should keep in mind that a cold treatment should be used 24 to 48 hours after an injury. After this period it is necessary to use heat therapy.
Shoulder dislocation as a cause of armpit pain
If you dislocate your shoulder it is obvious that you will feel severe pain in your lower armpit and shoulder. You may also experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in your neck and arm.
In the event of a shoulder dislocation, seek immediate medical attention. It is recommended that to relieve the pain of a shoulder dislocation, you apply ice to the sensitive area for 20 minutes every two hours. Do for the first two days. Then, use a hot water bottle and apply it for 20 minutes.
Brachial plexus injury
Brachial plexus injury is the term that refers to an injury to the nerves that leave your neck on both sides of your body. These nerves are responsible for the movements of the arms. Nerves can be injured by any type of trauma, for example, playing sports or being in a car accident. A brachial plexus injury causes severe pain in all areas where the nerves were damaged, including pain in the armpit.
It is important to see a doctor in cases of shoulder injuries because a brachial plexus injury can cause loss of movement in your arms.
Breast cancer
It is important for all women to regularly check their breast health for signs or changes. A sign of breast cancer is lumps in the breast, armpits, or collarbone. Sometimes swelling or lumps in the armpits can occur before feeling a lump in the breasts. This is because breast cancer usually spreads to the lymph nodes first.
If you have swollen lymph nodes or pain in your armpit, you should go see a doctor. Breast cancer is more successfully treated if it is found early.
Of course, there are many reasons why you might have armpit pain, and most of the time the cause is something harmless. However, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In some very rare cases, GERD can cause pain in the general armpit area. GERD can cause the diaphragm to swell and this can affect the nerves in the spine causing pain in the arms and shoulders
There are many natural ways that you can treat digestive problems like gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn, such as baking soda, as well as other treatments.
It is worth noting that GERD is also one of the causes of stomach pain after eating.
Breast pain
Breast pain is classified as any type of discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breasts or underarm region. Armpit and breast pain commonly affects women before their period.
There are a number of harmless causes of breast pain and they are not usually a symptom of cancer.
Intercostobrachial neuralgia
Underarm pain can be caused by intercostobrachial neuralgia. This is damage to the spinal nerves that go to the arm and causes pain in the armpit region. This most commonly occurs after breast surgery, but armpit pain can also be the result of radiation therapy or trauma to the ribs.
Waxing or shaving
Removing armpit hair can cause pain right after the process. The skin can also become infected, causing pain in the armpits. Waxing and shaving can also cause ingrown armpit hair which can lead to bumps or pimples, armpit cysts, and even infected boils. To soothe irritated skin after shaving and prevent armpit pain, a little aloe vera can be applied to the shaved area.
How to relieve pain in the armpit
In addition to the methods mentioned above on how to get rid of armpit pain, there are a few more home remedies you can try if you have armpit aches or pains:
Warm bath
A warm bath can help ease armpit pain. You can try soaking in a hot bath for 20 minutes. You can add 1/2 cup of baking soda or 1/2 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt to the bath. This can help cleanse and remove toxins from the skin and soothe irritated skin.
Massage
You could try massaging some oil on the sore area in your armpit for relief. You can add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil and gently massage into the affected area. This can provide needed relief and increase blood circulation in the armpit.
Good hygiene
Always practice good hygiene and keep your armpits, and other areas that are prone to infection, clean and dry. You should bathe and dry yourself completely after activities in which you sweat.
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