Orthopedics Causes of Armpit Pain and Treatment Options What you need to know about axillary (underarm) pain By Lynne Eldridge, MD Lynne Eldridge, MD Facebook Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time." Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 11, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D. Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D. LinkedIn Eva Umoh Asomugha, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in all conditions involving the foot and ankle region. She is based in northern Virginia. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What's In the Armpit? Causes When to Get Help Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Armpit or underarm pain has many causes. They range from mostly a nuisance to serious, including: Irritation from deodorantInfections of the sweat glandsInjuriesNerve compressionCancer You may have just pain. Or you could have other symptoms like a rash or swollen lymph nodes. Medically, the armpit is called the axilla. Pain there is called axillary pain. It might make you worry about breast cancer. However, that's far from the most common cause of axillary pain. This article will look at what makes up the axilla, multiple causes of armpit pain, how it's diagnosed, and your options for treatment and prevention. Illustration by Alexandra Gordon, Verywell What's In the Armpit? The armpit is a complex area. It's made up of more components than you might expect. On or near the surface, you've got: Skin: Within the layers of the skin are hair follicles, sweat glands, fat, connective tissue, and more. Nerves: A nerve-relay station called the brachial plexus lies just above the armpit. Major nerves that pass through it are the median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerve. Sweat glands: The many sweat glands in the armpit are responsible for underarm odor. Blood vessels: Both veins and arteries travel through this region. Deeper structures include: Lymph nodes: Roughly 20 to 40 axillary lymph nodes are in each armpit. They receive drainage from lymphatic vessels in the arm, and breast, plus parts of the neck, chest, and upper abdomen. Muscles: The teres major, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and coracobrachialis muscles all make up this region. The deltoid, long head of the triceps, and biceps are close. Bones: The upper ribs and the head of the humerus (upper bone of the arm) both border the axilla. Problems with any of these elements can cause armpit pain. Arm Muscles: Anatomy and Function Causes of Armpit Pain Armpit pain can be caused directly by problems with its many parts. But conditions involving structures outside the armpit can cause referred pain to the armpit. That's pain that comes from a different area than where it's felt. Some things may cause pain in only one armpit. Others can make both sides hurt. Muscle Strain Any of the muscles in and around the axilla can have pain from overuse and muscle strain. That's often caused by activities such as: LiftingPullingThrowingPushing Pressure on the muscles and other armpit structures can cause significant pain. An example of this is using crutches. Injuries Armpit pain often comes from injuries. Structures in the armpit can be injured in several ways. A vulnerable spot is the network of nerves forming the brachial plexus. It can be injured when an arm is forcefully pulled or flexed. That can lead to armpit pain and: Loss of motion in the shoulderWeaknessNumbness or tingling in the hand or arm Other injuries in this region, including shoulder dislocations, can cause axilla pain. Recap Many injuries can cause armpit pain. Muscle strains are common. Brachial plexus injuries and shoulder dislocations are also possible. Skin Irritation Irritated skin in the armpit can lead to pain. This can be caused by: Clothing that's tight under the armsRough fabrics Shaving Personal care products can cause either irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Those are both skin reactions to things that touch the skin. One is simple irritation while the other is an allergic reaction. Potentially problematic products include: DeodorantsSoaps and body washesLotionsShaving creamLaundry detergents or fabric softeners It's best to avoid products that cause these reactions. Living With a Deodorant/Antiperspirant Allergy Rashes Several painful rashes can strike in the armpit. They include: Acanthosis nigricans: A velvety rash with darkened skin. It's often found in skin folds and is more common in people with diabetes or obesity. Psoriasis: A scaly rash caused by a build-up of dead skin cells. The skin is red or dark with silvery scales. Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic condition involving sweat glands. The rash is similar to severe acne. The armpit is a prime rash site because of the skin folds and a tendency to be warm and wet. Common Rashes Found in the Armpits Infections Both local and systemic (bodywide) infections can lead to armpit pain. Some of these cause inflammation in the axilla. Others affect the lymph nodes in the armpit. Its skin folds and warmth (relative to much of the body) make the armpit a good breeding ground for infection. Many of these are fungal or bacterial. Fungal Infections Fungal infections common to the armpit include: Intertrigo: A type of yeast infection (candidiasis). Usually causes a very red, shiny rash with scaling in areas where skin touches skin. Ringworm (tinea corporis): May occur anywhere on the body. Often causes an itchy rash in circles that get bigger as it grows. Bacterial Infections Several common bacterial skin infections may lead to pain in the armpit. They're often associated with redness or swelling. Erythrasma is a common one. It begins as a pink rash that turns brown and scaly. It's often mistaken for a fungal infection. But erythrasma is caused by the Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria. Other infections include: Cellulitis: A deep infection causing red, swollen skin. It may cause fever and red streaks moving away from the site. Can be a medical emergency. Folliculitis: Infection in the hair follicules. Red spots develop, possibly with a red ring around it. Furuncles (boils): A red bump filled with pus. May quickly get bigger. Carbuncles: A cluster of boils. May also cause fever and fatigue. Untreated boils may develop into an abscess. Generalized Infections Some generalized infections can cause painful, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. Recap Tight, rough clothing or personal care products can irritate the skin in your underarms. The area is also prone to rashes and infections. That's due to extra warmth, moisture, and folds of skin. Enlarged Axillary Lymph Nodes Pain in the armpit may be accompanied by swollen, tender lymph nodes (lymphadenitis). The swelling may not be obvious early on. It may affect one or both sides. Axillary (armpit) lymph nodes may swell for a number of reasons. Common reasons include infections, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Systemic Infections Body-wide viral infections can cause pain and swelling in the lymph nodes. These can be: Viral: Mononucleosis (mono) and HIV/AIDS Bacterial: Cat scratch disease, syphilis, tuberculosis Parasitic: Toxoplasmosis Infections in nearby body parts may also drain to the lymph nodes in the axilla. That can cause pain and swelling. These other areas may be the: Breast (mastitis)HandArmNeckParts of the chest and upper abdomen Autoimmune Disease In autoimmune diseases, your immune system mistakes a healthy cell or tissue for something harmful, like a virus. It then launches an attack. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) sometimes lead to enlarged, painful lymph nodes in the armpit. Cancer Some cancers begin in the axillary lymph nodes. Others may spread to them. Lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, may begin in these lymph nodes. Many cancers can spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Some common ones include: Breast cancerLung cancerMelanoma (a type of skin cancer) In some cases, lymph node pain and swelling may be the first sign of cancer. Infection: Lymph Node Symptoms Tender Soft Easy to move Cancer: Lymph Node Symptoms Non-tender Firm Fixed in place Nerve Compression Nerve compression (pinched nerves) in the armpit may cause armpit pain. It's often a burning pain. You may also have weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hand or arm. Nerve compression may be caused by: An injuryPressure on the nerves from a tumor or swellingPancoast tumors (from a type of lung cancer) Pancoast tumors also cause swelling of the face, neck, or upper arms. Recap Axillary lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer.Nerve compression can also cause armpit pain. It can come from an injury, pressure from a growth or swelling, or Pancoast tumors. Heart Disease Chest pain isn't always the primary symptom of heart disease. That's especially true in women. Sometimes, the first symptom is pain in the armpit. It's usually dull and achy. You may also have: Back painJaw painNauseaA general feeling that something is wrong Whenever you have symptoms that could signal a heart attack, get emergency medical attention. Shingles Shingles is a painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster). This virus stays in your body forever. It usually lies dormant in the nerve roots. Sometimes, it reactivates and causes shingles. The first symptom is pain in the area served by that nerve (called a dermatome). A few days later, a painful rash usually develops. It's confined to the dermatome, as well. Reactivation in certain nerves can cause pain in or near the armpit. Recap Heart disease may cause radiating or referred pain in the armpit. If you're having heart attack symptoms, call 911 or get to an emergency room right away.Shingles may cause axillary pain, depending on what nerve the disease affects. Other Causes Benign (harmless) masses: These include cysts, lipomas, and fibroadenomas. Lymphedema: Disruption in the flow of lymph leads to a deep armpit ache and possibly swelling in that arm. Acid reflux: In some cases, pain is only felt in the armpit. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Narrowing of the major blood vessels supplying the arm. Menstrual period-related pain: Breast tenderness just before and during your menstrual periods may radiate to or only be felt in the armpit. When to See a Healthcare Provider You should see your healthcare provider for armpit pain if: The pain is severeIt limits daily activitiesYou have other concerning symptoms Other concerning symptoms include: Night sweatsA breast lumpUnintentional weight loss It's also important to seek prompt care if you have signs of an infection, such as: Fever and chillsRednessDrainage Even if your symptoms are mild but persist, make an appointment. Seek immediate care if your armpit pain is accompanied by:Chest painShortness of breathTingling in your hands or fingersNausea and vomiting Diagnosis Your healthcare provider has a range of tools for figuring out where armpit pain comes from. First, they'll likely ask a lot of questions about your pain and other symptoms. Pain-related questions may include: The quality of the pain: Is it sharp or dull and achy, does it feel tingling, burning, or itchy?The duration: When did the pain begin? Is it constant or intermittent? Is it getting worse?The intensity: How severe is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being barely there, and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine? Other questions may be: What other symptoms are you having? For example, fever or chills, night sweats, pain in other locations, or swollen lymph nodes in other locations?Have you had a rash or redness? Have you noted any other changes in your armpit?Have you had any scratches or cuts on your hand or arm?Have you started any new activities or sports?Have you recently had any type of injury?Have you used any new deodorants, lotions, bath soaps, or laundry detergents?When was your last mammogram? Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Have you noted any breast lumps?How much is the pain interfering with your daily life? Next is a physical exam. They'll look for any redness, rashes, lumps, or enlarged lymph nodes in your axilla. They'll probably also examine the areas surrounding your armpit. That includes your head and neck, arms, and chest. They may perform a neurological exam to check for nerve compression. A breast exam can help determine if it's cancer. (Expect this regardless of your sex. Anyone can get breast cancer.) Labs and Tests The lab tests your provider orders depend on your symptoms and what they've found during a physical exam. Blood tests can look for an array of problems. A complete blood count (CBC) can show an infection. Inflammatory marker and antibody tests can reveal autoimmune disease. Skin scrapings can help identify rashes. Allergy testing can confirm allergic contact dermatitis. You may be sent for a blood draw, urine test, or other types of testing. Imaging For some injuries, cancer, and other masses, you may have some imaging studies done. These could include: Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create a picture of organs and other structures.Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses a series of X-rays to produce 3D images of bones and soft tissues.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Radioactive dye is injected to show diseased cells and abnormal activity.Mammogram: A breast scan commonly used to detect tumors. Mammogram vs. Breast MRI Procedures If no diagnosis has been made by this point, or it's not a firm diagnosis, your healthcare provider may opt for other procedures. An important one for axillary pain is a biopsy. That's when a small tissue sample is collected and sent to the lab for analysis. It can help diagnose cancer. Recap Diagnosing armpit pain may include a physical exam, lab tests, imaging, and other diagnostic procedures. The specific tests depend on what your doctor suspects or finds early on. Treatment The treatment of armpit pain depends on the underlying cause. Some possible treatments include: For muscle strain and other injuries: Rest, ice, gentle movement; splints, wraps, or braces; anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, corticosteroids) or other painkillers; physical therapySkin irritation: Avoiding irritants/allergensRashes: Topical medications, antibioticsInfections: Topical and/or oral antibioticsAutoimmune disease: Immunosuppressants, arthritis medications (DMARDs)Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapyNerve compression: Standard injury treatments or, if they fail, surgeryHeart disease: Clot-dissolving drugs, surgical treatments including bypass, radiofrequency ablation, stent placement, and angioplastyShingles: Antiviral medications, painkillers, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's treatment recommendations. Prevention Many causes of armpit pain can't be prevented. But some can. Loose-fitting clothes and hypo-allergenic or gentle products can help with irritation. To avoid injury, warm-up properly before sports and avoid overusing your arm and shoulder.Keep the area dry to help prevent irritation and rashes.Report any rashes, possible infections, and other abnormalities right away so they don't get worse. Summary Armpit pain has many causes. They range from simple skin irritation or muscle strain to autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Diagnostic tests and treatment depend on your symptoms and what your healthcare provider finds or suspects. Most causes of armpit pain can't be prevented. Using gentle products, soft clothing, and a pre-exercise warm-up may help you avoid irritation, allergies, and injuries. A Word From Verywell If you don't have an obvious rash or injury, it may take some time to diagnose your armpit pain. Ask your provider how to safely treat this pain while you await a diagnosis and treatment plan. Over-the-counter pain medications and a warm compress may help with pain from many causes. And try not to worry too much about what your diagnosis may be. Most causes of armpit pain aren't life-threatening and can be easily treated. Frequently Asked Questions What would make my armpit hurt while breastfeeding? It could be breast engorgement or mastitis.Engorged breasts are overfilled with milk. You can sometimes feel that pressure in your armpits.Mastitis is an infection in a clogged milk duct. It can cause axillary lymph nodes to swell and ache. Is it possible to stretch the muscles in and around my armpit to prevent injury? Yes, it is. Stretching the armpit area can also relieve pain and soreness. The American Council on Exercise recommends stretching the latissimus dorsi and triceps muscles. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Click below and just hit send! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 20 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kruger SJ. Breast cancer presenting as subclavian/axillary deep vein thrombosis and upper limb lymphoedema. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2012;94(2):e55-6. doi:10.1308/003588412X13171221500745 Mohseni S, Shojaiefard A, Khorgami Z, Alinejad S, Ghorbani A, Ghafouri A. Peripheral lymphadenopathy: approach and diagnostic tools. Iran J Med Sci. 2014;39(2 Suppl):158-70. Calgüneri M, Oztürk MA, Ozbalkan Z, et al. Frequency of lymphadenopathy in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. J Int Med Res. 2003;31(4):345-9. doi:10.1177/147323000303100415 Kumar PA, Islary B, Ramachandra R, Naik T. Axillary nerve schwannoma: A rare case report. 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Sonographic findings of axillary masses: what can be imaged in this space?. J Ultrasound Med. 2013;32(7):1261-70. doi:10.7863/ultra.32.7.1261 Kayıran O, De la cruz C, Tane K, Soran A. Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment. Turk J Surg. 2017;33(2):51-57. doi:10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870 Figueira PVG, Haddad CAS, De almeida rizzi SKL, Facina G, Nazario ACP. Diagnosis of axillary web syndrome in patients after breast cancer surgery: Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects: A prospective study. Am J Clin Oncol. 2018;41(10):992-996. doi:10.1097/COC.0000000000000411 Cleveland Clinic. Pinched nerves. American Heart Association. Treatment of a heart attack. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treating shingles. Kaiser Permanente. Breastfeeding problems. American Council on Exercise. Muscles that move the arm. Additional Reading Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Hauser SL. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill Education, 2015. 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