Skin Bumps in the Armpit: What Could It Be?

Small protrusion in the armpit?

I am a male and last week I noticed some warmth in my left armpit and occasional itching in my chest (I had similar symptoms two years ago, which resolved after some time).
I went to the hospital for a consultation, and the doctor performed an ultrasound examination of my chest and armpit, which showed normal results.
Today, I accidentally discovered a small area of red skin in my left armpit measuring about 0.5 x 0.7 cm.
When I touched it, I felt a slight elevation of the skin's surface, about 0.1-0.2 cm, and it is not painful.
I would like to know if this could be a lymph node? (I just had an ultrasound examination last week.)

Guang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/11

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Light / 38 years old / Male.
Today, I accidentally discovered a reddish patch of skin measuring 0.5*0.7 cm under my left armpit.
Later, when I touched it, it felt slightly raised with a texture of about 0.1-0.2 cm, and it is not painful.
I would like to ask if this is a lymph node? A: No, it is not.
It is recommended to see a dermatologist or to self-monitor.
If there are any changes or it worsens, then consult a physician.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2020/03/11

More Info

Understanding skin bumps in the armpit can be a source of concern, especially when accompanied by symptoms like warmth and itching. Based on your description, it seems you have developed a red bump in your left armpit, measuring approximately 0.5 by 0.7 cm, with a slightly raised surface. While it’s good that you’ve already undergone an ultrasound examination that returned normal results, it’s important to consider various potential causes for your symptoms.

One possibility is that the bump could be a benign skin lesion, such as a sebaceous cyst or an epidermoid cyst. These are common and usually harmless growths that can occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. They can feel firm to the touch and may become inflamed or infected, leading to redness and warmth in the surrounding skin.

Another potential cause could be a lymph node. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or even benign conditions. However, since you mentioned that you recently had an ultrasound that showed normal results for the lymph nodes in your armpit, it is less likely that this bump is an enlarged lymph node.
Additionally, skin conditions such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to a substance), or even a localized infection could also present with similar symptoms. Folliculitis can occur due to irritation or infection of the hair follicles, often resulting in red, itchy bumps that may feel tender.

Given that you have experienced similar symptoms in the past, it’s possible that this could be a recurrence of a benign condition. However, it’s crucial to monitor the bump for any changes in size, color, or sensation. If the bump becomes painful, continues to grow, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever or systemic signs of infection, it would be advisable to seek further medical evaluation.

In terms of management, if the bump is not causing significant discomfort and does not appear to be infected, you might consider keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding any potential irritants, and observing it for a few days. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or if the bump does not resolve, returning to your healthcare provider for a follow-up examination would be prudent.

In summary, while the bump in your armpit could be a benign skin lesion or a result of inflammation, it’s essential to keep an eye on it and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Regular monitoring and open communication with your doctor will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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