Painful Lumps: When to See a Dermatologist - Dermatology

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Hello Sage,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the painful lump you've noticed in your armpit. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be dealing with a condition that warrants further evaluation by a healthcare professional, particularly a dermatologist.

Lumps in the armpit area can arise from various causes, including but not limited to:
1. Lymphadenopathy: Swollen lymph nodes can occur due to infections, inflammation, or even malignancies. The lymph nodes in the armpit can become enlarged in response to infections in the arm, breast, or even systemic infections.

2. Sebaceous Cysts: These are non-cancerous lumps that can form when sebaceous glands become blocked. They are typically painless but can become inflamed or infected, leading to discomfort.

3. Abscesses: If the lump is painful and has increased in size, it could be an abscess, which is a collection of pus that can occur due to bacterial infection. Abscesses often require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

4. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue. They are usually soft and movable under the skin, but if they become large or press on surrounding tissues, they can cause discomfort.

5. Other Skin Conditions: Conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, which involves painful lumps and abscesses in areas with sweat glands, can also present in the armpit.

Given that you mentioned the lump is hard, painful, and increasing in size, it is advisable to seek medical attention. While some lumps may resolve on their own, the combination of pain and growth suggests that it could be something that requires intervention.
When to See a Dermatologist:
- If the lump persists for more than a week or two without improvement.

- If it continues to grow in size or becomes increasingly painful.

- If you experience additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

- If there are changes in the skin over the lump, such as redness, warmth, or drainage.

Self-Care and Treatment:
While waiting for your appointment, avoid squeezing or trying to drain the lump yourself, as this can lead to infection. Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate discomfort. However, topical treatments without a proper diagnosis may not be effective and could potentially worsen the situation.

In conclusion, while some lumps can be benign and resolve on their own, the characteristics you've described suggest that a professional evaluation is warranted. A dermatologist can provide a thorough examination, possibly perform imaging studies, and determine the best course of action, which may include observation, medication, or surgical intervention if necessary.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!