Swelling in armpit?

[FleaDog]

Hi,

Before I start to do the wrong thing and consult Dr Google, can any wise mumsnetters help?

I had been getting tenderness in one armpit and assumed it was chafing from my vest top on a nght as I twist around in my sleep.

There was slight redness, but in the shower checking myself whilst my right atmpit feels soft and curved inwards, my left tender armpit feels firmer if that makes sense, and a general swollen area in my armpit (rather than a small lump, like a pea for example).

I'm going to try getting a gp appointment on Monday /early in the week, but would this be a typical symptom of anything on particular? I'm late 40s, on hrt.

Thanks!

Sounds like either an ingrown hair/infected hair follicle or a reactive lymph node. Infected follicle would be painful and red.

The lymph node pops up when you have an infection somewhere on the upper body…a boil, infected cut etc somewhere on the chest, arms or hands etc or if you’ve had a recent cold/sore throat.

They normally resolve when the infection resolves.

There are serious conditions that cause lymph nodes to enlarge but you usually have other worrying symptoms and they aren’t often tender in these circumstances.

I’m a nurse and didn’t want to read and run as I know what it’s like to worry.

I’ve had it at times and although scary at first, it was definitely my lymph nodes as it went away

lymph nodes are part of immune as @NT2018 mentioned but it’s good to check at your appointment either way

good luck x

I was going to suggest the same as @NT2018 and was going to mention lymph nodes and a possible infected hair follicle. The redness might lean me towards infection. Any recent/current illness? Does the area feel hot? Any fever?

Its good to get the GP to check it out. I had similar, years ago, and by the time I managed to get a GP appointment- it had gone! Wishing you all the best OP x

Thank you! I'll def be getting it checked out but it's very reassurring to have some useful.posts from you.

Thank you😊

I had something similar, red was and just generally felt swollen. I think it was actually reaction to deodorant. I noticed if I wfh and didn’t put any on it wasn’t as irritated. I have switched to wild and all seems ok now.