Dolor en las axilas: Causas, tratamiento y más

Armpit pain (also called underarm pain or axillary pain) is one of those symptoms that feels dramaticbecause it’s close to nerves, lymph nodes, and everything that makes you say, “Should I be worried?” The good news: most underarm pain is caused by common, fixable stuff like skin irritation, an inflamed hair follicle, or a strained muscle. The not-so-fun news: sometimes it’s your body’s “hey, please pay attention” signal, especially if there’s a lump, fever, or symptoms that don’t improve.

This guide breaks down the most likely causes of armpit pain, what you can safely try at home, when to see a healthcare professional, and what treatment usually looks like. (Because while your armpit doesn’t need to be the main character today, it sometimes insists.)

Quick anatomy: Why the armpit is a “busy neighborhood”

The axilla (armpit) is a crossroads. In a small space you have:

• Skin and hair follicles (hello, shaving bumps and folliculitis).
• Sweat glands (and plenty of friction, which can irritate skin).
• Lymph nodes (filters that swell when your immune system is working).
• Muscles and tendons from the chest, back, and shoulder.
• Nerves and blood vessels traveling to the arm and hand.

Because so many structures live here, armpit pain can come from skin-level issues, immune responses, musculoskeletal strain, or nerve irritationand the “right” fix depends on the source.

Common causes of armpit pain

1) Irritation or allergic reaction (deodorant, shaving, friction)

If your underarm pain feels like burning, stinging, or tenderness with redness, itching, flaking, or bumps, your skin may be reacting to deodorant/antiperspirant ingredients, fragrance, shaving, or tight clothing. Underarm skin is sensitiveand it gets rubbed, sweats, and “marinates” in products. That combo can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.

• Common clues: rash on both sides, itching, red patches, peeling, worse after switching products.
• Typical triggers: fragrance, preservatives, essential oils, alcohol-based sprays, aggressive shaving, friction.

2) Ingrown hair or folliculitis (inflamed or infected hair follicles)

Folliculitis happens when hair follicles become inflamedoften from bacteria, irritation, sweating, friction, or shaving. It can look like small pimples, tender bumps, or pustules and may feel sore or itchy. Ingrown hairs can cause similar localized pain, especially after shaving or waxing.

• Common clues: small clustered bumps, mild pus, tenderness right around hair follicles.
• What often sets it off: shaving, tight workout clothes, heavy sweating, hot tubs, or skin-to-skin friction.

3) Boils (furuncles), abscesses, and “painful lumps that want attention”

A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump, usually caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle. An abscess is a pocket of infection that can form under the skin. The armpit is a classic spot because it’s warm, moist, and high-frictionbasically an all-inclusive resort for bacteria if the skin barrier gets irritated.

• Common clues: a single tender lump that enlarges, warmth, redness, pus, throbbing pain.
• Important safety note: don’t squeeze or “pop” ittrying to drain it yourself can spread infection.

4) Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): recurring painful underarm lumps

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes deep, painful lumpsoften in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits. HS can look like acne or boils, but it tends to recur, can drain, and may lead to tunnels under the skin and scarring over time.

• Common clues: repeated flare-ups in the same area, deep tender nodules, draining, scarring, “tracks” under the skin.
• Why it’s tricky: HS is often mistaken for simple boils or “bad shaving bumps.”

5) Swollen lymph nodes (your immune system doing its job)

Many people first notice armpit pain because a lymph node in the armpit feels swollen or tender. Lymph nodes can enlarge when your body is fighting an infection (like a cold, skin infection, or something nearby). Most of the time, the cause is minor and resolves as you recover. But persistent or growing lymph nodes deserve a medical check.

• Common clues: a small lump, tenderness, recent illness, nearby skin infection, or cuts.
• Less common but important causes: inflammatory/autoimmune conditions or cancers (rare, but part of the rule-out list if swelling persists).

6) Vaccine-related lymph node swelling (temporary, usually one-sided)

Vaccines can cause temporary swelling of lymph nodes as part of an immune response. This sometimes shows up as unilateral (one-sided) axillary swelling on the same side as the shot. It can feel sore or lumpy for a short period. If you recently had a vaccine and notice tender underarm swelling, mention the date and side of vaccination to your clinicianespecially if you’re getting breast imaging.

7) Muscle strain or overuse (workouts, lifting, repetitive motion)

Your armpit borders major muscles of the chest, back, and shoulder. If you’ve recently done pull-ups, rows, heavy lifting, climbing, or an enthusiastic “new-year-new-me” workout, you can strain muscles that refer pain toward the underarm. The pain often worsens with movement and improves with rest.

• Common clues: pain after activity, tenderness when pressing a muscle, discomfort when raising the arm or pulling.
• Often involved: latissimus dorsi or surrounding shoulder/chest muscles.

8) Nerve-related pain (compression or irritation)

Nerves traveling from the neck and chest to the arm can cause pain that feels like burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting discomfort. One example is thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves/blood vessels are compressed near the collarbone and can cause pain or aching in the neck, shoulder, and arm. Nerve issues are more likely if you also have tingling, weakness, or symptoms down the arm.

9) Shingles (herpes zoster), sometimes starting as pain before a rash

Shingles can begin with pain, itching, or tingling in a specific area before a rash appears. If you get a painful stripe-like rash with blistersoften on one side of the bodyit may explain sudden underarm pain, especially if the rash follows a nerve path near the chest/upper arm.

10) Benign lumps (lipomas, cysts) and other growths

Not every armpit lump is a lymph node. A lipoma (a soft, rubbery, usually painless fatty lump) can occur under the skin and may be noticed in the armpit. Cysts or other benign skin growths can also cause tenderness if inflamed or irritated by friction.

11) When it’s more serious: breast-related conditions or cancers (uncommon, but important)

Persistent armpit lumps or lymph node swelling can sometimes be linked to breast conditions, including breast cancer, because breast tissue and lymph drainage connect to the axillary nodes. Most underarm pain is not cancerbut medical evaluation is important if a lump is firm, enlarging, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

When to worry: red flags that deserve medical care

Seek medical evaluation (urgent if severe) if you have any of the following:

• A lump that persists beyond 2–3 weeks, grows, or feels hard/fixed.
• Fever, chills, or you feel generally unwell.
• Spreading redness, warmth, or red streaks (possible worsening infection).
• Severe pain or rapidly enlarging swelling.
• Drainage of pus, especially with increasing redness or odor.
• Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or ongoing fatigue.
• Breast changes (new lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or persistent breast pain).
• Neurologic symptoms like numbness, weakness, or pain radiating down the arm.

How armpit pain is diagnosed

A clinician usually starts with a focused history and exam. Expect questions like:

• When did the pain startsudden or gradual?
• Any new deodorant, shaving, waxing, or laundry products?
• Recent illness, skin cuts, insect bites, or vaccination?
• Any drainage, fever, rash, or recurring boils?
• Any breast symptoms or family history concerns?

Depending on findings, they may recommend:

• Skin exam for folliculitis, dermatitis, boils, or HS.
• Palpation of lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.
• Ultrasound to characterize a lump (fluid-filled vs solid).
• Lab work if infection or systemic illness is suspected.
• Breast imaging if symptoms point that direction (based on age/risk and clinical judgment).
• Culture if a draining lesion suggests bacterial infection.

Treatment: what helps depends on the cause

At-home care for mild irritation, strain, or early bumps

• Pause shaving/waxing for a week or two to reduce trauma.
• Switch to fragrance-free products and avoid new deodorants during flares.
• Warm compress (10 minutes, several times daily) for tender bumps/boilshelps comfort and may encourage natural drainage.
• Don’t squeeze boils/abscesses. It can spread bacteria and worsen infection.
• Loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction and moisture.
• OTC pain relief (like NSAIDs if appropriate for you) and gentle skin care.
• Rest and gradual return for muscle strain, plus gentle range-of-motion once pain calms.

Medical treatment for infections, boils, or abscesses

If a lump is large, worsening, or accompanied by fever/redness, medical care may include:

• Prescription antibiotics when bacterial infection is suspected.
• Incision and drainage for abscesses that won’t resolve on their own (performed safely by a clinician).
• Follow-up wound care to ensure proper healing.

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

HS often needs a longer-term plan rather than one-off fixes. Depending on severity, treatment may include:

• Topical antibiotics (commonly clindamycin for mild disease).
• Oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and treat secondary infection.
• Anti-inflammatory approaches and pain management.
• Procedures (like deroofing or excision) in select cases.
• Dermatology care for personalized plans and flare prevention.

Also important: HS is not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not contagious. If you suspect HS (recurring painful underarm lumps), getting the right diagnosis can save you years of frustration.

Treatment for swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes usually improve when the underlying cause improves. Viral illnesses often resolve with time and supportive care. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may help. Persistent or unexplained swelling may require imaging, labs, orrarelybiopsy depending on clinical judgment.

Treatment for shingles

Shingles is typically treated with prescription antivirals (especially when started early) and pain control. If you suspect shinglesespecially if pain is followed by a blistering rashcontact a clinician promptly.

Treatment for nerve compression or thoracic outlet symptoms

Nerve-related underarm/arm pain may improve with posture changes, activity modification, and physical therapy that strengthens and opens the shoulder/chest region. Severe cases can require specialist evaluation, especially if there’s arm swelling, color changes, or significant weakness.

Prevention tips (because armpits deserve peace)

• Go gentle with shaving: clean razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, use a soothing shave gel, and moisturize after.
• Choose fragrance-free: if you’re rash-prone, avoid heavily scented deodorants and try simpler formulas.
• Reduce friction: breathable fabrics, well-fitted clothing, and anti-chafe measures during workouts.
• Shower soon after sweating: helps reduce follicle irritation and bacterial buildup.
• If you get recurrent boils or HS-like flares: talk to a clinician earlyprevention beats repeated flare firefighting.

Bottom line

Armpit pain is common, and most causes are manageableoften related to irritation, minor infection, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle strain. The key is matching the response to the cause: gentle skin care for irritation, warm compresses and medical care for boils/abscesses, a longer-term plan for HS, and prompt evaluation for red flags like persistent lumps, fever, spreading redness, neurologic symptoms, or breast changes.

If your armpit pain has you spiraling, remember this: your body is a loud communicator, not always a doom prophet. Pay attention, use smart home care when appropriate, and get checked when signs point to something more than a temporary flare.

500+ Words of Real-World Experiences Related to Armpit Pain

People describe armpit pain in surprisingly different ways, and those “vibes” can offer useful clues. Some say it’s a surface stinglike a sunburn in a spot that absolutely didn’t sign up for friction. That pattern often shows up after switching deodorants, trying a new scented body wash, or shaving too quickly with a razor that has seen better days. The experience is usually: mild pain + itching + “why is my armpit flaky?” The fix that many people find helpful is boring (which is good): pause shaving, switch to fragrance-free products, keep the area clean and dry, and give the skin a chance to reset.

Others report a sharp, localized tendernessa single bump that hurts when the arm moves or when clothing rubs it. The common storyline is a small follicle irritation that becomes inflamed: an ingrown hair, folliculitis, or an early boil. Many people notice it right after workouts, hot weather, or a period of heavy sweating. A frequent mistake is trying to “handle it” by squeezing. The usual result: more pain, more redness, and an escalated situation. The experience that tends to go better is when people use warm compresses, avoid friction, and seek medical care if the lump grows or pain increases.

Then there’s the deep ache with a sense of fullness, sometimes with a small lump that feels like a pea or bean. People often notice this during or after a cold, sore throat, or skin infection. It’s common to think, “Is this something scary?”but many times, it’s a reactive lymph node doing its immune-system job. A practical experience-based tip: track it. If it shrinks as you recover and disappears, that’s reassuring. If it sticks around, grows, or comes with symptoms like fever or unexplained fatigue, that’s when people are glad they got it checked.

For people living with recurring underarm lumps, the experience can be more frustrating. They may have cycles of painful nodules that drain, come back, and leave scars. Many describe the emotional side: avoiding sleeveless shirts, worrying about odor or drainage, and feeling dismissed (“just wash better,” which is both incorrect and unhelpful). When those patterns match hidradenitis suppurativa, the experience often improves when someone finally gets the correct diagnosis and a plan that goes beyond one-time antibiotics. Supportive clothing, managing friction, and consistent dermatology care can make a noticeable difference over time.

Finally, some people experience underarm pain that seems connected to movement, posture, or nerve sensationslike tingling or radiating discomfort down the arm. Their “aha” moment is often realizing it’s not a skin issue at all, but a musculoskeletal or nerve-related problem that responds to rest, posture work, and physical therapy. The shared lesson across these experiences is simple: armpit pain isn’t one single thing. When you match the response to the causeand respect red flagsyou usually get relief faster, with a lot less stress and a lot fewer dramatic conversations with your mirror.