Armpit cysts are common skin lumps. While often benign, understanding their nature is important for proper management, guiding decisions about home care and when to seek professional medical attention.
Understanding Armpit Cysts
An armpit cyst typically appears as a movable lump under the skin. These formations are often fluid-filled sacs or cellular material from blocked ducts or glands. Common true cysts include epidermal cysts (keratin-filled sacs) or lipomas (soft, fatty growths). Lumps from hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic sweat gland condition, can also occur here.
It is important to differentiate true cysts from other common armpit lumps. These can include swollen lymph nodes, which enlarge due to infection or inflammation. Infected hair follicles, appearing as small, painful bumps, or boils (deeper skin infections), also commonly appear. Recognizing these distinctions is foundational for effective management.
Home Care for Armpit Cysts
For minor, uncomplicated armpit cysts, several at-home measures can help manage symptoms. Applying a warm compress to the affected area regularly can reduce discomfort and promote drainage if the cyst is superficial. Maintaining good hygiene, by gently washing the armpit daily with mild soap and water, also prevents irritation.
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can reduce friction against the cyst, preventing irritation. Temporarily avoiding antiperspirants or deodorants directly on the cyst can also prevent blockage or skin irritation. Never attempt to pop, squeeze, or drain an armpit cyst at home. Such actions can introduce bacteria, leading to infection or increased inflammation and pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a medical professional for safe management of armpit cysts. A doctor’s visit is warranted if the cyst shows signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or warmth. Rapid growth, pus discharge, or fever are also clear indicators for immediate medical evaluation.
Seek professional opinion if the armpit lump feels unusually firm, is immovable, or causes persistent discomfort. Recurrent cysts, uncertainty about the lump’s nature, or ineffective home remedies also suggest a medical assessment. During a consultation, a doctor will perform a physical examination and inquire about medical history to assess the lump and determine the appropriate course of action.
Medical Treatments for Armpit Cysts
Medical intervention offers various solutions for armpit cysts, depending on their characteristics and symptoms. For infected or painful cysts, incision and drainage is a common procedure. This involves making a small cut to release pus and fluid, reducing pressure and discomfort. The area is then cleaned to help prevent further infection.
For recurrent, large, or problematic cysts, surgical excision is frequently recommended. This procedure involves complete removal of the entire cyst sac, preventing recurrence in the same location. Surgical excision is typically performed under local anesthesia and is a definitive treatment option for persistent cysts.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections associated with inflamed or ruptured cysts. Corticosteroids may be injected into certain cysts to reduce inflammation and swelling. The specific medical treatment depends on the cyst’s type, size, and symptom severity.