Armpit cysts are closed sacs or pockets of tissue that can develop just beneath the skin’s surface. These formations typically contain fluid, air, or other substances. While discovering a lump in this sensitive area can be unsettling, armpit cysts are often benign and frequently resolve without extensive intervention.
Understanding Armpit Lumps
Not all lumps in the armpit are cysts, and understanding their differences can help in identifying their nature. Epidermoid cysts, common in the armpit, are often mistakenly called sebaceous cysts. These cysts form when skin cells, which normally shed, become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, leading to a build-up of keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. True sebaceous cysts, less common, originate from oil-producing glands and are filled with sebum.
Other armpit lumps include boils and swollen lymph nodes, each with distinct characteristics. A boil is a painful, red, pus-filled lump resulting from a bacterial infection of a hair follicle. These often feel warm to the touch and can grow larger over time. Swollen lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system and may enlarge in response to infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body. They often feel tender, movable, and can vary in size.
Home Care and Self-Management
For managing armpit cysts at home, applying warm compresses is a common approach. Soaking a clean towel or washcloth in warm water, wringing out the excess, and gently placing it on the cyst for 5 to 10 minutes, three to four times daily. This warmth may reduce inflammation and encourage the cyst to drain naturally.
Maintaining good hygiene is beneficial, involving regular washing with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser around the cyst. Avoiding harsh chemicals or scrubbing the area can prevent further irritation.
Avoid attempting to squeeze, pop, or drain an armpit cyst at home. Such actions can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Popping a cyst can also lead to deeper scarring and may not prevent the cyst from recurring. Allowing a medical professional to handle drainage or removal ensures a sterile environment and minimizes complications.
Professional Medical Treatments
When home care is insufficient or a cyst becomes problematic, healthcare professionals offer several treatment options. Incision and drainage (I&D) involves a small cut to allow fluid or pus to drain. This provides quick symptom relief, but the cyst sac remains, meaning it may reappear.
For a more permanent solution, surgical excision involves complete removal of the cyst, including its wall. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and reduces recurrence. If a cyst is inflamed but not infected, a healthcare provider might administer a steroid injection into the cyst to reduce swelling and discomfort. If bacterial infection is present, with signs like increased redness, pain, warmth, or pus, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention for an armpit lump under certain circumstances. Consult a doctor if the lump increases in pain, redness, or swelling. Other concerning signs include pus or discharge, warmth to the touch, or if the lump is accompanied by a fever.
Rapid lump growth, recurrence after home treatment, or interference with arm movement also warrant professional evaluation. Any uncertainty about the lump’s nature, or if it feels unusually hard or fixed, makes consulting a healthcare provider important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.