What are Armpit Lumps?
A lump in the armpit is a chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent boil-like lumps (nodules) swelling or bumps under the arm. The size of these lumps can vary from large to small. Some lumps may feel soft to touch and some hard. These lumps are often accompanied by pain, redness and inflammation (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Hidradenitis suppurativa: from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment
Go to source). Fortunately, these lumps can be treated, but it is important to find out the cause of armpit lumps first.
What are the Causes of Armpit Lumps?
Some of the major factors which can either cause or trigger armpit lumps are: (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Hidradenitis suppurativa: from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment
Go to source, 2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Go to source)
- Viral, fungal or bacterial infections
- Fatty growths (lipomas)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Lymphoma
- Breast cancer
- Allergic reactions
- Cysts
Sign to Differentiate between Lump being due to Cancer or Infection
A lump due to cancer or infection will feel hard. However if it is due to cancer it is less likely to be be painful or tender to palpate. A painless lump is more of a concern than the one that is painful as the painless lump goes unnoticed and lets the cancer spread.
Generally lumps due to infections are painful and skin over it can feel warm and it can appear pink or red. If the underlying cause of the armpit lump is cancer and the lump is painless, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
If an infection or fatty growth is the cause of the lump, it can be treated at home. Let's have a look at 10 amazing home remedies to treat armpit lumps.
Disclaimer:The home remedies suggested here are not a substitute for treatment by doctors. It is highly advisable to seek an expert’s opinion. All the remedies listed here may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to check for allergies or do a patch test before using the remedy.
Home Remedies for Armpit Lumps
Let's have a look at some of the home remedies to treat armpit lumps
1. Warm Compress
When heat is applied to the skin externally, the blood vessels open up and promote the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood towards the armpit. Such a natural response of the body reduces pain, may help in decreasing the size of the lump and enhances the removal of toxins and other waste products. However, further research is required to assess the clinical measures of the application of warm compresses in reducing the lumps (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Go to source).
For this simple procedure, all you need is:
- A clean towel
- Warm water
Soak the towel in the warm water. Squeeze the towel and remove all the excess water.
Now place this warm towel on the affected armpit for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times per day.
2. Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation and pain (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Inflammatory Diseases and Vitamin E -What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
Go to source). It suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory compounds and enhances the anti-inflammatory properties. Such an action of vitamin E helps in quick healing. Taking a vitamin E supplement, daily may help.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health
Go to source). Turmeric paste, when applied topically on the armpit lumps, can reduce the size of the lumps as well as pain.
Curcumin is the active component of turmeric. It helps fight infections and gets rid of bacteria.
All you need to do is mix one teaspoon turmeric with water to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and allow it to dry. Repeat this twice a day.
4. Gentle Massage
An oil massage around the affected area is beneficial. Massage dilates the blood vessels and improves the overall blood flow.
Besides this, adding herbs to the oil can further improve blood flow. During an oil massage, the active components from the herbal oil enter into the skin, which can improve the overall condition. Always use fresh herbs like neem, sage, turmeric, and chickweed.
5. Diet
Diet plays an important role in either triggering or reducing inflammation. It is better to avoid foods that trigger and make the symptoms worse. According to a study, high fat foods, sweets, bread, rice, pasta, and dairy products increase inflammation, whereas foods that include fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish help reduce it (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alleviating and exacerbating foods in hidradenitis suppurativa
Go to source).
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent (7✔ ✔Trusted Source
Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression
Go to source). It inhibits the growth and multiplication of harmful bacteria and reduces swelling.
To get rid of armpit lumps, mix together equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply to the affected area.
Leave it for 5 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
7. Garlic
Make garlic a part of your daily diet for a healthy body. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of garlic (8✔ ✔Trusted Source
Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds
Go to source) may help in healing the armpit lumps.
Garlic has salicylic acid, which boosts the circulation of blood and brings down swelling. Allicin, a compound present in garlic reduces inflammation and swelling and thus, helps in treating armpit lumps.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties (9✔ ✔Trusted Source
Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents
Go to source). The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of aloe vera are attributed to the presence of auxin and gibberellins in it. These two hormones block the action of the pro-inflammatory compounds and stimulate healing.
How to use Aloe Vera gel?
- Extract fresh gel from the aloe vera leaf. Apply this gel on the lump and gently massage in a circular motion.
- Allow it to dry and then wash it off. Repeat this twice a day for best results.
9. Charcoal Compress
Activated charcoal has the ability to remove toxins from the body (10✔ ✔Trusted Source
Activated Charcoal
Go to source), This ability of the activated charcoal may help reduce pain as well as the size of the armpit lumps.
How to use a charcoal compress?
- Mix one teaspoon activated charcoal, half teaspoon of flaxseed powder and water to form a smooth paste.
- Put this paste on a clean paper towel and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- For effective results, repeat it every 2-3 hours.
