Right-side pain under the armpit may be due to muscle strain, infections, or skin conditions. Sometimes, armpit pain may indicate a more serious issue, such as cancer or an issue with the heart.
The armpit area contains many lymph nodes, nerves, and blood vessels. It also connects to muscles in the chest, arms, and around the rib cage.
There are many causes of right-side pain under the armpit, including muscle strain, infections, or skin conditions. In some cases, it may indicate a more severe condition, such as cancer.
This article examines the possible causes of right-side pain under the armpit, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
Pain under the armpit can have various causes, including:
Muscle strain
Injury to the pectoral muscles in the chest area
People may experience:
- limited range of motion
- pain
- weakness
- swelling
- bruising
- tenderness
In rare cases, people may experience a tear in the pectoral muscles. People may experience a tearing or a popping sound before the symptoms above develop.
Learn more about muscle strain.
Swollen lymph nodes
The armpit consists of
- infections
- autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- some types of cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia
Learn more about swollen lymph nodes.
Skin conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis, may cause irritation, blisters, and itching to the underarm. Contact dermatitis may occur due to irritants, such as deodorants, body washes, or fragrances.
Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that commonly affects the armpits and may cause pain and irritation.
Learn more about inverse psoriasis.
Intertrigo
Intertrigo may cause a rash under the arms due to inflammation or infection. Intertrigo may cause the skin under the arm to feel inflamed and uncomfortable.
In some cases, intertrigo may be due to bacterial or fungal infections. If a rash only affects the right underarm, it may be an infection, as these more commonly affect one armpit rather than both.
Lipomas
A lipoma is a noncancerous lump of fat tissue that forms under the skin and feels rubbery.
Lipomas can occur in under the armpit, although this is rare. More commonly, they affect the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
Shingles
Shingles is a rash on
Swelling or lumps under the armpit
Swollen lymph nodes are
Short-lived pain under the armpit alongside chest pain
Angina is a heart condition that occurs when the heart does not receive as much blood as it requires. This may be due to coronary heart disease.
People may feel pressure or discomfort in the center of the chest that spreads to the underarms, back, arm, neck, or jaw. This pain may last for around
Pain radiating from the chest to one or both arms may be a warning sign of a heart attack. While this pain usually affects the left arm, it can also affect the right. Signs to be aware of include:
- pain or pressure in the chest, which may come and go
- pain or discomfort in areas of the upper body
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- lightheadedness
People should contact a doctor if they have:
- swelling or a lump under the arm
- underarm pain that does not go away
- signs of shingles
- infection that does not resolve with home treatments
People must seek emergency medical attention if they have:
- chest pain or discomfort
- pain in the upper body
- shortness of breath
- nausea or vomiting
- lightheadedness
To determine the cause of pain under the armpit, a doctor may take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and examine any symptoms. A doctor may also perform certain tests to find out the underlying cause, such as:
- taking a swab to check for bacterial or fungal infection
- skin or tissue biopsy
- scans, such as MRI, CT, or X-ray
- testing strength and range of motion of the arm in case of injury
- blood tests to test for autoimmune conditions
Depending on the underlying cause, people may be able to treat some types of underarm pain with simple steps and home remedies, such as:
- applying a warm or cold compress to the area
- over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications
- massaging the area
- using topical creams to treat a skin condition, such as topical antifungals, antibiotics, or steroids
- keeping the armpits clean to avoid infections
- using a clean razor when shaving and avoiding sharing razor blades
- wearing loose-fitting clothing to prevent chafing
- avoiding irritants in body washes and deodorants
- resting and avoiding strenuous activity if someone has a strain
- using antiperspirants to reduce sweating
- drying the underarms properly to prevent a moist environment
The outlook for pain under the armpit may depend on the underlying cause and other factors, such as a person’s age and overall health.
Infections, skin conditions, and muscle strain may resolve easily with treatment and rest. People will require specialist treatment if underarm pain is due to cancer or heart issues.
Right-side underarm pain may occur for various reasons, such as muscle strain, skin conditions, or infections. In some cases, underarm pain may indicate a serious condition such as cancer or heart issues.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but in some cases, home remedies may help to resolve the issue.
If people experience persistent pain, swelling, or lumps under the arm, they should consult a doctor. Anyone with chest pain alongside underarm pain needs to seek medical help immediately.