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What causes a firm lump under the armpit that is painful?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I popped a boil under my armpit a few days ago. Then yesterday afternoon, I noticed a lump under my armpit. It was swollen and firm. It is not particularly painful, but it aches when I apply pressure. So throughout the day, I used a warm compression on it. There was no fever or other symptoms. It was around the size of a grape, but now it has shrunken to the size of a pea, is no longer painful, and is soft. I have consulted a doctor and have been prescribed a capsule of Cloxacillin 500 mg three times daily. I suffer from health anxiety, and I constantly check the internet because I am afraid that I could get cancer.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Do not be anxious. The swelling beneath your armpit could be due to some typical infections. Keep your armpits clean, and try to take a bath at least twice a day. Consume healthy and nutritious foods. Avoid oily and processed foods. Continue taking medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to keep your armpit clean and dry to avoid these problems. Keep yourself hydrated.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 29, 2022
Reviewed At October 23, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath did his MBBS and specialization in M.D (Microbiology) , D.N.B (Microbiology) and M.N.A.M.S (Microbiology) which deals with clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases of microbial origin such as bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic etiology, and certain autoimmune diseases. He has a particular interest in Infectious diseases in General Practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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