According to MedlinePlus, due to the proximity of numerous lymph nodes, the armpit, also known as the axilla, is a common location for painful, swollen lumps. Other problems can also cause armpit pain, including traumatic injuries, chemical reactions and repetitive strain injuries. Armpit pain can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the cause of the pain and the structures involved.
Cold Urticaria
Cold urticaria, also known as cold allergy or cold hives, can cause armpit pain or discomfort. According to MayoClinic.com, cold urticaria can occur when a person exposes her skin to cold temperatures. Common signs and symptoms associated with cold urticaria include reddish, itchy hives on the exposed skin, hand swelling when holding a cold object, lip swelling when consuming cold food and swelling of the tongue. In some cases, reaction to the cold can affect the entire body, causing fainting, chills, an elevated heart rate and swelling of the extremities. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing cold urticaria, including youth, a recent viral infection such as pneumonia or mononucleosis, an underlying health condition such as hepatitis or cancer and certain inherited traits. MayoClinic.com states that a person with cold urticaria should avoid exposure to cold air and cold water as much as possible.
Skin Abscesses
A skin abscess in the armpit can cause armpit pain or discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a skin abscess is an accumulation of pus or infected material in a skin cavity. Abscesses are a tissue's defensive reaction to help stop the spread of infectious material throughout the body. Skin abscesses, including abscesses in the armpit, can be caused by staphylococcus bacterial infection, minor wounds or injuries, boils and folliculitis -- the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. Common signs and symptoms associated with skin abscesses include pain, tenderness or warmth in the affected area, fever or chills, localized swelling, an open or closed sore that is often red and drainage of fluid from the abscess. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, skin abscesses can be prevented by keeping the skin around minor wounds clean and dry.
Contact Dermatitis
According to MayoClinic.com, contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation caused by direct contact with certain substances. There are many substances that can cause contact dermatitis, including soap, cosmetics, jewelry, poison ivy or poison oak. Although the red, itchy rash that characterizes contact dermatitis is not contagious and does not cause serious health complications, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Common signs and symptoms associated with contact dermatitis include a red rash or bumps in the affected area, moderate to severe itching, dry red patches of skin that resemble a burn, blisters, draining fluid and pain or tenderness in the involved area. MayoClinic.com states that only the areas of skin exposed to the irritant react, and that the skin with the greatest level of exposure reacts most severely.
