The armpit, or axillary zone, acquired its own designation from the Old Slavonic “under the muscle”; anatomically it is cut off by the shoulder joint and also the chest. A large number of sweat and sebaceous glands together with hair follicles are concentrated in this area. The largest accumulations of lymphatic tissue are also present there - the lymphatic axillary areas.
This symptom can be caused by a heart attack, heart disease, or may simply be irritation on the skin. The first step is to inspect these surfaces; if a change in color or the appearance of a rash is noticed, this most likely indicates improper skin care. If, when you press on these depressions, you feel some kind of lump or compaction, this could be lymphadenitis, syphilis or tuberculosis.
If there is a burning sensation under the armpit, most often the cause of the malaise is clogging of the derivative ducts of the glands, inflammation of the hair follicles, lymph nodes, or disruption of the functioning of the chest organs.
Main Factors
Burning can occur due to a variety of factors, and the type of pain in accordance with this can also be quite different: sharp or dull, continuous or periodic, strong, pulling, cutting, formed at rest or with hand movements, accompanied by itching or redness of the skin.
All these properties help to suspect the root cause of the pathology and determine the diagnosis.
In some cases, the causes of burning under the armpit appear without pathology:
- Mastalgia - this pathology is characteristic only of girls of reproductive age. Pain appears due to hormonal changes in the body, they are considered secondary and arise due to compactions in the mammary glands. Unpleasant feelings, namely a burning sensation under the armpit in women, makes itself felt a couple of days before menstruation and disappears during or after the menstrual period. The intensity of pain can vary from mild discomfort to acute pain with every movement. It is quite difficult to cure such sensations, since their main factor is hormonal imbalance.
- The consequences of surgery - another cause of burning under the armpit, can be disturbing for another six months, depending on the severity of the surgery. Most of all, such pain occurs in girls who have had a mastectomy or resection. In this case, the nerve endings that innervate the axillary zone suffer, and their restoration takes from a couple of weeks to four months, during which time pain occurs.
Diagnosis
The first thing an allergist will do to carry out effective treatment is to examine the patient and conduct a survey regarding all changes in eating habits, life activities and contact with specific substances. Based on this information, the doctor will conduct an allergen test . This procedure involves injecting a person with various potential allergens in small doses and observing the body's reaction to them. Once the allergen has been identified, the doctor will decide on the next course of treatment.
Localization of pain on the left side
If the burning sensation under the armpit of the left arm is not associated with diseases of the skin or subcutaneous fatty tissue, discomfort is also felt with disorders of the cardiovascular system. Most of all, such a burning sensation under the armpit on the left is considered reflected, and in addition to them, the patient is also worried about other signs that make it possible to recognize the pathology of the organs of the above-mentioned system. However, in some cases, weakness and aching pain become the main signs of myocardial infarction, a deadly disease.
Antiperspirants
People with increased sweating prefer to purchase antiperspirants that block the very possibility of fluid secretion. The action is based on the reaction of aluminum salts included in the product with sweat. Aluminum salts do not harm the body, but constant use can lead to blockages of the sweat ducts, which can lead to cancer (breast cancer).
Manufacturers have found an alternative here too - zirconium salts. To date, their effect on the human body has not been studied, but since the mechanism of action remains the same, we can say that the damage to health has not gone away.
Localization of pain on the right side
A burning sensation in the armpits on this side can occur for all valid reasons, in addition to myocardial infarction, with fairly rare exceptions. If there are no inflammatory changes and enlarged lymph nodes, pain appears due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or neuralgia. These diseases are characterized by a sudden increase in pain when moving, as well as a decrease in the range of movements - it becomes more and more difficult to move the arm, and the patient intuitively tries not to move it.
Prevention
It's no secret that modern deodorants contain many harmful synthetic substances that can easily cause an allergic reaction in the body. To prevent this from happening, you should always pay attention to the composition of the cosmetic product and choose those that contain the maximum amount of natural ingredients.
In extreme cases, you can resort to green pharmacy products and choose natural tannins that reduce sweating.
In addition, on the Internet you can find many recipes on how to make your own deodorant at home. In their action, such products are not much different from store-bought ones, and instead of synthetic substances, they will contain natural ingredients and healthy oils.
In addition, scientists have proven that predisposition to deodorant allergies depends on skin type. Thus, dry and sensitive skin is more likely to suffer from exposure to an allergen. This is why quality care for the delicate skin of the armpits is so important.
To avoid allergies, it is also important to pay attention to the expiration date of the cosmetic product . Spoiled components of the product are much more likely to cause an intolerance reaction. Under no circumstances should you use a product whose expiration date has already expired. Therefore, at least once a month, it is worth checking your cosmetics and getting rid of those that are no longer suitable for use.
Injuries
It is enough to quickly raise your arm, bend over or lift a heavy object and thereby stretch the muscles or ligaments of the shoulder joint and chest. And an ordinary blow to the shoulder or an unsuccessful fall can provoke not only a soft tissue hematoma, but also a very significant sprain of muscles or ligaments. The pain and burning under the armpit in this case are not intense, nagging, continuous, aggravated by movement, especially when abducting the arm or trying to lift something difficult.
Release forms
The huge variety of deodorizing products speaks not only of the variety of brands and manufacturers, but also of the large number of release forms. At the present stage, the following types are mass produced:
- Aerosol.
- Gel.
- Stick.
- Cream.
- Liquid.
- Powder.
In the vast majority of cases, the manufacturer will assure the buyer of the safety of the purchased product by making an appropriate inscription on the packaging. In Russia, unfortunately, there are no uniform standards or rules for using the term “hypoallergenic” yet. Therefore, such a formulation rests only on the conscience of the manufacturer. No research or testing has been carried out on this matter.
Lymphadenitis
Another one of the most well-known burning factors. Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be nonspecific: it is caused by all kinds of pathogenic microorganisms or a specific disease - tuberculosis, syphilis. As a rule, it burns due to acute inflammation in the lymph node area. The sick person's body temperature increases, trembling, weakness, headache and other signs of malaise intensify. Then there is swelling and severe discomfort in the armpit area, where you can simply feel the dense, unhealthy lymph nodes.
If you do not get rid of the disease, the inflammatory process can be localized, a compacted membrane of connective tissue will form around it, and the lymph node will begin to melt from the inside over time. A similar course of the disease is characteristic of specific tuberculosis or syphilitic inflammation. When infected with staphylococci, streptococci or other pathogenic bacteria, the infection often spreads throughout the body, initiating general intoxication of the body and damage to nearby lymph nodes and organs.
Preventive measures
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Is it possible to prevent the development of a rash in the armpits? Of course you can. To do this, we recommend that you adhere to the following rules: You should not scratch the affected skin, as this can only aggravate your condition. You should not put off visiting a doctor if armpit rashes are accompanied by swelling, general malaise, pain and elevated body temperature.
Before using cosmetics and hygiene products, do not be lazy to familiarize yourself with their composition, and also test them on the back of your hand.
Try to wear clothes that will not restrict your movements and allow your skin to “breathe.” You should also avoid synthetics. It is better to choose cotton underwear. Review your diet and make sure your rashes are not an allergic reaction to foods.
Don't use antiperspirants too often. Choose a good deodorant that won't clog your skin's pores. In early childhood or infancy, such problems may be associated with miliaria. It is characterized by vesicular formations filled with clear liquid and edematous nodules. At the site of the lesion, the healthy pink color of the skin is replaced by pronounced redness.
An important part of preventive measures are regular examinations by a local pediatrician. If alarming symptoms cannot be avoided, you can use baths of decoctions of sage, mint, chamomile, or sprinkle powder on the affected areas
When the origin of the rash is unclear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
To prevent it, the following are recommended: frequent and thorough water procedures, the use of clothing made from natural fabrics, air baths, and avoiding the abuse of warm clothing. Most of these diseases can be easily prevented by regular hygiene procedures and choosing appropriate sizes of clothing made from natural materials.
If you have symptoms:
- It is not recommended to scratch itchy areas;
- to relieve disturbing sensations, use solutions of vinegar or lemon juice;
- You should temporarily avoid cosmetics and hair removal;
- it is necessary to replace clothes with looser, cotton ones.
With proper care of the armpit area, not every virus can cause serious trouble; the body will be protected from most infections. But if infection has occurred, the services of a doctor are no less relevant than in case of infection.
Hidradenitis
This is an infectious disease, in most cases activated by staphylococcus. Inflammation develops due to skin defects, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules and a sudden decrease in immunity. Bacteria present on the skin of the face enter the sweat glands and stimulate their inflammation. The excretory ducts of the glands become clogged, their contents accumulate from the inside, and an inflammatory process forms under the skin. At the beginning of the disease, irritation and burning occurs in the axillary areas, then the skin turns purple, swelling occurs, the nodes increase, and become similar to a dog’s udder.
As the process progresses, the pathogenicity increases, the ulcers increase in size, become swollen and warm to the touch, and make it difficult to remove the arm or even move it at all. The patient’s general serious condition also worsens: body temperature increases, impotence, headache, vomiting and nausea occur. If therapy is not started in a timely manner, the abscess can open up on its own, creating a cavity full of pus, or the inflammation will spread to neighboring sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles and subcutaneous fatty tissue.
Causes of prickly heat in adults and children
Among the provoking factors, a number of the most common ones can be identified:
- Wearing clothes made from non-breathable materials.
- Working in a hot room with high humidity.
- Endocrine pathology – thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal shift – menopause, puberty.
- Diseases that occur with high fever.
- Injuries and abrasions of the skin.
- Insufficient hygiene.
- The use of cosmetics that clog pores.
In infants, heat rash is predominantly caused by incompletely formed sweat glands. If proper measures are not taken, prickly heat will lead to diaper rash.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicle can appear due to defects in the skin due to external influences: depilation, shaving, or a bruise or other injury to the axillary area. One or a couple of follicles can hurt, causing very significant redness of the skin, swelling, itching and burning under the armpits in men and women. A cavity filled with pus forms in the follicle, which can open on its own. One type of disease is staphylococcal sycosis, which often occurs in patients suffering from endocrine diseases, metabolic pathologies, or nervous system disorders. A distinctive feature of staphylococcal sycosis is a constant relapsing course and a large affected area.
Agents of influence
Manufacturers massively offer two types of anti-perspirant products - deodorants and antiperspirants. According to the principle of action, they have differences and long-term consequences from frequent use. Deodorant is the most popular among consumers. The use of the product is due to its ease of application and effectiveness. The action is based on the principle of neutralizing the smell of sweat due to the components. At the same time, sweating does not decrease, and during the day the effect of the product gradually disappears.
The composition of a deodorant may contain dozens of ingredients, but the main active ingredient is always alcohol. It has a sanitizing effect, neutralizing bacteria, and is a provocateur of allergic reactions, which occurs due to irritation of the skin.
As an alternative to alcohol, some manufacturers produce deodorants based on triclosan. This ingredient has a negative effect on respiratory function, the thyroid gland and also causes allergies; in some countries the component is prohibited. Farnesol has a less harmful effect on the skin. The substance is an extract from natural oils, in particular sandalwood oil. If you want to purchase a safe product, you should purchase one that contains farnesol.
Furuncle
Inflammation of the hair follicle, as well as the sebaceous gland and the connective tissue located around them. Factors in the formation of a boil are traumatic damage to the skin, frequent friction with clothing, violation of personal hygiene rules, decreased immunity and diseases of the endocrine system. When microorganisms enter the hair follicle, an inflammatory process is formed that spreads to the sebaceous glands and connective tissue. A follicle that has begun to progress implies a slight, painful thickening. When the process spreads, the patient shows signs of intoxication, namely an increase in body temperature, chills, severe weakness, headache, and so on, and a boil may appear at the site of the inflammatory infiltrate, or the inflammation will spread to the surrounding hair follicles, and the patient will develop furunculosis.
Not all cosmetics are safe
Hygienic body care involves not only daily water procedures, but also the use of cosmetics. Their group includes deodorant - a product unique in its properties that ensures the absence of unpleasant odor under the arms.
Modern people are so accustomed to using a refreshing and concealing product that the need to give it up is perceived as a tragedy.
An allergy to deodorant is the main reason why this cosmetic product may be prohibited for use.
If you develop an allergy to a deodorant, don’t get upset right away; in most cases, symptoms of deodorant intolerance arise from certain components or under the influence of provoking factors, so choosing the right body cosmetics will help you avoid troubles in the future.
What to do?
If a burning sensation occurs, then first it is necessary to establish the root cause of the pathology. A quick visit to a doctor can help not only eliminate complications, but also facilitate the healing process.
Before contacting a doctor, you must:
- carefully examine the axillary area - inflammatory changes, redness or swelling are easy to notice even with a simple examination;
- palpate the affected areas - in case of lymphadenitis, you will be able to find dense, painful large lymph nodes on one or even both sides;
- carefully adhere to hygiene - if irritation, redness or an abscess occurs on the skin, it is necessary to treat the armpits at least four times a day with warm water and soap and special products - a weak solution of potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide or other disinfectants;
- exclude factors acting on the nerves and traumatic factors - no matter what causes the pain, you must try to injure this area as little as possible, do not use roll-on antiperspirants, do not epilate or shave these areas.
In addition, you must beware of clothing that is tight to this area, hard materials that irritate the skin, and try to move your hand less.
Reviews
Dear readers, your opinion is very important to us - therefore, we will be glad to hear your feedback about armpit irritation in the comments, this will also be useful to other users of the site.
I have very sensitive skin, irritation occurs not only after shaving my hair, but also after using deodorants. For a long time I couldn’t find a way out and I didn’t want to walk around with the smell of sweat. There seems to be no irritation from Crystal now, but from time to time I lubricate my skin with Dermatop ointment. It helps a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrYLfP6TdWY
My mother is overweight, and over the years it has become increasingly difficult for her to walk, and she began to sweat a lot. As a result, severe irritation develops under the arms and in the groin area. Once, against the background of irritation, a lighter spot formed, which was very itchy. After visiting a doctor, he was diagnosed with a fungal infection, which was removed with Lamisil.
Treatment
Unexplained discomfort in the form of a burning sensation can occur as a result of poor nutrition or too tight clothing. This symptom may appear after a muscle is stretched as a result of inflammation of the sweat glands or lymph nodes.
Treatment of burning under the armpit must be carried out strictly under medical supervision; for this it is important to consult a doctor. There may be a burning sensation in the area under the muscle; the cause of this discomfort is a chest injury.
When a burning sensation occurs, skin irritation is often visible. It is necessary to bathe these areas with laundry soap or manganese solution, treat with chlorhexidine after wiping the skin dry. Try to remove pressure clothing from this arm, wash the wound more often, avoid perfumes, cosmetics and hair removal. After you have tried the above methods and nothing has helped, you need to go to the doctor.
You can start with a therapist, if he doesn’t determine anything, then go to a surgeon. After making a diagnosis, a specialist may prescribe ointments or antiseptics. In severe cases, surgery is suggested. It is necessary to carry out a complete diagnosis of the body, donating feces, urine, and blood for testing. An x-ray will help you find out the cause of pain and burning in the area under your arm. If the x-ray does not reveal anything, there is an ultrasound and a computed tomograph.
Adviсe:
- Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, it is dangerous.
- If a new growth or compaction appears - hard or soft - under the skin, under no circumstances should such areas be heated. The pus will spread throughout the body, or the formation will increase in size.
- No ointments need to be used, as well as tight bandages and warming or cooling compresses.
- Under no circumstances should you start taking a course of antibiotics, as this will lead to a change in symptoms and the doctor will then be unable to make a correct diagnosis in a timely manner.
After you have visited the doctor, he will prescribe bandages and special ointments; you need to go to the hospital for bandaging. Antibiotics will be prescribed for oral administration. A UHF course will also be prescribed. The patient should go on a vitamin diet, which will consist of vegetables and fruits. Dishes such as pepper, fatty meats, alcohol and cigarettes should be removed from the diet.
If the treatment does not give the desired result, removal of the formation will be prescribed or all pus will be removed from it through an incision. When cleaning the pus does not give the desired results, the formation is removed along with the surrounding skin in order to destroy the infection.
Therapy
All therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating the manifestations of the disease and reducing sweating. To achieve the first goal, systemic and local antihistamines are used. They are the main part of symptomatic therapy.
Good results are achieved with Cetirizine and Akrivastine. They should be taken several hours before physical activity or other provoking factors.
Expert opinion
Allergist Yulia Borisovna Cherkashina
Education: Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, Moscow, 1998
In some cases, ointments containing glucocorticosteroids are prescribed. Such medications should be selected by the doctor individually for each case.
To solve the problem of excessive sweating, several techniques are used:
- Special medications are used. Under their influence, sweat secretion decreases.
- Treatment is carried out with drugs to block acetylcholine.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed. Salt baths help reduce skin irritation from sweat.
- Sedatives are used, as sweating increases under the influence of excessive emotionality. In most cases, they resort to valerian extract, Persen, Novopassit. The preparations contain extracts of lemon balm, valerian, St. John's wort, hops, and hawthorn.
If increased sensitivity to sweat is associated with chronic diseases, then it is necessary to treat the underlying pathology.
Very often, doctors are asked what to do if the husband’s sweat causes allergies. To prevent this problem from causing discomfort, preventive measures must be taken.
It is recommended to follow a hypoallergenic diet, since a negative reaction of the body may be associated with certain foods.
Treatment with folk remedies
Aloe is a fairly common and useful plant that heals any purulent and ordinary wounds. To cure, you need to take clean leaves of this plant and divide them in half with a knife. And this fleshy, sticky, juicy side should be applied to the sore spot. In addition to this plant, plantain juice and tea made from birch leaves and buds are also used to treat this disease. These techniques help at the onset of the disease, relieve inflammation, itching and burning.
Buy freshly picked celery leaves, wash them thoroughly and apply to the sore spot. Boil the onion in milk, make a paste with this liquid, mash the onion too and apply it in the form of compresses. Keep this paste on the wound for two to three hours. Buy fresh rye bread from the bakery, fry the pieces and apply this paste to the sore spot.
If all the advice given here does not help alleviate the symptoms of the disease, then the patient urgently needs to see a doctor so that he can determine the degree of risk and complexity of the tumor. After all, if purulent lumps are not removed in time, infection with pus can spread into the bloodstream - and the person dies. Timely and correct treatment will bring relief and health to all patients.
Features of allergies to sweat in a child
In children, manifestations of hypersensitivity are often confused with prickly heat. How to distinguish allergies from heat rash in a baby is useful for all mothers to know. Miliaria is caused by disturbances in heat exchange. For example, when a child is dressed too warmly. The most common cause of the problem is the constant use of diapers. Miliaria has similar symptoms to sweat allergies:
- The skin turns red and itchy rashes appear.
- The spots may appear as blisters filled with liquid.
The problems differ in that prickly heat does not occur in a chronic form and, thanks to proper hygiene and caring for the baby, you can quickly get rid of it. Allergy is a chronic disease. Also, prickly heat rashes appear on the body, and increased sensitivity to sweat is accompanied by a rash on the face.
Are there any safe deodorants available?
Deodorants that are absolutely safe for health are not currently available. But it is still possible to minimize the risk of irritation from deodorant on them; studying the product label helps with this.
Composition of deodorant with sage
Fragrant fragrances are a common irritant of the respiratory organs; they are especially dangerous when used in aerosol products. Their spraying leads to the fact that part of the irritant enters the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, causing allergic rhinitis, lacrimation, coughing, and suffocation.
The manufacturer does not always clearly indicate the substances used for fragrances. This is why deodorant allergy symptoms can occur when using aerosols of different brands.
Deodorants in the form of rollers, gels, and sticks contain parabens, as they are necessary to maintain the given shape of the product. Under the influence of these components, the functioning of the immune system is disrupted and a tendency to atopic dermatitis appears. The least safe deodorants are those with a shelf life of no more than 12 months, since in this case the minimum amount of preservatives is used.
Deodorant for allergy sufferers
The designation on the label “paraben-free” should not be taken as purchasing a product without preservatives. Some manufacturers replace parabens with other substances that increase the shelf life of products. Most often this is phenoxyethanol, which is a strong allergen.
Under its influence, not only irritation of the mucous membranes and skin occurs, but also the functioning of the respiratory system is disrupted.
Deodorizing products in the form of a spray are considered one of the safest, since their use eliminates direct contact with the armpits, and oxygen does not enter the contents of the bottle. But spraying such products increases the likelihood of exposure to allergens on the respiratory system.
The deodorant label may contain the magical word “bio” for many. These products contain a large number of natural ingredients, but this does not mean that they are hypoallergenic.
Allergies under the arms from deodorant can be caused by both plant extracts and chemical components, which such products undoubtedly contain.
You can assess the likelihood of pathology occurring with a simple test. The cosmetic preparation is applied to the back of the wrist; the skin reaction should be monitored for 24 hours. The absence of changes indicates that there are no irritants in such products for the test person.
DIY hypoallergenic deodorant
You can prepare a sweat odor neutralizer with your own hands; the necessary ingredients can always be purchased at pharmacies, beauty salons and grocery stores.
Required:
- Coconut and shea butter (shea) - three tablespoons each. They will provide a creamy base;
- Baking soda - a glass. Soda is a disinfectant and absorbent component;
- Corn starch - glass. Also an absorbent ingredient;
- Lemon essential oil. A few drops of oil will give the composition a pleasant smell and ensure skin disinfection.
The oil needs to be warmed to room temperature and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. The prepared mixture is transferred to a glass container with a lid and stored in the refrigerator. After hardening, it can be used by rubbing a thin layer of cream onto the skin of the armpits after hygiene procedures.
