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Dermatologist

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Atheroma under the armpit

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025

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Atheroma under the arm looks like a dense subcutaneous lump; unlike cysts in other areas, atheroma often manifests itself as pain, as it is prone to inflammation and infection.

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Reasons

Regio axillaris – the armpit area contains a large number of sebaceous and sweat glands, and is also covered with hair. Thus, this area of the body is almost an ideal place for the development of subcutaneous retention cysts, especially if they are provoked by the following factors:

Metabolic disorder.
Hormonal imbalance.
Excessive sweating – hyperhidrosis.
Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
Trauma to the axillary region.
Trauma to the area due to careless shaving.
The use of antiperspirants and deodorants that help to block the sebaceous gland ducts.

In 55-60% of cases, atheroma under the arm transforms into an abscess and can reach enormous sizes (over 5-7 centimeters). Also, spontaneous opening and pus leakage are typical for a cyst in this area. Although such situations bring relief and reduce pain, they are not a way to cure atheroma. The cyst will recur until it is removed surgically.

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Symptoms

Possible symptoms and complications of a suppurating atheroma under the arm:

Increased body temperature.
Throbbing pain in the armpit.
Edema and enlargement of regional lymph nodes.
Hyperemia of the skin.
Possible symptoms of intoxication include nausea, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, and a decrease in heart rate.

Treatment

Atheroma in the armpit should be treated surgically, without waiting for its suppuration and complications. Self-treatment methods, squeezing out the cyst are also unacceptable, this can result in the flow of pus into the soft tissues, the entry of bacterial decay products into the blood and lymph, and even sepsis.