Dealing with swelling in your armpit? I know how uncomfortable and concerning that can be, especially in such a sensitive area.

Hi, my name is Kelly, and I am a certified oncology and lymphedema therapist. I specialize in working with patients recovering from breast cancer and those with lymphedema. Over the years, I’ve helped many people find relief from armpit swelling, and I want to share what works.

Armpit swelling can happen for many different reasons, and understanding the cause helps you find the right treatment. Let me walk you through what might be causing your swelling and some practical ways to get relief.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit

There can be many causes for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, and the treatment suggestions below focus primarily on general swelling or swelling caused by lymphedema.

It is important to understand that swelling in the armpit can develop for a variety of reasons, which may include:

• Viral infections
• Injury
• Cellulitis
• Lyme disease
• Irritation
• Cysts
• Cancer surgery, such as a mastectomy
• Lymphedema

In some instances, swelling under the armpit can resolve on its own with time and rest (for example, if it developed because of the flu or skin irritation from shaving). But other times, it needs medical treatment such as antibiotics or evaluation from your healthcare provider.

If you notice new or concerning swelling in your armpit, especially if you also have pain, redness, or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.

If you’re experiencing swelling under the armpit after breast cancer surgery or from lymphedema, there are a few things you can do at home to reduce discomfort and manage swelling.

How to Reduce Swelling in the Armpit

I always recommend starting by seeking medical attention from a healthcare professional in your area to assess why you may have swelling in your armpit. The treatments I am sharing below are best for those who have general swelling or lymphedema.

1. Lymphatic Massage

The first effective treatment is lymphatic drainage or lymphatic drainage massage. This massage encourages the natural flow of lymph, which helps reduce swelling and promote healing.

All of the lymphatic fluid in your upper body, below the neck and above the belly button, travels through the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes on the left and right sides of your body, where they are filtered to remove toxins and bacteria, before it moves back toward the heart.

Gently massaging the lymph nodes can help stimulate them to encourage better flow.

How to Perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage

You can perform simple lymphatic drainage exercises by doing 8 to 10 circles in each area.

• Take your whole hand, preferably skin on skin, and gently massage in a circular motion the lymph nodes in your armpit.
• You do not have to press hard. The lymph nodes are directly under the skin, so it’s best to use gentle pressure.

This can be done at home a few times a day for general health, or more if you have swollen lymph nodes. By gently stimulating the lymph nodes in this area, you can help keep fluid moving.

2. Compression

Compression therapy is another way to help treat swelling, but finding compression for the armpit area is tricky. You may be used to seeing compression sleeves for the arm, compression stockings for legs, or compression bras if you have swelling in the chest from breast lymphedema or swelling; unfortunately, it can be difficult to find compression for the armpit.

There are compression t-shirts, which can help provide some light support. But, due to the nature of the location, it’s hard to find something that’s bulky while still being comfortable.

Here are a few compression shirts you may find helpful:

• Wear Ease Katy T-Shirt with Axilla Pocket
• Axilla Pad to Fit Katy T
• Men’s WearEase Andrew Compression T-shirt
• Non-Pocketed Compression t-shirt

Another option is to use light padding, like a Swell Spot, and place this inside a comfortable shirt or compression shirt. Swell Spots can provide light support by putting gentle pressure on the swollen lymph nodes, which helps encourage fluid to move out.

You want to make sure you aren’t using anything too tight or hard that is hurting the delicate vessels you have under the skin in this area. If someone is wearing a general bra with wiring or banding that is too tight, it can cause a tourniquet effect and make the swelling worse. It’s important to be mindful of what you are wearing and the amount of compression in this area, and someone may find it helpful to wear a compression bra.

I love the HuggerPRIMA bra from Prairiewear that provides moderate to high compression. You can use the code CANCERREHABPT to save 10% off your order if you want to try it.

I understand this can feel overwhelming, and I encourage those who are suffering from swollen lymph nodes in the armpit to work with their healthcare provider or a certified lymphedema therapist for more specific guidance and support.

3. Movement

Your system relies on muscles to keep lymph fluid moving, and movement can be very helpful for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.

Engaging in regular low-impact exercises can enhance circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. Simple movements such as arm swings or circles, or even completing light tasks and chores around the home, can help reduce lymph node swelling.

It’s always important to start slowly and with light or no weight or resistance at first. If you experience any pain or discomfort, make sure to consult with a local healthcare provider before continuing your exercise routine.

Final Thoughts

Those are some practical tips to reduce swelling in the armpit area. Remember that it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of swelling in the armpit before deciding on appropriate treatment.

You can find more support with post-surgical armpit swelling and lymphedema in Breast Cancer Rehab as well as my exercise guides!

Frequently Asked Questions

When to worry about swollen lymph nodes?

You should worry about swollen lymph nodes if you have a fever, severe pain, or the swelling is getting worse quickly. Watch for redness, warmth, pus, or swelling that doesn’t improve after a few weeks. If you have a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats along with swelling, contact your doctor right away. When in doubt, it’s always better to get it checked out.

Is it safe to massage swollen lymph nodes?

Safety depends on the underlying cause of your swollen lymph nodes. If your lymph nodes are swollen due to an illness or infection, it is best to consult your doctor for treatment. If your swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of lymphedema, gentle lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful to stimulate the movement of lymph fluid.

How long should armpit swelling last?

Armpit swelling from minor causes like irritation or a cold virus typically goes away within one to two weeks. Swelling from lymphedema or post-surgery can last longer and may need ongoing management with lymphatic drainage massage, compression, and movement. If your swelling lasts more than two to three weeks without improvement, or if it’s getting worse, contact your healthcare provider to rule out infection or other issues.

Should I go to the doctor for a swollen armpit?

If you have a swollen armpit, in addition to illness with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or a lot of pain, you should see a doctor. These symptoms could indicate that your white blood cells are fighting an infection. Swelling that’s getting worse fast, redness or warmth in the area, pus or unusual discharge, or swelling that doesn’t improve after several weeks also requires medical attention. If you have a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss along with the swelling, this could be a sign of lymphoma (a type of cancer).

Generally speaking, if something feels off, it’s always better to consult with a medical professional you trust. At the same time, post-surgery swelling or swelling that develops as a result of lymphedema can often be managed at home with lymphatic drainage massage, compression therapy, and movement.