Pain Under Right Armpit Female: Causes & Vital Next Steps

Experiencing pain under the right armpit as a female can feel worrying, especially because the armpit (axilla) contains lymph nodes, nerves, muscles, and breast tissue. The good news is that most causes are not serious and often related to muscle strain, skin irritation, or temporary lymph node swelling.

That said, some causes do require medical attention. Below, we'll walk through the most common reasons for right armpit pain in women, what symptoms to watch for, and when to see a doctor.

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Why Does the Right Armpit Hurt?

The armpit is a complex area that includes:

• Lymph nodes
• Sweat glands
• Hair follicles
• Muscles (chest, shoulder, and upper arm)
• Nerves
• Breast tissue that extends into the armpit

Pain can originate from any of these structures.

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Common Causes of Pain Under Right Armpit (Female)

1. Muscle Strain or Overuse (Very Common)

One of the most frequent causes of pain under right armpit female is muscle strain.

You may have strained the chest (pectoralis), shoulder, or upper arm muscles from:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Intense workouts
• Repetitive arm movements
• Poor posture
• Sleeping awkwardly

What it feels like:

• Dull, aching pain
• Worse with movement or lifting your arm
• Tender to touch
• No visible swelling or lump

Muscle strain usually improves within a few days to a week with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relief.

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2. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes help your body fight infection. When they're working harder than usual, they can swell and become tender.

Common triggers include:

• Colds or flu
• Skin infections
• Shaving irritation
• Minor cuts
• Vaccinations
• Viral illnesses

What it feels like:

• Small, tender lump under the skin
• Pain when pressing on the area
• Possibly accompanied by fever or feeling unwell

Most swollen lymph nodes shrink within 1–3 weeks. If they persist longer or grow larger, see a doctor.

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3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones can cause breast tissue changes that extend into the armpit area.

You may notice right armpit pain:

• Before your period
• During pregnancy
• During breastfeeding
• During perimenopause

Hormonal breast pain (cyclical mastalgia) often:

• Feels tender or heavy
• Affects both sides (but sometimes just one)
• Improves after your period starts

If pain follows a monthly pattern, hormones are likely the cause.

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4. Breast Tissue or Breast Conditions

Breast tissue extends into the armpit (called the "axillary tail"). Pain may originate from:

• Breast cysts
• Fibrocystic breast changes
• Mastitis (breast infection, especially if breastfeeding)
• Blocked milk ducts

Warning signs to watch for:

• Redness or warmth
• Swelling
• Fever (possible infection)
• A new lump in breast or armpit

If you notice a new or unusual lump, it's important to have it examined.

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5. Skin Conditions

The armpit is warm and moist, making it prone to skin irritation.

Common causes include:

• Razor burn
• Ingrown hairs
• Contact dermatitis (reaction to deodorant)
• Fungal infections
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic painful lumps under the skin)

Signs it's skin-related:

• Visible rash
• Redness
• Small bumps
• Itching or burning
• Pain near hair follicles

Changing deodorant, avoiding shaving temporarily, or using antifungal treatments can help, depending on the cause.

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6. Nerve-Related Pain

Nerves run from the neck through the shoulder and into the arm and armpit.

Conditions that may cause nerve pain include:

• Pinched nerve in the neck
• Cervical spine issues
• Shingles (early stage may cause pain before rash appears)

What it feels like:

• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain
• Tingling or numbness
• Pain radiating down the arm

If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by weakness, see a doctor promptly.

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7. Breast Cancer (Less Common, But Important to Mention)

While most cases of pain under right armpit female are not cancer, it's important to be informed.

Breast cancer can sometimes spread to axillary lymph nodes.

Warning signs include:

• Hard, painless lump in breast or armpit
• Skin dimpling
• Nipple changes
• Unexplained swelling
• Persistent enlarged lymph nodes

Breast cancer does not usually cause pain early on, but persistent or unusual symptoms should always be checked.

If you notice a new lump that does not go away after a few weeks, schedule a medical evaluation.

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When Is Right Armpit Pain an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain spreading to jaw or left arm
• High fever with swelling
• Rapidly growing lump
• Red streaking skin with fever

Though rare, these could signal serious conditions that require immediate attention.

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How to Relieve Pain Under Right Armpit

If your symptoms seem mild and likely due to muscle strain or irritation, you can try:

• Resting the arm
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Warm compresses (for muscle pain)
• Cold compresses (for swelling)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Switching deodorant to a fragrance-free option
• Avoiding shaving until healed

If symptoms don't improve within 1–2 weeks, it's time to see a healthcare professional.

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Should You See a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Pain lasts longer than two weeks
• You feel a lump that doesn't shrink
• The lump is hard or fixed in place
• You develop fever
• The pain keeps getting worse
• You notice breast changes

Even if the cause turns out to be minor, getting reassurance can bring peace of mind.

If you're experiencing persistent discomfort and want to better understand what might be causing your symptoms, try using a free Arm pain symptom checker to get personalized insights and find out whether you should seek medical care.

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Key Takeaways

• Pain under right armpit female is usually caused by muscle strain, swollen lymph nodes, hormonal changes, or skin irritation.
• Most cases are temporary and improve with simple care.
• Persistent lumps, worsening pain, or breast changes should always be evaluated.
• Sudden severe symptoms require urgent care.

Your body often gives helpful clues. Pay attention to how long symptoms last, whether they're getting better or worse, and if anything else changes.

When in doubt, speak to a doctor. Early evaluation is always better than ignoring something that could be serious.

Taking action — even just checking your symptoms — is a smart next step.