Armpit › Underarm symptoms: when to see a GP
Underarm symptoms: when to see a GP
Most underarm problems are minor, but some need medical attention. Use this page as a checklist, and remember that if you are worried, getting it checked is always reasonable.
Not medical advice. This checklist is general and cannot replace an assessment. Call 999 in an emergency.
Get urgent help
The NHS cellulitis page says to get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if your skin is painful, hot and swollen. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have symptoms such as a very high temperature or a fast heartbeat or fast breathing. An abscess or infected boil can look similar, so if the area is hot, swollen and getting worse, get advice the same day.
For swollen glands, the NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you find it very difficult to swallow or have difficulty breathing.
Make a routine appointment
Lumps
The NHS says to see a GP for a swelling in the armpit that does not go down within 2 weeks. For swollen glands it also lists glands that are getting bigger or have not gone down within 1 week, feel hard or do not move, or come with night sweats or a very high temperature. See armpit lumps.
Sweating
The NHS lists these reasons: self-care is not helping, sweating has lasted at least 6 months, it interferes with daily life, it happens at least once a week or at night, you have a family history, or you take medicine for another condition. See hyperhidrosis.
Smell
See a GP if self-care has not worked and it affects your self-esteem, the smell changes from its usual pattern or you suddenly sweat much more than normal. See body odour.
Spots and ingrown hairs
The NHS says see a GP if there are signs of infection: the area is very painful, hot or swollen, or you have a high temperature or feel very unwell. See shaving rash.
Recurring boils or rashes
Repeated painful lumps in the armpits could be hidradenitis suppurativa, and a rash that does not improve could be intertrigo or another skin condition. See skin conditions.
How to prepare
- Note when it began, how it has changed and what makes it better or worse.
- List products and medicines you use, including deodorants and creams.
- Take photos if the problem comes and goes.
- Write down questions, such as what causes this, what treatments exist and how long it should take to clear.
Who else can help
Pharmacists can advise on stronger antiperspirants, armpit shields, creams for ingrown hairs and mild antiseptics, according to the NHS, and can tell you whether to see a GP. NHS 111 is available online or by phone if you are unsure how urgent something is.
Don't be embarrassed
Doctors and nurses see underarm problems every day. Describe what you notice plainly and honestly. If you have trouble getting an appointment, tell the reception team about your symptoms. For general tips, return to the home page or the care routine. These are general points from NHS pages; check the linked pages for the current wording.
Frequently asked questions
Should I see a GP about every armpit lump?
The NHS says to see a GP if an armpit swelling has not gone down within 2 weeks, or in the other cases listed above.
Can a pharmacist help?
Yes, with some products and minor problems, and they can advise whether to see a GP.
What if I'm not sure it is urgent?
Use NHS 111 online or by phone for advice.