Armpit redness and swelling refers to the condition of redness and swelling in the armpit area.

This condition is recorded in ancient medical texts as: "armpit carbuncle (acute pyogenic axillary lymphadenitis)", "armpit abscess", "armpit boil", "shoulder abscess", and "dark boil and sore", all of which present with red skin and are classified as yang pattern. Other conditions such as "armpit ulcer", "grain abscess", and "scrofula" do not present with red skin and are classified as yin pattern of the armpit area, and thus are not discussed in this context.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Liver Depression and Blood Heat︰Initially, there is sudden swelling and discomfort in the armpit, smooth and soft without a head, followed by the formation of a lump with a reddened surface, burning heat, and pain. Over time, it gradually expands, becoming highly swollen and hard. Mild cases may present no systemic symptoms, while severe cases may exhibit {|###|}aversion to cold with fever{|###|}, {|###|}headache{|###|}, nausea, a {|###|}yellow and greasy tongue coating{|###|}, and a surging, rapid pulse. After about one to two weeks, pus forms, at which point the swelling becomes more pronounced, reaching a size of two to three inches, with intensified pain resembling pecking by a chicken, difficulty in raising the arm, and persistent systemic {|###|}fever{|###|}. This condition is caused by {|###|}pathogenic heat{|###|}, resulting from {|###|}liver depression qi stagnation{|###|}, disharmony of qi and blood, obstruction of meridians, and the accumulation and transformation of heat in the skin and muscles. Key diagnostic points: Red, swollen, hot, and painful armpit with pronounced swelling reaching two to three inches in size. Systemic symptoms may include {|###|}aversion to cold with fever{|###|}, {|###|}headache{|###|}, nausea, a {|###|}yellow and greasy tongue coating{|###|}, and a surging, rapid pulse. For the {|###|}initial stage [first stage]{|###|}, treatment should focus on clearing the liver, relieving stagnation, activating blood circulation, and resolving stasis. The modified Bupleurum Liver-Clearing Decoction can be used.
2. Accumulation of Fire Toxin︰Initially, there are small millet-like granules on the skin of the armpit, accompanied by itching or numbness. Later, the area gradually becomes red, swollen, hot, and painful, with a deep and hard root resembling a nail head. In severe cases, aversion to cold with fever may occur. The swelling gradually enlarges, with obvious infiltration around it, and the affected area does not exceed two inches. The pain intensifies, accompanied by high fever and thirst, as well as difficulty in urination and defecation. The tongue coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is rapid and forceful. If the top is raised and the root is soft, it indicates pus formation, belonging to the category of dark boil and sore. This condition is caused by fire toxin and falls under the yang pattern. It often results from excessive consumption of rich, fatty, or spicy foods, alcohol, or grilled and fried dishes, leading to accumulated heat in the zang-fu organs and the aggregation of fire toxin. It may also be triggered by exposure to seasonal pathogenic factors or infection due to scratching. The combination of internal and external pathogens causes fire toxin to steam and accumulate in the skin, resulting in stagnation of qi and blood, manifesting as this condition. Key diagnostic points: redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the armpit with a deep, hard root resembling a nail head, and an affected area not exceeding two inches. Systemic symptoms may include fever, thirst, difficulty in urination and defecation, a yellow and greasy tongue coating, and a rapid, forceful pulse. In the initial stage [first stage], treatment should focus on clearing heat and removing toxin. Modified Xiaodu Powder combined with Coptis Detoxification Decoction can be used with adjustments.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Yizong Jinjian Waike Xinfa Key Points: "This condition, also known as armpit carbuncle (acute pyogenic axillary lymphadenitis), occurs in the armpit, commonly referred to as the armpit. It is caused by blood heat in the liver and spleen combined with anger.…"
2. Zabing Yuanliu Xizhu．Origin and Detailed Notes on Sores and Ulcers in the Armpit: "…However, diseases of the armpit and hypochondriac region, although their causes are all related to qi, blood, food, and phlegm, their location is actually associated with the liver………Madao, originally occurring under the armpit, is hard and does not ulcerate………What occurs under the armpit, similar to Madao, although hard and red in color, is called rice boil, treated with stone needles………Internal remorse boil, also occurs under the armpit.…"
3. Waike Dacheng．Armpit Region: "Dark boil and sore, occurring under the armpit, hard and headless, accompanied by spasm of limbs and severe chills and fever."