Your underarms have lymph nodes — small organs that filter out bacteria, viruses, fungi, cancer cells and others that your lymphatic system tries to get rid of. Sometimes your lymph nodes become swollen. Most of the time, it’s because of an infection. Cancer and various diseases that affect the immune system are causes, too.
Certainly, there is pain and tenderness involved when the lymph nodes in the armpits become swollen. Loss of appetite and flu-like symptoms may be experienced as well.
Since there are many different reasons why the lymph nodes situated in the underarms — or other areas of the body — can end up inflamed, it’s a good idea to have the problem seen by a doctor. Only he or she can identify the root cause and provide the best course of treatment for those swollen lymph nodes.
If your doctor says that it’s due to an infection, it’s something that can be treated with some antibiotics (if it is bacterial in nature) and plenty of fluids and bed rest, helping the body to wage its own war. Then you may also count on a few home remedies that can effectively help in managing the symptoms. Some of them include:
Warm Compress
Soak a small towel in warm water. Wring out the excess, fold or roll, and then place neatly in your underarms for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the towel is no longer warm. This home remedy can help in easing pain as well as shrink the size of those inflamed lymph nodes in your armpits.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar (unfiltered and organic is highly recommended) and water. Grab a large cotton pad and dip it into the mixture. Wring out the excess and place the cotton pad on your underarms. Leave it there for about 5 minutes. Afterwards, rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Lemon Juice
We all know that lemon juice is teeming with vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. This is exactly the reason why lemon juice can help reduce the size of swollen lymph glands in your underarms — apply and wash off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. Also, you may also consume freshly-squeezed lemon juice to strengthen your immune system.
Turmeric Paste
Add a few drops of water in teaspoon or turmeric to make a paste. Smear the resulting paste where those inflamed lymph nodes are in your underarms. After 10 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water. At night, you may also consume a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric dissolved in it for healing from within.
Coconut Oil
Place a little coconut oil in a microwaveable dish and heat it up in the microwave for just a few seconds — just long enough to make it lukewarm. Gently massage on your underarms using small, circular motions to help shrink those swollen lymph nodes. Wipe off excess coconut oil with a clean piece of cloth afterwards.
