Hard lumps in the armpits after childbirth may be the proliferation of local glands during lactation, or there may be local lymphadenitis, folliculitis, sebaceous cyst infection.
1. Hard lumps in the armpits after childbirth: the most common is due to the paratesticular glandular hyperplasia caused by the increased level of prolactin in the body during lactation, which is a physiological lump that can be left untreated and won’t become malignant. It may continue to exist after the breastfeeding period is over, and can be surgically removed for the sake of local aesthetics.
2. Pathologic axillary hard lumps:
(1) Lymphadenitis: this inflammatory reaction can occur when the upper limb is injured.
(2) Folliculitis: localized folliculitis can also be manifested as an axillary mass, with pain evident.
(3) Sebaceous cysts: this can also occur with an infection of the sebaceous glands in the armpits, manifesting as an axillary mass with redness and pain.
The above inflammatory infections may be considered for anti-infective treatment with antibiotics if symptoms are evident. Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.