Treatment for axillary lymphadenitis includes antibiotics. Occasionally, surgery is necessary.

General treatment for axillary lymphadenitis includes:

• Warm, wet compresses to the affected area
• Elevation of the arm
• Resting the infected area will speed healing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
• Acetaminophen for pain

Medications for axillary lymphadenitis include:

• Antibiotics for lymphadenitis
• Pain medication

Surgical options for axillary lymphadenitis include:

• Needle aspiration: removing fluid from the lymph gland with a needle
• Surgery: incision and drainage to drain pus form an infected lymph node

Incision and drainage procedure:

• The skin is sterilized using rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial soap.
• A local anesthetic is injected into the tissues surrounding the lymph gland.
• An incision is made with a scalpel.
• Pus is drained from the lymph gland.
• The lymph gland cavity is flushed clean.
• In some cases, a rubber drain or a strip of sterile gauze is packed inside the lymph gland cavity.
• The gauze or drain placed inside the cavity is usually removed 24-36 hours later.