From the Research
Yes, picking at a tiny ingrown hair on your upper arm can potentially cause the lymph nodes in your elbow (epitrochlear lymph nodes) to become palpable. When you pick at the skin, even if the ingrown hair doesn't appear infected, you can introduce bacteria from your fingers into the small wound. This can lead to a minor localized infection that may not be visibly obvious. Your lymphatic system responds to this by filtering the bacteria, causing nearby lymph nodes to enlarge as they work to fight the potential infection. The elbow lymph nodes drain the forearm and part of the hand, but can also respond to infections in the upper arm.
Some key points to consider:
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition characterized by ingrown hairs, can lead to inflammation and potentially infect the skin 1, 2.
- Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils, which can result from picking at ingrown hairs, include topical and systemic antibiotics, as well as phototherapy 3.
- Topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide 5%/clindamycin 1% gel, have been shown to be effective in reducing lesion counts in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae 4.
- A review of current treatment options for pseudofolliculitis barbae highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach, including behavioral changes in shaving habits and the use of topical therapies 5.
If you notice swollen lymph nodes after picking at your skin, it's best to:
- Leave the area alone
- Keep it clean
- Monitor for signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, pain, or swelling
- Consult a healthcare provider if the lymph node remains enlarged for more than 1-2 weeks, grows larger, becomes very painful, or if you develop fever or other concerning symptoms.