Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes [12] are an important part of the immune system located in different parts of the body. You’ll usually find them at the neck, groin, and armpits. They are bean-shaped and under 2.5 centimeters in length. The lymph nodes help produce immune cells and filter lymph, a thin, plasma-like fluid that carries white blood cells.
The lymph nodes help your body fight against infection by producing antibodies, specialized white blood cells, and killing off harmful microbes. When an HIV infection reaches these nodes it can cause them to become enlarged and appear as small bumps on the skin of the neck, armpit, or groin. This may happen a few days after infection, but not everyone experiences it. Healthy, normal-sized lymph nodes aren’t externally visible.