Background: This is an unusual case of a young Indian girl who inserted multiple sewing needles, allegedly to clean her axillary sinus tract, which then went on to become life-threatening for her, and required a formal exploration under general anesthesia. Case: We report a case of self-insertion of 3 sewing needles in the right axilla for cleaning a sinus tract which migrated till the intercostal muscles threatening a pneumothorax, and discuss management of the case. Conclusion: A skillful history, appropriate imaging and early surgical intervention are a must to correctly diagnose and adequately treat retained foreign bodies in breast or axilla, thereby preventing life-threatening complications.