Armpit Rash

[millaw]

Hi Dr. Rockoff.  I am a 39 year old healthy, active male/jogger.  On July 8th, Saturday, a very painful rash developed under my left Arm Pit, to the left of where the hair is.  One day later, the same kind of rash developed under the right arm pit, to the right of where the hair is.  Both Rashes are circular, reddish/purplish, and they burn when I put Hydrocortisone cream on.  I began applying this cream on Sunday, July 9th. The rashes are not itchy, but they burn. They also appear to have small bumps or pimples contained therein.  A few more facts:  I feel perfectly fine otherwise (no cold, no sore throat, etc.) and I do often put on my roll on deodorant a little too hard!  What do I do to alleviate this condition and what could cause be?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I would try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone twice a day.  The most common itchy rash in this area is eczema, which is only secondarily aggravated by antiperspirants.  If the hydrocortisone doesn't help in a week, let a doctor have a look.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[jwiles]

i have a bad rash underneath my right arm pit.   this is gross but i also notice that i'm perspiring under that same arm pit much more than my left.  the rash is itchy and it burns. i  have stopped using any deoderant on my right side because everything (Toms Natural and regular Secret - does not matter) seem to make it a little worse.  the rash is not getting better.  i feel fine otherwise.  any advice?

[dino98]

A related discussion, rash on arm pit was started.