Armpit Rash

[crazykid123]

This discussion is related to Armpit Rash.


Hi, I am a 16 year old female and I have developed a strange rash under my armpit as well.  It is very itchy and when I itch it, the skin turns red and it looks like dry skin.  Also, small pimple-looking bumps have been showing up under my armpits as well.  I suffer from excema on my arms and I feel that this may have to do something with it?  If not, I haven't been using one constant razor to shave my armpits, I have been using many different ones.  This could be the problem as well, so should I refrain from shaving?  I have used 1% Hydrocortizone cream and Johnson's Baby Moisturizing Cream on the rash, but this has not had a great effect.  It feels as though this itching sensation is taking over my body.  I hate it.  It's so embarassing too.  I would like to do something that doesn't mean going to the doctor, anyone have any suggestions?  They would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be sweat dermatitis, folliculitis, allergic reaction. In most individuals there are outbreaks of folliculitis from time to time.

Folliculitis is infection and inflammation of the hair follicles. The condition may be superficial (i.e., on the surface of the skin) or deep within the follicles.The most common cause of folliculitis is infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Folliculitis symptoms can appear independent of infection. Exposure of the skin to certain chemicals, especially oils and tars, can trigger an outbreak. People with depressed immune systems, diabetes, or obesity have a greater risk of contracting folliculitis than the general population.

Patients with chronic unresponsive folliculitis may require investigation into the source of the infection. S. aureus bacteria can live in the patient's nostrils, periodically triggering a folliculitis outbreak.

Individuals who are predisposed to folliculitis should be extremely careful about personal hygiene. Application of antiseptic washes may help prevent recurrences. A topical antibiotic cream, mupirocin (Bactroban®), has been effective at reducing bacterial colonization in the nostrils. It is applied twice daily for a week and is repeated every 6 months.

If there any of the mentioned medical causes then treating those will reduce the occurence of the condition.
http://www.dermatologychannel.net/follicle/folliculitis.shtml

Some stubborn cases of folliculitis have been responsive to laser-assisted hair removal. This process uses a laser to destroy the follicle. This reduces the scarring that results from folliculitis.

Let us know if you need any other information and consult a skin specialist if the lesion is persistent.

Regards.