Itchy Armpit Rash

[pmmmmm]

The day after I a lengthy flight I began experiencing severe itchy on both armpits.  In a day a dark red rash had emerged, especially prominent along the creases.  

I am a chronic sufferer of tinea versicolor, and my prescription topical has had no effect.  So tinea versicolor couldn't be the problem.  I also have sensitivities to some detergents, and since I was a kid can remember having rashes frequently...though ironically I am immune to poison ivy...go figure (my mother is highly allergic).

I then tried a few OTC creams, including two jock itch creams (one Tinactin and one Lotrimin).  Th Tinactin resolved the itch temporarily, but the rash persists.  The Lotrimin didn't have as good an effect on the itch, and no affect on the rash.  1% cortisone cream has some effect on itching and no afect on the rash.

The rash has not spread, but it is not improving either.  Since the standard wait time for a dermatology appointment in my area is 3 months, I figured I post my problem here and see if anyone has any idea what this could be.

One thing I have not tried...but plan to try next...is Monistat.  I've had luck with that in the past with other skin irritations, and happen to have a tube of it that hasn't expired in the medicine cabinet.

Any hints as to what I might have would be helpful.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Yes of course fungal infection/yeast infection can be a possibility but it is important to rule out the other possibilities also. Try the mentioned topical treatment and if the symptoms persist then please get it examined from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[pmmmmm]

Thanks very much for the advice.

The only problem with loose clothing is that I develop skin tags under my arms, I presume because of the skin-to-skin friction.  So I try to wear form fitting undershirts to reduce the skin-to-skin contact.

I also have chronic high blood pressure, which is controlled with Azor, so I try to avoid Benadryl and Claritin, in favor of other medications which are more friendly to hbp sufferers.

I still wonder if it could be a yeast infection, as the rash came on a day after a long flight where I was forced to sit with my arms crossed, as the person sitting next to me was very obese and pushed well into my personal space.  Keeping my arms immobile for that length of time, and in that position, sweating, I wonder if it could have caused the yeast population to explode, thus causing the rash.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be a fungal infection, contact dermatitis, sweat dermatitis or heat rash. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Desitin or calamine are very helpful. Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.