Itchy red armpit rash

I am a 36 year old man. I have an itchy red rash in both armpits. Not covering the whole armpit. In both armpits the rash is localized where the chest meets the armpit hair in the front. I do not shave or wax. The rash formed 6 days ago. It occured after tanning. I tan once a week in this same stand up booth. I hold my arms up the whole time. I have never had this problem before. On this day the tanning room was extra hot.  I am assuming the rash is a result of the products I used prior to tanning combined with the heat. Earlier in the day prior to tanning I applied deodorant. The same deodorant I have used for 15 years. I also applied Palmers cocobutter in the area. The Palmers was the only change to my routine. The tub of Palmers is only used by me. I have used it in other areas before with no reaction. The tub is older and I don't know if it is no longer any good. Could it be a reaction to mixing the 2 products? The rash has not spread or changed. I have tried Gold Bond powder as well as aloe. Neither have made the rash go away. Both reduced the itching but did not help the appearance. Should I try hydrocortisone or antifungal cream? If so what is best?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like contact dermatitis or allergic reaction because you applied the cream on both armpits and the rash is bilateral. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or claritin. You can also apply calamine lotion on the rash. It will help in soothing the skin. A mild corticosteroid cream like dermacort will also help.
If the symptoms persist then please get an evaluation done form a dermatologist.

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.