Red itchy one armpit rash over a month

Hello,

I have had a red, itchy rash in my right armpit for over a month now. I'm a collage student on a co-op semester so unfortunately my school health insurance doesn't cover getting this checked out while I'm away from the campus. I can't fly back to get this looked at.

For the first three weeks, the rash was just very itchy (worst in the morning) and very red. Within the past week, it's developed crustiness on the edges of the rash and this yellowish pus that has a faint odor. I am a male; I shaved that armpit with an electric razor about a month back because an itchiness there was driving me nuts and I thought cutting the hair would stop it. The rash seemed to appear several days after. I haven't used deodorant in a month because it hurts to apply it. Any idea on what this may be would be greatly appreciated. I'll try to hyperlink photos.

Sincerely,

Matthew

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/waningserenity/IMG_4110.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/waningserenity/IMG_4111.jpg[/IMG]

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like intertrigo. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

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. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).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.

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.