Underarm rash

My daughter has a scaley underarm rash from shaving with a aloe vera coated razor.  The rash has been there for about 3 weeks and is getting worse.  There is no odor to the rash.  But it is dark scaley and very uncomfortable.  What can we do about this rash problem?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the skin for the meantime. Ask your daughter to wash the underarms with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat it dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.If the symptoms still persist then she can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Intertrigo and erythrasma have to be ruled out.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your daughter is doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.