Underarm skin rash

My fiancee used an underarm deodrant and later that day a large red rash appeared in both of his armpits. He stopped using any deodrant.  He has seen his GP who advised him to use Canisteen and the rash started to disappear.  He has since come down with what we think is summer Flu and has been unwell and this morning he awoke with a rash all over his body.  Could this be related to Flu or th under arm fungus which also has gotten alot worse this morning?


This discussion is related to Armpit infection.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms and the fact that the rash responded to Canasten which is an antifungal, it looks like a fungal infection. 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 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. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I sincerely suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist and get it evaluated.  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.