where can i find treatment?

i know i have waited so long to do something about this but i have had long painfull and itchy rashes under my arm and in the pit and it has been over a year. somedays it is worse than others but the redness never went away and when i work out it burns me. instead of sweat it just gets itchy and more red. i have come to conclude it is clogged sweat glands but i have no idea who to consult or what type of doctor to see. i have already went to an internal medicine doctor and he told me to put a hot rag for ten minutes whenever i can, but that hasnt helped, not to mention how embarassing it is in the summer time. the rash has spread down to the side of my breast as well. what should i do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for your symptoms is hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin disease that affects areas bearing apocrine sweat glands and hair follicles; such as the underarms, groin and buttocks esp in women.

Apply warm compresses on the lumps and keep the area clean. Topical antiseptic treatment and topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment is very useful.If still the lumps persist then specific treatment like antibiotics,vit A supplements,corticosteroid injections,isotretinoin,antiandrogens and sometimes excision and drainage ,laser therapy and radiotherapy are found useful.I feel that you should consult a dermatologist and discuss these options with him.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.