Armpit Dilemma! :(

[ileanonyou]

About 2 weeks ago, small rashes started to form on my right armpit. Then after a few days they merged and became red patches which occupied the upper area. Now my whole armpit is one red patch and itches like hell! I suspected that it was due to my change in deodorant so I stopped using it. Recently I saw the red rashes forming on my left armpit. Any ointments or remedies that could help me please? Its getting really unbearable and embarrassing. Thank You very much. :))))))

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to yeast skin infection. The other possibility would be intertrigo. Most cases respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients.

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.

[tschock]

This could be the start of eczema, psoriasis, etc.
While still possible that it was caused by a deodorant or soap, it's best to have it checked out.