Armpit Rash

[Todd Oberlin]

I have had a solid red blotch under my left armpit for the last two months. It will change slightly in it's shade of red (from dark to light and back to dark)but the rash itself will not go away. It does itch constantly. Is this allergy or something else?




Regards,

Todd

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Todd:

The most likely cause of your rash is seborrheic dermatitis.  This often affects folds of skin such as the area below the breasts in women, or the armpits in either sex.  As in your case, it can affect one side at a time.  

My suggestion is to try over-the-counter one percent hydrocortisone twice a day for a week.  If that doesn't work,have a dermatologist prescribe something a little stronger.

Good luck.

Dr. R.

[Robin]

Todd,

I get a red solid rash under my arms also.  I have found that Elocon Cream works well at helping the rash.  You might want to look at switching deodorants too.  I can use the same brand of deodorant, but if I switch scents, I end up with the rash even worse than prior (My rash is from shaving).  I put the Elocon Cream on after showering, then my deodorant, and I'm fine.  I usually apply it in the evening as well as the morning.  Talk to your PCP or Dermatologist about this.

I'm not a Dr. or any kind of medical professional.  Just someone with the same problem, and wanted to try and help.

Robin

[annie]

Hello.

    I also have some sort of rash on my underarms. Not only that but I notice that I have frequent in-grown hairs as a result of the "rashy" area. I stopped using deoderant almost a year ago, but i still continue to have this problem. Do I have the same thing or is my condition different?  

Thanks,
annie