what is this Red/White rash under armpit?

[hexvenus]

Hello,

2 days ago I noticed a rather angry looking red rash under my right armpit. I initially put it down to an irritation caused by a new deodorant and didn't put anything on that arm pit. However it has not gotten any better and is beginning to look rather moist. I have had Golden Staph several times in my life and am wondering if this is another outbreak (however it's completely different to other outbreaks I have had).

The rash is a very sore to touch, rarely itchy, and has a white layer on parts that makes my skin look very cracked.  I've been putting a Curash powder on the rash to try and keep it dry.

I cannot get to my doctor for another 3 days, so any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, and kind regards
Sarah

[jagesh50]

With out pic it is difficult to give a diagnosis,however it is possibly an intertrigo if it does not look like a folliculitis.

[hexvenus]

Jagesh50 thanks for your reply. I looked through some images of Folliculitis and my rash looks nothing like this.

[hexvenus]

Thank you so much for your replies.

The rash has not subsided so I will be booking in to see my doctor as soon as I can get an appointment. I haven't put any deodorants or other irritants on the area, and done my best to keep it dry and clean.

I have some cream here at home called Paraderm Plus. It contains an antiseptic, a local anaesthetic and an anti-inflammatory. Ingredients are:Chlorhexidine gluconate, lignocaine hydrochroride, bufexamac.  Does this sound like something I could use without causing more damage?

I have taken a photo of it, but am not sure how to attach one.

I understand you cannot diagnose with such limited information, but thank you so much for your replies.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be due to contact dermatitis or intertrigo.

An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds.It most commonly occurs due to bacterial,viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Pls 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.In case of itching  pls take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Folliculitis, possibly staph.Mupriocin creme should help.