Recurring Armpit Rash

[clovarian]

I'm 13 and I've been getting this rash since about Nov./Oct. 2010. I get painful red itchy bumps that turn into patches of painful red itchy skin and then I itch and I get itchy scabs and dry skin then it heals and scars but it is still itchy and then it repeats. What wrong with me and how do I fix it?

[kellyk2011]

i have numerous scars (darker colored spots) on my arms from a severe reaction to poison sumac last summer...do you have any advice as to how i can get rid of these, or at least lighten them?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to boils or hidradenitis suppurativa. 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 antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
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.