strange axilla area markings

[Eva115]

I want to add pics, but there is nowhere to add them...can I email them to a doctor on staff? these marking are not itchy. They are a reddish pink. the left is oval the right is odd shaped. I was diagnosed with the left axilla area (it is below the area of shaving though, below the armpit triangular area) as being ringworm and given and RX for cream called Ketoconazole back in May 2011. It didn't help at all. No scrappings were done, no woods lamp, just by eyeballing it. The right axilla area is slightly lower than the left and that I noticed after a strenous wek of exercise last summer, but it never went away. I thought it was from being sweaty and my bra and clothes rubbing there. I have tried everything on these marks. Hyracortisone, Bio Oil, even the retin A I have for my acne break outs. Any clues as to what these marks are? BTW, I am 43 years old.

[Rohit Batra, MD]

Dear Eva115,

Thanks for writing in.

After reading your history and viewing the pictures, it is very unlikely that you could be suffering from tinea infection currently. Tinea infections are quite itchy.

Also, most of the times, the lesions in leprosy are hypopigmented ( pigmentation of the skin is decreased) and there are no sensations over the area. Red lesions in leprosy are quite painful and swollen as they are part of lepra reactions. So I am not convinced that this is leprosy. Further, red colored, non itchy lesions without scaling are unlikely to be parapsoriasis.
Creams like retino when applied in crural area like axilla can cause irritation. Hence please do not apply them.

"If you were treated for ringworm before there is a high possibility that this is a mere colored lesion left after the infection has been treated". If the lesions are not increasing, have normal sensation and you do not have any symptom, there is no need to worry. It could be benign condition which may go away with mild topical steroid.

We would be able to get to know of its true nature by performing a biopsy of the lesion. So if you are worried, visit your dermatologist who can then perform the procedure.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Rohit Batra

[Eva115]

on another website a dr suggested a form of leprosy and parapsoriais just a while ago and I am freaking out.

[Eva115]

I posted pictures of both the left and right areas in my profile to help you dx.

[Eva115]

My profile pic is my left axilla area. The one that was diagnosed as ringwrom last yer. Can I email a picture of the right side?