Experiencing an Armpit Yeast Infection?
I’m a 24-year-old Caucasian female, weighing 160 pounds and standing at 5’8”. I’m a vaper and have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), currently taking Adderall XR at a dosage of 30mg. Recently, I observed that the skin in my armpits was peeling and exhibiting some redness and irritation, particularly where my arm creases. Initially, I attributed this to friction caused by my bra, so I switched to wearing sports bras and looser T-shirts. However, a few days later, I noticed a major red rash developing in my left armpit, with some irritation occurring on my right side as well. This rash has grown itchy, painful, and continues to peel further down. I suspect it might be a yeast infection. As a result, I’ve attempted treatment with Selsun Blue and an over-the-counter product called Lotrimin. I’ve been proactive in keeping the area dry, completely avoiding deodorants and harsh soaps, and even went without undershirts while wearing my scrubs. For a time, it seemed to improve, but just last night, the condition worsened significantly, resembling how it looked originally. Could this be indicative of a fungal or yeast-related infection, or is there another issue at play? To provide additional context: due to my POTS, I experience heavy sweating, and my occupation as a veterinary technician causes me to frequently interact with patients that might have skin yeast infections. I also refrain from shaving my armpits as I have sensitive skin, which leads to cyst formation following shaving, particularly in the armpit and groin area. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 5:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating skin issue in your armpits, which could indeed be related to a yeast infection or another skin condition. The heavy sweating from POTS and your occupation may also contribute to skin irritation and infection risk. Let’s break this down and focus on what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be indicative of a fungal infection, but other conditions like contact dermatitis or bacterial infection are also possibilities.
- Keeping the area dry and clean is crucial, and considering medical-grade antifungal treatments may help.
Explanation:
The fact that you've observed peeling, redness, and itching suggests that your skin is reacting to something—possibly yeast organisms that thrive in warm, moist areas, which can be exacerbated by sweating. Your proactive approach so far has been good, but the worsening symptoms indicate that a more targeted treatment may be necessary.
Next Steps:
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Continue to Keep the Area Dry: After showering or sweating, gently pat the area dry. Consider using moisture-absorbing powders (like talc-free body powder) to help keep the sweat in check without irritation.
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Over-the-Counter Antifungal Cream: You mentioned trying Lotrimin. It might be beneficial to continue using it but ensure you’re applying it twice a day and using it for at least 2 weeks, even if symptoms improve. Alternatively, you may consider a different antifungal cream like clotrimazole or miconazole.
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Evaluate Your Clothing Choices: Stick to loose-fitting, breathable fabrics (like cotton) as you’ve started doing. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap moisture.
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Limit Irritants: Since your skin is sensitive, continue to avoid deodorants that contain alcohol or fragrances. You might consider hypoallergenic or natural alternatives if needed.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on how your symptoms progress over the next week. If it worsens, begins to ooze, or if you experience significant pain or fever, consider seeking medical attention.
These steps should help manage your symptoms, but don’t hesitate to reach out for further medical advice if necessary, especially since POTS can complicate the situation. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
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