Seeking Advice on Persistent Rash in Armpit
I’m a 41-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 165 pounds, without any known medical conditions or prescribed medications. My last annual check-up in June indicated everything was normal. Recently, I developed a rash around the edge of my left armpit. Due to excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis, I’ve been washing the area frequently and using absorbent powders like Zeabsorb. After a few days, I noticed some red spots appearing on the surface of my armpit. Notably, these spots have not caused any itching, neither currently nor at the onset. Some of the marks faded after I applied Sudocream overnight, but the two central spots began to merge and become increasingly irritated. I tried using Elidel cream once, but that exacerbated the issue within just 45 minutes. Subsequently, I applied hydrocortisone 1%, which yielded minimal results. Considering it might be a fungal issue, I initially began treatment with Lamisil starting Wednesday. However, I switched to Ciclopirox cream last night because Lamisil was excessively drying out the skin. Despite these efforts, I’m not observing any progress; what once resembled a ring has transformed into a patch of inflamed skin. I’m uncertain about the next steps I should take to address this issue.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 2:01:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating and uncomfortable skin issue in your armpit, and it’s understandable that you want relief. Based on your description, it seems the rash might be related to your hyperhidrosis and potentially a fungal or irritant dermatitis, especially since you’ve noted worsening with certain treatments.
Key Points:
- Rash Characteristics: Red spots and merging patches suggest an inflammatory process, possibly a fungal infection.
- Current Treatments: Your use of antifungal creams (Lamisil and Ciclopirox) indicates you suspect a fungal issue, but your skin is responding poorly, likely due to irritation or over-drying.
Explanation:
Your ongoing rash, especially with the symptoms you describe, can be aggravated by excessive moisture and skin friction in that area. While fungal infections are common, the lack of itching and recent changes could also indicate irritant dermatitis. Using potent treatments like hydrocortisone and antifungals without improvement might contribute to skin irritation rather than healing.
Next Steps:
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Stop Irritating Treatments: Discontinue the use of Lamisil and Ciclopirox for now to allow your skin to recover from possible irritation.
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Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, unscented soap to cleanse the affected area without scrubbing. Pat dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing.
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Moisturize Daily: Apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer (like CeraVe or Aquaphor) to keep the skin hydrated. This can help improve skin barrier function without causing irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the rash and note any changes in size, color, or discomfort. If the rash grows or you develop new symptoms like itching or discharge, adjust your observation accordingly.
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Keep the Area Dry: Continue to use absorbent powders, but ensure they are non-irritating. Look for those that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
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Consult If No Improvement: If the rash doesn’t improve within a week or worsens, considering your ongoing concerns, it may be beneficial to have a more in-depth evaluation by a healthcare professional.
It's essential to be patient with skin conditions like these, as they can take time to resolve. Remember, caring for the skin gently and consistently often yields the best long-term results. Please let me know if you would like to explore any specific aspects further!
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