Persistent Rash Under Armpit: Seeking Advice
I am a 22-year-old male, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. I smoke three cigarettes daily and have no prior medical issues or ongoing medication. Recently, I developed a painful red rash beneath my right armpit. It stings significantly upon contact, which is a constant challenge since my arm naturally brushes that area. I maintain a daily hygiene routine, taking showers both before going to bed and before starting work. The deodorant I use causes no problems on the other side, so I don't think it's the source of the irritation. Interestingly, the rash seems to worsen during the evening hours. This is not the first time I've experienced this rash; it usually only lasts for a night and then resolves itself. However, today it became unbearable; I found myself hastily shaving to prevent my underarm hair from irritating the area, but it didn’t help much. Now, the inflammation is quite pronounced, and it hurts even when I'm not in direct contact with it, like when my arm is raised. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering if this is merely a common rash that will eventually subside or if a visit to a healthcare professional is warranted. I initially shared this concern five hours ago, and the redness has intensified along with the discomfort.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 4:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a significant and painful rash under your armpit, which is understandably concerning given the increasing discomfort you’ve described. While it may resolve on its own, the fact that it is worsening and causing you pain merits careful attention and actionable steps.
Explanation
Rashes in the armpit can arise from a variety of causes, such as friction, allergic reactions, fungal infections, or even irritations from personal care products. Since this rash has occurred before but is more intense now, it suggests that there may be an underlying issue that requires greater attention.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Avoid Irritation: Try to minimize contact with the area as much as possible. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t rub against the rash to help reduce irritation.
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Gentle Cleaning and Care: Continue with your hygiene routine but ensure you're using a mild, fragrance-free soap and avoid harsh scrubs. Apply a cool compress to the area a few times a day to help soothe the irritation.
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Topical Treatment: You may consider applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and itching, but do so sparingly and avoid using it for longer than a week. If you notice any worsening after applying, stop immediately.
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Avoid Shaving the Area: Since shaving may irritate the rash further, it's advisable to refrain from shaving until the rash has healed.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how the rash evolves over the next few days—even noting any changes in color, size, or pain level. If it becomes more severe, develops blisters, or if you notice any spreading, these are signs to seek medical attention.
Reassurance
It's not uncommon for skin issues to arise, especially in sensitive areas like the armpits. Your proactive approach to hygiene is beneficial, and while it might be tempting to think the rash will simply go away, observing its progression closely will help guide your next steps. If these self-care measures do not lead to improvement in a few days, or if the rash continues to worsen, reaching out to a healthcare professional would be the best course of action for a thorough evaluation.
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