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Greetings. How Would You Explain Me Recently Starting To Develop
Question: Greetings. How would you explain me recently starting to develop an itchy pinkness under one arm and the best way to eliminate it (as I assume it is fungus, and improves after a shower)? Do I use a powder, antiperspirant? I once tried an anti-fungal ointment but it didn't seem to help much. Is this new condition related to any specific health issue? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
A fungal infection is possible, treatment recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The most likely cause of a pink itchy rash under the armpit is a fungal infection. The showers not necessarily help with it, and no certain powder or antiperspirant is needed but treatment for fungal infection.
Mostly no specific health issue is related to it, fungal infection is very common in areas like armpits or other folds in the body.
An antifungal cream should help if it is used the right way and for the right duration. If combined with a steroid might help relieve the symptoms earlier.
So, I would recommend you to use a steroid cream like hydrocortisone twice a day, thin layer on the area and over it apply miconazole cream twice a day. You should use this treatment for 7-10 days and should see an improvement in 3-4 days.
Meanwhile try to wear cotton shirts that cause less irritation and absorb sweat well and change them as needed, especially if you are sweating a lot.
If you notice no improvement in 3-4 days or you notice any worsening, a visit with the doctor is needed.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
A fungal infection is possible, treatment recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The most likely cause of a pink itchy rash under the armpit is a fungal infection. The showers not necessarily help with it, and no certain powder or antiperspirant is needed but treatment for fungal infection.
Mostly no specific health issue is related to it, fungal infection is very common in areas like armpits or other folds in the body.
An antifungal cream should help if it is used the right way and for the right duration. If combined with a steroid might help relieve the symptoms earlier.
So, I would recommend you to use a steroid cream like hydrocortisone twice a day, thin layer on the area and over it apply miconazole cream twice a day. You should use this treatment for 7-10 days and should see an improvement in 3-4 days.
Meanwhile try to wear cotton shirts that cause less irritation and absorb sweat well and change them as needed, especially if you are sweating a lot.
If you notice no improvement in 3-4 days or you notice any worsening, a visit with the doctor is needed.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your reply. I guess it seems strange that this should have developed fairly recently and only under one arm. But even if the cream helps won't the fungus eventually return anyway? I can assume that being overweight is the underlying cause because of more fat around the upper arms.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the reply.
Most of the time patients that have fungal infections do not have a certain condition that causes it. On the other hand obesity can increase the risk for fungal infections due to increased sweating in the area. Fungal infection happens due to increase in the fungal cells that normally grow in the area so in some cases it might return but this does not happen often. Fungal infections most of the time happen only on one side and do not tend to be symmetrical.
If you take the treatment as explained and the infection is cleared chances for it to recur are less. To help the infection to be better treated you can spread the creams 1-2 cm further than the outside edge of the rash.
If you get too frequent infections, it might be due to obesity but it might be best to have a test for diabetes if you have not had one in the last year. Sometimes patients with diabetes might be more susceptible to infections, especially fungal ones.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the reply.
Most of the time patients that have fungal infections do not have a certain condition that causes it. On the other hand obesity can increase the risk for fungal infections due to increased sweating in the area. Fungal infection happens due to increase in the fungal cells that normally grow in the area so in some cases it might return but this does not happen often. Fungal infections most of the time happen only on one side and do not tend to be symmetrical.
If you take the treatment as explained and the infection is cleared chances for it to recur are less. To help the infection to be better treated you can spread the creams 1-2 cm further than the outside edge of the rash.
If you get too frequent infections, it might be due to obesity but it might be best to have a test for diabetes if you have not had one in the last year. Sometimes patients with diabetes might be more susceptible to infections, especially fungal ones.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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