Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Pimples In Armpits

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Question: In the past several days I have developed a series ( approx 8 or ten ) of small pimples in each armpit...some go away after a couple days but it seems that some new ones keep forming each day. I have applied alcohol and caladyrl with no change

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of bacterial skin infection; I have requested Images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have read your question and I understand that you are concerned about recurrent pimples/ bumps in armpits.

I would like to know whether are these painful? Do they discharge pus or fluid?
Can you upload an Image in "Reports Section"?

I would keep a tentative diagnosis of bacterial skin infection/ folliculitis/ furunculosis.
If I was the treating doctor I would treat you with Oral antibiotics for a week. My choice of Oral antibiotics would be either Amoxicillin Or Cephalexin for a week or 10 days.
Topically I would suggest you to use an OTC Topical antibacterial e.g 2% mupirocin cream, twice daily.

You may also get your fasting blood sugar levels checked as recurrent bacterial infections are common in those who have raised blood sugar.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Dr Kakkar,

Thanks for your response and preliminary diagnosis.
When new pimples appear they have a small yellowish crown...the yellow crown is easily broken open by squeezing or even using a wash cloth and no noticeable pus or fluid is discharged. The broken open pimples are then immediately just a little sensitive and sting a bit when I have applied alcohol but do not become open sores or painful for long. They heal over in a day or less but remain red for a couple more days and it seems that a couple new ones appear each day.
How much amoxicillin do you proscribe daily ? And is murpirosin 2 % avaalible OTC or is a prescription necessary ?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral and topical antibiotics,

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Your descripition matches that of a bacterial skin infection i.e folliculitis.

In adults, Amoxicillin is usually prescribed as 500 mg thrice daily for a week or 10 days.
Amoxicillin is a prescription drug and I suggest that you take it under supervision of your local doctor Or a general practitioner. Mupirocin 2% cream is available OTC.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 hours later)

Dr Kakkar,

Thank you for responding again.
My pharmacy here in Florida says muriprocin 2% is not OTC and that I need a prescription.
Can you call in a prescription for me to my local pharmacy ?
My name is XXXX
My local pharmacy is CVS 239-597-1093

Thank you, XXXX

Dr Kakkar,

I just noticed that you are in XXXXXXX and unless I am mistaken, it's not likely that you can submit prescriptions here.

Thanks again for your assistance. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try to find a different OTC antibacterial

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I cannot submit a prescription in US.
You can try to find if any of these topical antibiotics is available OTC e.g either fusidic acid Or Neomycin sulphate Or framycetin etc

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar