Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Reddish Spots On Skin Around Armpits?
Question: I want to inform Dr.Kakkar that I have noticed 5 to 6 reddish brown spots on skin around both of my armpits.i am sending photographs of these spots for your consideration.i have noticed them for last three days.no itching is there,no lain is there.in this context I would like to inform you that psoriosis was diagonised in the year 2013 but after treatment it is under control.no psoriotic patch could not be found for last one year.please tell me what are those patches ? What is the treatment?
Brief Answer:
I suggest a possibility of fungal infection; KOH scraping is advisable
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
I can see a few reddish brown patches and some scaling as well.
This seems most likely to be a Fungal infection/ pityriasis versicolor.
However, since you have a past history of psoriasis therefore psoriasis is another possibility.
I suggest that you get a confirmatory diagnosis by a "KOH scrape test / KOH wet preparation" from one of these scaly patches.
This test will look for fungal elements/ hyphae under the microscope & therefore if fungal elements are seen, that would be confirmatory.
Arm pits are a common site of fungal infection.
Sweating and warmth in this region provide an opportunity for fungus to grow and proliferate.
Itching is subjective and may not be very prominent in such a limited involvement.
If it is confirmed to be a fungal infection I suggest you to apply a topical antifungal e.g clotrimazole 1% cream twice daily for a few days. Clotrimazole is available OTC.
Or
You may also apply one of a prescription topical antifungal e.g sertaconazole, luliconazole Or bifonazole.
Adding an Oral antifungal e.g weekly fluconazole for 4-6 weeks would be helpful in achieving faster and complete cure.
Regards
I suggest a possibility of fungal infection; KOH scraping is advisable
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
I can see a few reddish brown patches and some scaling as well.
This seems most likely to be a Fungal infection/ pityriasis versicolor.
However, since you have a past history of psoriasis therefore psoriasis is another possibility.
I suggest that you get a confirmatory diagnosis by a "KOH scrape test / KOH wet preparation" from one of these scaly patches.
This test will look for fungal elements/ hyphae under the microscope & therefore if fungal elements are seen, that would be confirmatory.
Arm pits are a common site of fungal infection.
Sweating and warmth in this region provide an opportunity for fungus to grow and proliferate.
Itching is subjective and may not be very prominent in such a limited involvement.
If it is confirmed to be a fungal infection I suggest you to apply a topical antifungal e.g clotrimazole 1% cream twice daily for a few days. Clotrimazole is available OTC.
Or
You may also apply one of a prescription topical antifungal e.g sertaconazole, luliconazole Or bifonazole.
Adding an Oral antifungal e.g weekly fluconazole for 4-6 weeks would be helpful in achieving faster and complete cure.
Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
