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I Have Just Recently Taken Over The Care Of My

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2020

Question: I have just recently taken over the care of my 84 year old mother she has dementia and has been bed-bound for years. My question is concerning redness under one of her arms (armpit). It seem to be getting worse and has slightly cracked open in one area. I m wondering if I should use an anti-biotic cream on it and a bandage.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be fungal skin infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think that the rash and redness she is having under armpit may be caused by fungal infection or candida.
I don't think that using antibacterial creams and covering it may help.
I think you can wash it well and dry it well with a towel.
You can use antifungal ointment such clotrimazole twice daily. Don't cover it and let it to be dry in open air.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

With her dementia it is hard to get her to keep the under arm up and open to air. Would something like 'Liquid bandage' to stop the rubbing and keep out moisture, be a bad idea.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
She can wear a wide cotton T shirt.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
The excess moist can make the redness worse so keeping it dry is very important.
There is no 'liquid bandage' to help it.
You can wash it,dry it well ,put some antifungal ointment and if she can't keep it up to dry in open air she can wear wide cotton T shirt .
Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj