Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Your armpit rash may be a form of fungal infection like ring worm, or a yeast overgrowth. It may also be a bacterial skin infection. Fungal and yeast infections are more likely to return after being "gone" than bacterial infections are.

The cortisone can help with inflammation but it won't do anything for the infection, and can even allow infection to persist sometimes by lowering the local immunity of the skin.

I recommend going in to your doctor to be seen to tell whether it is fungal vs bacterial (or something else entirely, but most often these are fungal infections). If it is fungal or yeast, your doctor may prescribe a topical anti fungal/antiyeast cream. If the rash is severe and extensive, he/she may give you an oral anti fungal medication. I tend to stay away from oral unless absolutely necessary as it goes through your whole system so more chances of side effects.

You can also try an over the counter topical anti fungal cream that covers both yeast (candida) and funguses such as ring worm, and see if that takes care of it.

Be sure to wear cotton undershirts or shirts and allow as much air circualtion as possible.

Rather than rubbing alcohol, you can mix a little Tea Tree Oil with water and apply that too. It has a strong smell, but is not unpleasant. It has anti fungal properties and can work over time, but unlikely to work as quickly as an anti fungal cream.

If the rash is hot and spreading, then don't fool around with trying over the counter anti fungal creams, as it may bacterial and an antibiotic would be needed.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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Brief Answer:
ok

Detailed Answer:
Sounds good. One other thing: help your immune function to combat this by getting good sleep, good nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and sugars.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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