Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Painful Rash Under Armpit?
Question: My husband has had a very painful rash hnder his arm for a couple months now. We are not sure what the cause it. Its only one arm pit. He hasnt changed deodorant body wash or laundry detergent. Hes been using lamisil daily for a month now with no signs of improvment. The lamisil is actually causing more pain. What can we do to get rid of this and what is the cause. I dont know if it helps but he does sweat profusely while working about 10-14 hours a day.
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of Hidradeniitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for your husband.
After having gone through the problem and the uploaded pictures, I am of the opinion that he is most likely to be suffering from an inflammatory condition of the sweat glands of the arm pit referred to as Hidaradenitis.
Can you please provide the following information:
1. Are these lesions are confined to one armpit or both the arm pits involved?
2. Any pus like discharge from this rash?
3. Is he having any other medical illness, joint pains, etc.
Looking forward to receive the requested information.
Best regards.
Suggestive of Hidradeniitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for your husband.
After having gone through the problem and the uploaded pictures, I am of the opinion that he is most likely to be suffering from an inflammatory condition of the sweat glands of the arm pit referred to as Hidaradenitis.
Can you please provide the following information:
1. Are these lesions are confined to one armpit or both the arm pits involved?
2. Any pus like discharge from this rash?
3. Is he having any other medical illness, joint pains, etc.
Looking forward to receive the requested information.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Its only under one armpit. There has not been any discharge or anything as its mostly just tiny red dots with very few bumbs that are slightly raised. He has had some severe pain from the rash along with stomache pains.
Brief Answer:
Treatment for Hidradenitis suppurativa
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back to HCM.
Thanks for your valuable information.
Apparently he is suffering from Hidradenitis suppurativa.
I would advise you to take your husband for further evaluation by a dermatologist so that he can plan an effective treatment for him.
Following treatment options are found to be effective:
1. Topical anti-acne antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin in combination with benzoyl peroxide can be applied to affected areas.
2. Short course of oral antibiotics like Flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin is the most
effective in eradicating the skin infection caused by Staphylococci.
3. Oral Isotretinoin (vitamin A derivative) for 6 to 12 months are also found to be effective.
Lifestyle modifications:
Stopping smoking (if he is a smoker) can lead to improvement within several months.
Keep the affected area dry and clean
Wash with antiseptics or acne preparations.
Hydrogen peroxide solution and medical grade honey have been found to reduce smell.
Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid friction.
If there is no response to the therapy suggested above, then Laser therapy will be the most effective way of getting this condition treated with good response.
Hope the suggestions given above could help him in getting the treatment.
Best regards.
Treatment for Hidradenitis suppurativa
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome back to HCM.
Thanks for your valuable information.
Apparently he is suffering from Hidradenitis suppurativa.
I would advise you to take your husband for further evaluation by a dermatologist so that he can plan an effective treatment for him.
Following treatment options are found to be effective:
1. Topical anti-acne antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin in combination with benzoyl peroxide can be applied to affected areas.
2. Short course of oral antibiotics like Flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin is the most
effective in eradicating the skin infection caused by Staphylococci.
3. Oral Isotretinoin (vitamin A derivative) for 6 to 12 months are also found to be effective.
Lifestyle modifications:
Stopping smoking (if he is a smoker) can lead to improvement within several months.
Keep the affected area dry and clean
Wash with antiseptics or acne preparations.
Hydrogen peroxide solution and medical grade honey have been found to reduce smell.
Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid friction.
If there is no response to the therapy suggested above, then Laser therapy will be the most effective way of getting this condition treated with good response.
Hope the suggestions given above could help him in getting the treatment.
Best 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. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
