Red circle under armpits

Top 4 Causes of Armpit Redness

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Armpit redness is not uncommon, and can be caused by a variety of different skin conditions.

Written by

Amrita Khokhar, MD.

Physician Case Manager - Expert Medical Services, Teladoc Health

Last updated September 29, 2021

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Intertrigo

Allergic contact dermatitis

Folliculitis

Candidiasis

Other causes

When to call the doctor

Should I go to the ER?

Treatment

Table of Contents

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Written by

Amrita Khokhar, MD.

Physician Case Manager - Expert Medical Services, Teladoc Health

Last updated September 29, 2021

Armpit redness quiz

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4 most common causes

Yeast Infection

Folliculitis

Contact Dermatitis

Intertrigo

Armpit redness quiz

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Armpit redness is a relatively common issue that is often associated with itchiness or discomfort. It can be caused by a number of triggers from shaving to an allergic reaction to a deodorant. It may also be a sign of a rash, an infection like folliculitis, or a yeast infection.

Most of the time, armpit redness is not serious and relatively easy to treat with warm compresses or in some cases, medication may be needed.

1. Intertrigo

Symptoms

• Redness of the skin
• Itching and/or tenderness
• Bad odor
• Moisture or a feeling of wetness of the skin

Intertrigo is a rash that occurs in areas where skin folds rub together, such as the armpits.  Friction, moisture, and sometimes infection with bacteria or yeast are the most common causes.

Intertrigo can be treated by reducing friction and moisture in the armpit. The armpit should be thoroughly washed and dried, and then you can apply a powder, like talc or cornstarch, to dry it out. Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics, like merino wool, is also recommended. If an infection with a bacteria or fungi is suspected, you’ll be given a topical antibacterial or antifungal cream to apply to the area.

Armpit redness quiz

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3. Folliculitis

Symptoms

• Itchy and sometimes tender rash
• Red bumps
• Pus-filled bumps

Armpit folliculitis is commonly caused by irritation from shaving. A bacterial infection from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, can occur at the same time. This leads to the formation of pus-filled bumps, or “pustules,” in the armpit.

Mild cases of folliculitis often get better on their own with time. However, if the folliculitis isn’t improving, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic called mupirocin. In cases where folliculitis is severe or isn’t responding to mupirocin, oral antibiotics might be considered.

4. Candidiasis

Symptoms

• Redness in the armpit area
• Moist appearance
• Itching or soreness
• Cracks in the skin

Candida is a fungus that commonly causes rashes, especially in moist areas like the armpit. Infections with candida also cause “satellite lesions,” which are small red patches or pus-filled bumps that occur scattered around the main rash. If your doctor thinks you have a candida infection, they can perform a skin scraping (biopsy) to look at it under the microscope to confirm the infection.

Keeping the area clean and dry is important. You can use a topical antifungal cream to help clear up the infection. Many antifungal creams are available over-the-counter, but some require a prescription. A prescription powder called nystatin may also be used instead of a cream.

Other possible causes of armpit redness

A number of conditions may also cause armpit redness, though these are either uncommon or armpit redness is not usually the defining symptom.

• Inverse psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin condition that leads to red rashes on the body.  Inverse psoriasis is a specific type that affects skin folds, like the armpits. This skin condition can look a lot like an infection at first, but doesn’t improve with antibiotics or antifungals. There are many different types of treatments available for psoriasis.
• Lymphadenopathy: Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. When lymph nodes swell, it is called lymphadenopathy. Infections are the most common cause of lymphadenopathy, but it can also be a sign of cancer or autoimmune disease. In some cases, lymphadenopathy can also be associated with redness.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: A condition where the sweat glands and hair follicles in the armpit become inflamed, leading to painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring.

Can deodorant cause an armpit rash?

"Although we often think of deodorant as being the main potential cause of an allergic rash in the armpit area, there are several other culprits to think about, too—laundry products, body washes, and colognes/perfumes, to name a few. Anything that comes into contact with the skin in that area can be a trigger!" —Dr. Khokhar

When to call the doctor

• You feel a lump in your armpit
• You have a lot of pain or itching
• Your skin is cracked or oozing
• The redness doesn’t improve or starts to spread

Armpit redness quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your redness.

Take armpit redness quiz

Should I go to the ER for armpit redness?

Armpit redness rarely requires emergency care. You should contact your primary care doctor or your dermatologist to discuss how to manage your condition.

Treatment of armpit redness

At-home care

• If your symptoms are due to allergic contact dermatitis, stop using products that contain common allergens like fragrances and dyes. Use fragrance-free soaps, lotions, and deodorants instead.
• Keep the area clean and dry. Use talc or cornstarch powder to keep the area dry if moisture continues to be a problem.
• Wear loose-fitting, sweat-wicking clothing.

Other treatment options

Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the severity and underlying causes of your armpit redness.

• If allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, you may be referred to an allergist to have patch testing performed. Prescription steroid creams can be used to help clear up the rash in the meantime.
• If your rash is due to an infection, a topical antibiotic or antifungal cream might be prescribed.
• If your armpit redness is thought to be due to a condition like psoriasis, you may be referred to a dermatologist for treatment.
• If you have enlarged lymph nodes in your armpit, you may need imaging studies, like an ultrasound.

What should I do if the rash spreads?

"Tell your doctor if you notice the redness anywhere else on your body. The list of things that can cause a red rash in just the armpit area is fairly short. This list expands to many, many different types of diseases when you consider the whole body." —Dr. Khokhar

Amrita Khokhar, MD.

Physician Case Manager - Expert Medical Services, Teladoc Health

Dr. Khokhar is a board-certified Allergist and Immunologist. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Stony Brook University in 2008 and graduated from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in 2012. She completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Northwell Health in 2015, followed by a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the University of California, Irvin...

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An armpit lump, or axillary lump, is often caused by swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. This condition can also be associated with tenderness or pain in the lump under the arm. A small or pea-sized lump in the armpit can also be caused by a skin infection, like a cyst, or ingrown hair. Read below for more causes and treatments options.

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Upper Arm

What Causes an Armpit Lump & How to Address Your Symptoms

An armpit lump, or axillary lump, is often caused by swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. This condition can also be associated with tenderness or pain in the lump under the arm. A small or pea-sized lump in the armpit can also be caused by a skin infection, like a cyst, or ingrown hair. Read below for more causes and treatments options.

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Irritation around your armpit can be due to a pesky ingrown hair. But when it’s a sign of an enlarged lymph node, it could be a symptom for multiple conditions.

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Most of the time, itchy underarms are from something simple--deodorant you’re allergic to, soap that irritates your skin, or infected hair follicles. But it could also be a sign of a yeast or fungal infection.

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Upper Arm

What Causes an Armpit Lump & How to Address Your Symptoms

An armpit lump, or axillary lump, is often caused by swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. This condition can also be associated with tenderness or pain in the lump under the arm. A small or pea-sized lump in the armpit can also be caused by a skin infection, like a cyst, or ingrown hair. Read below for more causes and treatments options.

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Rashes are a common problem and are often harmless. But it’s often hard to figure out what type of rash you have and how to treat it.

Read more

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Armpit rash: Causes, treatment, and prevention

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A rash occurs when an area of skin, such as the armpit, looks unusual or feels uncomfortable for more than a few hours.

In most cases, a rash is a temporary symptom that is usually treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies.

However, some rashes, such as long-lasting, returning, or severe rashes, may be a sign of underlying health conditions that require medical attention and treatment.

In this article, we examine different types of armpit rash and explain the treatment options for each one.

There are many different causes of armpit rash. The most common ones are listed below:

Chafing

When skin rubs hard against itself or clothing for too long, irritation is likely to occur. Areas of the body where the skin folds over itself or rubs against itself frequently, such as the armpit, are especially prone to chafing.

Chafing rashes are usually:

• red
• raw, or with the top layer of skin rubbed off
• stinging and burning
• in streak formations, often with a lighter center streak
• swollen, cracked, and bleeding or crusted if severe

Many people experience underarm chafing while exercising or wearing clothing that does not fit them properly.

Many people also experience chafing during the spring and summer months because they sweat more in the heat and moist skin is quicker to irritate.

Heat rash

Heat can mix with sweat on the skin and cause an irritation rash commonly called heat rash.

In most cases, heat rash causes itchy patches of bumps that are:

• tiny
• prickly
• red
• slightly raised

Many people develop heat rash in their armpits during the warmer months or while in hot climates because the armpits contain lots of sweat glands.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin or body comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, sparking an immune response. This allergic reaction usually develops within a few hours of exposure to allergens or irritants.

Contact dermatitis rashes are usually:

• itchy
• red
• blistered
• dry

There are many different causes of contact dermatitis. Some of the most common include:

• chemicals found in cleaning detergents and personal care products
• food or environmental allergens
• medicines
• insect stings or bites

Hair removal processes

Many people develop patches of tiny, red, painful bumps after shaving the underarms. These bumps are usually present in and around the hair follicles.

Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious, chronic condition characterized by skin inflammation. It occurs most commonly in areas of the body where there are folds in the skin.

Around 30 percent of the American population, mostly young children and adolescents, have eczema.

Eczema patches are usually:

• red
• itchy
• dry
• cracked
• prone to releasing clear fluid when scratched

Eczema rashes tend to last for more than a week. An armpit rash may occur alongside similar patches on other parts of the body, such as the elbows, back of the knees, and neck.

People with eczema may experience flare-ups during certain times of the year or when they are ill or experiencing stress.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops around oil-producing glands. It causes symptoms that are different to those of eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis rashes are usually:

• red
• greasy looking
• swollen
• itchy and burning

The skin may also develop white or yellow flakes.

A type of yeast called Candida commonly causes fungal infections. Candida usually triggers a rash that is:

• itchy
• swollen
• scaly
• red

Ringworm

Ringworm is a prevalent type of fungal infection that causes a red or silver ring-like rash.

Ringworm rashes may also be:

• blistered or scabbed
• swollen
• dry
• scaly
• itchy

Share on PinterestCoconut oil may help treat armpit rashes.

Most rashes that occur as a result of allergic reactions or general skin irritation respond well to home care. People with these types of rash can try the following remedies:

• Keeping the area cool and dry by wearing loose clothing and taking lukewarm showers.
• Staying out of the sun as much as possible and away from humid environments.
• Tapping or patting itchy skin gently instead of scratching it.
• Taking a lukewarm bath with added oatmeal, vinegar, salt, or baking soda.
• Applying unscented, glycerol-based moisturizers for dry, scaly rashes several times a day.
• Avoiding long periods of time in the water, including long showers or baths.

Some natural therapies and supplements may also help reduce or treat most armpit rashes, but it is worth noting that there is little scientific evidence supporting their use.

Alternative home remedies for treating armpit rashes include:

• coconut oil
• topical vitamin B-12
• sunflower oil
• cardiospernum, a type of vine available in ointment form
• biofeedback
• hypnosis
• meditation
• acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body
• massage

Several of the conditions that cause armpit rashes require treatment using OTC medications.

OTC remedies for allergic reactions and other skin irritations include:

• Applying OTC hydrocortisone creams (0.5–1.0 percent) several times a day for a few days.
• Taking antihistamine medications. Some of these contain ingredients that cause drowsiness, which may make it easier to sleep and thus discourage scratching.
• Using OTC calamine lotions or creams.
• Applying OTC antifungal creams, gels, or sprays to the area daily for 2 weeks, where Candida or ringworm infections are the cause of the rash.

Armpit rashes that appear as a result of chronic skin conditions often require medical treatment. However, in most cases, a doctor will recommend trying a mixture of OTC and at-home remedies before prescription medications.

Prescription treatment options for people with eczema include:

• topical steroid creams
• topical PDE4 inhibitors or calcineurin inhibitors
• phototherapy, using ultraviolet light to boost vitamin D production
• biologic medications that contain engineered versions of human immune proteins

People may choose to use only personal care and cleaning products that have the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Treatment options for people with seborrheic dermatitis include:

• applying OTC antifungal creams
• washing the area with products containing zinc pyrithione
• softening scaly patches every few days with exfoliating products
• using topical corticosteroids, prescription-grade antifungal creams, or nonsteroidal creams during flare-ups, according to directions

Share on PinterestFragrance-free personal care products can help prevent underarm rashes.

Understanding what causes armpit rashes may help to minimize their severity.

General tips for preventing underarm rashes include:

• identifying and avoiding allergens where possible
• using unscented and fragrance-free personal care products
• bathing regularly in lukewarm water but not for extended periods
• using anti-chafing powders when in warm weather or exercising
• wearing clothing and undergarments that fit properly
• washing clothing, bedding, and towels frequently
• washing the hands or body after being around soil, animals, and plants
• avoiding sharing towels, combs, or clothing with other people
• wearing loose clothing made of natural fibers in warm weather
• ensuring pets and farm animals have all their recommended vaccinations

With proper care, most armpit rashes do not cause any complications.

Without this care, however, scarring and infection may develop. Scarring from armpit rashes usually occurs when people scratch their rash too much or allow an infection to develop.

Chronic or severe rashes, or those that do not go away with basic treatment, tend to come with a broader range of complications.

For example, there is a long list of allergic conditions that relate to eczema, including asthma and allergic contact dermatitis. Also, severe or untreated fungal and bacterial infections can lead to life-threatening complications, including sepsis and organ failure.

People with a severe or chronic rash should always talk to a doctor as soon as possible to determine its cause and potential treatment options.

People with rashes that appear without an apparent cause or do not go away with primary treatment should also speak with a doctor.

Certain types of rashes are the result of serious medical conditions that require emergency treatment, such as severe infection or allergic reactions. These rashes are quite rare though.

Seek emergency medical care for rashes that:

• cover the entire body or most of it
• are accompanied by blisters or fever
• develop suddenly and spread rapidly
• are painful or swollen
• bleed, ooze, or release pus
• are around the genitals, mouth, or eyes
• accompany nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• are unresponsive to OTC or at-home remedies
• sit in areas of thickened, crusty, or scabbed skin
• are in the midst of painful, tender, swollen, or red skin
• occur alongside cold hands and feet
• appear when the body is shaking
• are present alongside a stiff neck
• accompany confusion or dizziness

Erythrasma - Symptoms, treatment - Medical reference book AMK

Erythrasma is a disease that affects the human skin (except nails and scalp). Its development is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. The rashes are strictly defined and look like red spots under the microscope. The most common pathology occurs in men.

Erythrasma in most cases is a consequence of increased sweating, changes in the acid-base balance of the skin, or a violation of the integrity of the skin. nine0005

Pathogenic bacteria can live on human skin for a long time without causing a pathological process. However, if a nutrient medium is created for reproduction and entry of the pathogen into the skin, inflammation begins.

Erythrasma is transmitted from person to person. The most likely way of infection is the use of someone else's clothes and towels. Transmission of the pathogen from a sick person is possible on the beach, in the pool or through close contact.

Consult a dermatovenereologist

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Symptoms of erythrasma

The development of pathology causes increased sweating. Therefore, due to physiological characteristics, the disease is most common in representatives of the strong half of humanity.

Inflammations appear in the folds of the skin, where there is a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria. Usually the disease begins on the inner thighs, armpits or groin. Also, pathology can develop between the fingers or on the stomach. If the disease affects a woman, then rashes may appear under the breast. nine0005

Erythrasma is rare in young people. More often it affects the older generation.

The main symptom of erythrasma is the characteristic rash. They are spots with a well-defined border. The color of inflammation can be from dark brown to light pink.

The size of the affected area is from a point to 10 centimeters in diameter. The rashes are usually round in shape with brightly marked edges. With the progression of the disease, the spots merge into one large area affected by bacteria. nine0005

Pathology begins with a slight peeling. In this case, the person does not feel discomfort. Spots are found randomly.

If the pathology is not treated, it is possible to attach a secondary infection. Then there is itching and pain. The transition of the disease to a chronic form is also likely in case of violation of the therapeutic regimen.

Chronic erythrasma has periods of calm and exacerbation. Most often, new rashes appear in the warm season. During this period, a person begins to sweat more, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria. nine0005

How is erythrasma diagnosed

Making a diagnosis is not difficult. Usually, a full-time examination of the patient and transillumination of the rash with a Wood's lamp is usually sufficient. If, under the light of a lamp, the affected areas of the skin turn red, then there is usually no doubt. This feature usually arises from the release of water-soluble porphyrins by pathogens.

However, before resorting to diagnosis with a Wood's lamp, it is worth making sure that the patient has not treated the rash with anything. Otherwise, the coloring pigment may wash off and an incorrect diagnosis will be made. nine0005

The inguinal form of the disease has characteristic features. The rashes are distinguished by protrusions along the edges, maceration and vesicles. However, erythrasma is very easily confused with rubromycosis of the groin. These two pathologies have similar symptoms. When diagnosing, special attention should be paid to the edges of the inflamed areas. With rubromycosis, they will be intermittent, and erythrasma will have a continuous, pronounced edge.

Treatment of erythrasma

Since inflammation is caused by pathogens, antibacterial ointments are used to treat pathology. Often, the affected areas are treated with erythromycin or sulfur-tar ointment. nine0005

Therapy usually takes at least a week. It is necessary to treat the rashes twice a day, each time removing the remnants of the old ointment.

If a secondary infection joins the underlying disease, areas of the affected skin are lubricated with salicylic alcohol or iodine. In advanced cases and with large rashes, systemic antibiotics are prescribed.

In order to maximize the effect of the treatment of the disease, patients are recommended to take sun ointments or undergo a course of UV radiation. The procedure will help dry the skin in the affected area and get rid of the pathology faster. nine0005

When a doctor makes a diagnosis of erythrasma, it is necessary to disinfect all personal belongings of the patient. Bed linen, all towels and clothes are subject to processing.

Until the course of therapy is completed, the clothes of a sick person should be changed daily, washed and ironed on both sides. At the end of treatment, all areas of the skin where there were rashes for a month are treated daily with salicylic alcohol and sprinkled with talc.

Erythrasma prophylaxis

The main measure to prevent this contagious disease is hygiene. In order not to create a favorable environment for the reproduction of microorganisms on the skin, you should regularly take a shower and wipe the skin folds dry. Especially the armpits, groin, neck and abdomen.

One of the important preventive measures is to reduce sweating. This is achieved by changing synthetic clothing to natural, using deodorants, and daily hygiene procedures.

It is also worth remembering that all new clothes must be washed and ironed before being worn.

Make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist

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