It is important to determine the cause of the underarm rash before resorting to medication or home remedies to ease the skin condition. One of the most common reasons of an underarm rash is usually due to an allergy reaction from any application that the individual has used on the underarm skin, like deodorant, soap, or fragrant oils. In some cases, clothes tend to rub on the skin and that could be another reason for the rash. Sometimes even detergents that have stayed on the clothes long after they have been rinsed can aggravate the skin and cause an itchy underarm rash. Doctors or medical experts usually advocate halting the use of personal care products that may contain allergens which trigger off the rash. Specific emollients or salves prescribed by the doctor can help in curing the itchiness and inflammation.
In some cases infection of the hair follicles or Folliculitis can be another reason for underarm rash. Daily friction in the underarm area or shaving with unclean shaving instruments can cause bruises in the armpits around the hair follicles and make the region open to infection. Underarm rash under such conditions would resemble tiny pimples. One must avoid shaving the area until the skin condition has healed; in most cases doctors prescribe antibiotic ointment to do away with the infection.
Fungal infections are also a possibility when dealing with an underarm rash, and may cause patchy, flaky and inflamed skin. Since the underarm is often moist, damp and has little exposure to sunlight, it possesses the ideal conditions for a fungal infection. These conditions can cause yeast and other fungi to thrive, leading to a red and itchy underarm rash. Dermatologists prescribe appropriate medication and anti-fungal medicines on the basis of the fungus causing the underarm rash.
Sometimes an underarm rash is a precursor to serious diseases such as diabetes, infection by the human immunodeficiency virus, a contagious skin infection, or a venereal disease. Do not attempt to diagnose the rash through self-diagnosis or self-medication; rather get a complete and thorough medical examination from a qualified doctor. At all times it is important to maintain proper hygiene and keep the underarm clean and dry. Avoid the use of cosmetics, perfumes, harsh soaps or deodorants until such a time that the treatment has ended and the skin condition has healed. Wear loose clothes, which allow maximum ventilation and drying, made from natural material such as cotton or silk rather than synthetic fibers. Always pat dry the armpits, especially after a shower or bath and use medicated powders to dry out the moistness.