A Guide to Underarm Rash

An underarm rash can appear for many reasons. They are often itchy and uncomfortable. However, most causes of an underarm rash are treatable. This article discusses the common causes of an underarm rash. It also talks about the treatment and prevention of rashes under the arm.

Rashes can appear for different reasons in different areas.

The appearance of a rash may vary based on the underlying cause. Often, rashes appear as:

• blotches
• welts
• blisters
• red or discolored skin
• scaly skin
• dry skin

If you notice a rash appear, it is important to contact your doctor so that they can diagnose the underlying cause. Not all rashes are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) creams.

There are many possible causes of a rash in your underarm, including the following.

A heat rash is a typically harmless rash that tends to clear up on its own within a few days.

Heat rashes generally happen when you sweat more than you usually would. They are more common in the summer months and in areas that have a hotter climate.

A heat rash typically appears in areas of your body where sweat may collect. These areas include the:

• armpits
• back
• areas under the breasts
• chest
• groin
• elbow creases
• backs of the knees
• waist

Symptoms of a heat rash include:

• small, raised spots
• mild swelling
• an itchy or prickly feeling

A heat rash typically appears as red, but the color may vary or appear brown on dark skin tones.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory chronic skin condition. It is typically inherited and first appears in childhood.

The symptoms of eczema vary from person to person. They can also range from mild to severe. Symptoms of eczema include:

• itchiness
• dry and sensitive skin
• inflamed or discolored skin
• rough, leathery, or scaly skin that appears as scaly patches
• oozing or crusting
• swelling in some areas

On light skin tones, eczema tends to have redness to it. On dark skin tones, however, it may appear:

• ashy
• dark brown
• gray
• purple

Your symptoms of eczema may have times when they flare up and become worse. You may also experience times when they go away almost completely.

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that results from coming into contact with a certain substance. There are two types of contact dermatitis:

• Irritant: This is when a substance or chemical irritates your skin. It typically damages the top layer of skin, causing a reaction.
• Allergen: This is when coming into contact with a certain substance causes your body’s immune system to react. This reaction affects the skin. One of the most common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source causes of allergic contact dermatitis in the United States is poison ivy.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

• itchiness
• blisters
• dry and cracked skin
• redness on light skin
• a purple, gray, or dark brown coloration on dark skin

Read about when you should contact a doctor for poison ivy.

Ringworm is a common skin infection Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source that is the result of a fungus. Ringworm can affect anybody. It gets its name because of the round shape of the rash.

The fungi that cause ringworm can live on surfaces, skin, and household items. These items can include:

• towels
• clothing
• bedding

The symptoms of ringworm include:

• a ring red or silvery rash
• irritated skin around the ring but healthy looking skin inside the ring
• skin that is scaly, itchy, and inflamed

More severe symptoms include:

• rings that multiply, grow, or merge
• rings that feel raised
• skin that feels itchy underneath
• blisters and pus filled sores around the rings

The rings from ringworm typically spread outward as the rash progresses. You may have one patch or multiple patches of ringworm at one time.

Intertrigo is a rash that is typically present in the folds of the skin. The skin in these areas tends to rub together and hold in moisture. The most common areas to find intertrigo are:

• your underarms
• between your toes
• in your groin area
• on the underside of your stomach or breasts
• in the crease of your neck
• between your buttocks

Symptoms of intertrigo may include:

• a red or brownish red rash
• itchiness or burning
• oozing
• cracked skin
• a foul odor

Other causes of a rash in your underarm can include:

• chafing
• hair removal
• erythrasma
• acanthosis nigricans

If you experience any of the symptoms of these conditions or have a rash that appears to be infected, contact your doctor.

Treating an underarm rash will depend on its underlying cause. Some treatments for rashes under your arm may include:

• antihistamines
• hydrocortisone cream
• emollients
• topical corticosteroids
• prescription medications
• antifungal creams

Speak with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for your rash.

Not all underarm rashes are preventable. However, there are ways that you can help prevent some causes of a rash.

Some ways you can prevent certain rashes include:

• keeping your skin clean and dry
• wearing loose, breathable clothing
• maintaining a moderate weight
• wearing gloves when using substances that could irritate your skin
• keeping your skin moisturized
• avoiding substances, plants, or chemicals that may trigger a reaction

Learn when to contact a doctor for a rash.

There are many possible causes of an underarm rash. Many of them are treatable, and some are even preventable. Some underarm rashes are due to heat, trapped moisture, rubbing of the skin, or fungi.

Although it is possible to treat some rashes at home, not all rashes will respond to these treatments. If you have an unexpected rash or a rash that appears to be infected, contact your doctor.

The most important things that you can do for a rash are keeping the area clean and dry, following all your doctor’s instructions, and not scratching the area.