Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVisual CluesTypes of Rash: PicturesTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Visual Clues
Types of Rash: Pictures
Treatment
If you or someone you know has ever dealt with an underarm rash, feeling concerned is natural. In this article, we’ll discuss different types of underarm rashes, their signs, symptoms, and how they may feel. We’ll also include images to help you recognize these rashes more easily.
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Underarm Rash: Visual Clues
Identifying an underarm rash can be crucial for effective management and treatment. Here are some visual clues to help you recognize common types of underarm rashes:
Types of Underarm Rashes: Pictures
The following are pictures of underarm rashes:
Contact Dermatitis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
Contact dermatitisis a skin condition wherein the skin gets irritated or inflamed from coming into direct contact with things like soaps, cosmetics, or specific fabrics. It happens when your skin reacts to irritants or allergens, causing a rash that may include the following symptoms:
Treatment usually involves avoiding the substance that triggers it and applying creams with corticosteroids to calm down the inflammation.
Atopic Dermatitis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema wherein the skin becomes inflamed due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. This inflammation leads to skin symptoms such as:
Triggers can include irritants like soaps and detergents as well as allergens like pollen and pet dander.
Allergic Reaction (Fragrance)
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikato dermnetnz.org 2023
An allergic reaction to fragrance occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain ingredients in perfumes, scented products, deodorants, or antiperspirants. This reaction can lead to symptoms such as:
Various compounds found in deodorants can trigger fragrance allergies. Avoiding products containing these ingredients can prevent further reactions.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
The lumps develop due to blockages in the hair follicles, which then trap bacteria, causing the inflammation and eventual rupture of the follicles. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery to remove affected tissue.
Candida Intertrigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications and keeping the affected area clean and dry to prevent further irritation.
Inverse/Flexural Psoriasis
Inverse or flexural psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects skin folds, including the underarms. It may appear shiny and smooth. But the appearance of the rash may vary depending on the individual’s skin tone:
Unlike typical psoriasis, these patches lack the thick scales commonly associated with the condition because the environment is moist.
Treatment often involves topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort, along with powders to keep the skin folds dry.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans may be associated with insulin resistance, obesity, or hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disease. However, very healthy people can also get acanthosis nigricans.
Folliculitis
Treatment usually involves warm compresses to help drain the follicles or topical or oral antibiotics.
Cutaneous Lymphoma
Cutaneous lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect any area of the skin. Symptoms depend on the type and stage of the condition but may include:
Cutaneous lymphoma originates in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the lymphoma and may include topical treatments, oral medications, phototherapy, or radiation.
How to Soothe an Underarm Rash
If you have an underarm rash, see a dermatologist to find out what is causing the rash and help guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Some options they suggest may include:
They may also suggest avoiding products such as bar soap, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which can make rashes even worse. Be sure to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
Summary
Identifying an underarm rash is crucial for effective management and treatment. By recognizing visual clues such as discoloration, bumps, blistering, scaling, and itching, individuals can better understand the nature of their rashes. Consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan as well as optimal care and relief from discomfort.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.Heisterberg MV, Menné T, Andersen KE, et al.Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.Contact Dermatitis. 2011;64(5):258-264. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01889.xMedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Family Physicians.Intertrigo.National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.Lymphoma Action.Skin lymphoma.Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.What is cutaneous lymphoma?Michigan.gov.The do’s and don’ts of rashes.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.Heisterberg MV, Menné T, Andersen KE, et al.Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.Contact Dermatitis. 2011;64(5):258-264. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01889.xMedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Family Physicians.Intertrigo.National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.Lymphoma Action.Skin lymphoma.Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.What is cutaneous lymphoma?Michigan.gov.The do’s and don’ts of rashes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.Heisterberg MV, Menné T, Andersen KE, et al.Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.Contact Dermatitis. 2011;64(5):258-264. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01889.xMedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Family Physicians.Intertrigo.National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.Lymphoma Action.Skin lymphoma.Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.What is cutaneous lymphoma?Michigan.gov.The do’s and don’ts of rashes.
MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.
MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.
Heisterberg MV, Menné T, Andersen KE, et al.Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.Contact Dermatitis. 2011;64(5):258-264. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01889.x
MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Intertrigo.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: who gets and causes.
MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.
Lymphoma Action.Skin lymphoma.
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.What is cutaneous lymphoma?
Michigan.gov.The do’s and don’ts of rashes.
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