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Why is my armpit red, painful, and smelly? What should I do?

Nov 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, redness, pain, and odor in the armpit area may be caused by improper hygiene, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, intertrigo (heat rash), eczema, or other factors. These conditions can often be improved by maintaining good personal hygiene and through medical treatments. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Generally, redness, pain, and odor in the armpit area may be caused by improper hygiene, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, intertrigo, or eczema. These conditions can be improved by maintaining personal hygiene and medical treatments. If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Cleansing

If cleansing is inadequate over a prolonged period, the armpit may become red due to sweat irritation, possibly accompanied by pain and odor. Maintaining personal hygiene and regular cleaning is important.

2. Intertrigo

If the armpit remains moist and hot for a long time, combined with continuous friction, it may lead to intertrigo, accompanied by symptoms such as itching, swelling, pain, and odor. Under a doctor's guidance, medications like vitamin B6 ointment or erythromycin ointment may be used to relieve symptoms.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis may occur when underarm skin comes into contact with irritating cosmetics or residual laundry detergent from a newly used detergent on undergarments. Symptoms may include pain, odor, itching, and blisters. It is recommended to consult a doctor and use medications such as calamine lotion, halometasone cream, or clobetasol propionate cream for improvement.

4. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is mainly associated with poor hygiene, allowing bacteria to invade the armpit hair follicles, causing localized redness, swelling, pain, pus formation, and odor. Under medical advice, medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment may be used for improvement.

5. Eczema

Eczema might be caused by clothing irritation and friction. The skin in the armpit area is delicate and may become red, painful, and emit an odor. It is recommended to use medications such as antipruritic ointment, dexamethasone acetate cream, or mometasone furoate cream under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a light diet, exercising moderately, and ensuring sufficient sleep, is beneficial to overall health.

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