Possible Skin Conditions

The pictures below demonstrate conditions that can affect the armpit in adults. Because the skin of the armpit is folded over on itself and has a high number of sweat glands, it is unique to other areas of the body. This can lead to infections such as folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles, which may require antibiotics or drainage of an abscess. Rashes under the armpit are often caused by deodorants or detergents and lead to a condition known as irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Sometimes the skin of the armpit can darken, known as acanthosis nigrans, which is a darkening to the skin that occurs most often in obese people but can be due to some medications (eg, steroids). Erythrasma is another condition that darkens the skin, and it is caused by bacteria, most often in those who are obese or have diabetes.