There are many causes for an underarm rash. It could be as mundane as a heat rash or as serious as neurofibromatosis. Further study of the rash and noting other symptoms can help to diagnose the problem as well as seek out the correct treatment.
Heat Rash Treatment
Heat rash produces clusters of small, painless, red bumps created as a byproduct of hot, wet conditions. Treatment for underarm heat rash includes keeping the area dry and cool. Dusting with talcum powder is another remedy. Also, medicated treatment for underarm heat rash involves the repeated application of topical corticosteroids.
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
Contact dermatitis causes an underarm rash when the skin has been exposed to something which a person is allergic to--chemicals in deodorant sticks and sprays are common causes. This problem is treated by keeping the area clean and free of any chemicals, and using topical anti-itch creams until the redness goes down. Serious cases may require anti-inflammatory medications, such as prednisone.
Discoid Ezcema Treatment
This type of rash's cause is unknown, producing a series of flat, disc-shaped flaking marks across the underarms. Treating this rash is difficult as it resists many anti-inflammatory drugs. It is best to keep the skin clean, not use deodorant, and apply skin moisturisers daily. Sometimes an oral anti-histamine can be helpful as well.
Bacterial Meningitis Treatment
This bacterial infection is potentially deadly. It starts with a rash in the groin and underarms, then progresses to extreme fever, headache, nausea, fever and tachycardia. The only treatment is immediate emergency hospitalisation and a heavy course of antibiotics. Once the bacterial meningitis is cured, the rash clears up within a few days.
Ichthyosis is a skin condition occurring most often under the arms where the skin becomes dry and forms fish-like scales before flaking off. It is typically related to hypothyroidism, AIDS and certain types of cancer. It can be treated with salicylic acid and propylene glycol to restore the skin, but it will continue to pop up unless the underlying cause can be treated.