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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Recurring Brown Patches On My Arm Pits?

I have seen a dermatologist already but don t quite understand his diagnosis. I have brown patches under my armpits that started last year and went away once treated with Naftin. It has since returned and seems to be going all the way around both under arm pits and seems to be a lot more than before. My doctor said it s some form of bacteria but looked concerned this time around. I m back on Naftin and another medication for 2 weeks and if not cleared by then he said I would need to do a biopsy. Could you tell me some possible reasons for this and potentially what it could be if it doesn t go away this time. Thank You.
Tue, 25 Nov 2014
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I would keep a possibility of Erythrasma.
Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the intertriginous areas of the skin.
It is caused by a bacterium, Corynebacterium minutissimum. The typical appearance of erythrasma is well-demarcated, brown-red macular patches. The skin has a wrinkled appearance with fine scales
Dark discoloration associated with erythrasma is usually limited to body folds that are naturally moist and occluded. Infection commonly is asymptomatic, but it can be pruritic.
Treatment is with oral erythromycin Or topical erythromycin Or with topical clindamycin for 2 weeks.
The topical which you have been using is an antifungal and is unlikely to benefit in erythrasma.

regards
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What Causes Recurring Brown Patches On My Arm Pits?

Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I would keep a possibility of Erythrasma. Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the intertriginous areas of the skin. It is caused by a bacterium, Corynebacterium minutissimum. The typical appearance of erythrasma is well-demarcated, brown-red macular patches. The skin has a wrinkled appearance with fine scales Dark discoloration associated with erythrasma is usually limited to body folds that are naturally moist and occluded. Infection commonly is asymptomatic, but it can be pruritic. Treatment is with oral erythromycin Or topical erythromycin Or with topical clindamycin for 2 weeks. The topical which you have been using is an antifungal and is unlikely to benefit in erythrasma. regards