Question
I no longer sweat under my armpits at all and have developed rashes that seem to increase or decrease in severity with no apparent cause.
I use hypoallergenic cleaning products and don't use any deodorants or antiperspirants.
I occasionally seem to develop spots under the arms, which look like acne but go within a day or two.
More often, there is a slight itching – notably when I first wake up in a morning before a shower.
There is no smell, and no wetness – just perfectly dry skin with a mottled pink rash most of the time.
Answer
These sorts of complaint are annoying because they are so persistent.
Many people undoubtedly find that sweating diminishes as they grow older.
However, a constant rash is not normal and the slight irritation you mention suggests that this could be either a mild eczematous condition or possibly a response to a Candida yeast infection.
We are all covered with a selection of bacteria, yeasts and fungi, most of which are completely harmless. Candida, a yeast that causes a variety of problems in different parts of the body, can itself produce a dermatitis-like response.
In either case treatment is simple. Your GP can give you a mild anti-yeast or steroid cream that may be effective.
Alternatively, your pharmacist will have several alternatives that are available over the counter.
