Dark Patches Around Armpit

Question:

There are dark patches on the skin around my armpit region. Is there a treatment to remove these dark patches or will they fade off with time?
After exercising, the region is red with rashes. Is this due to the friction between the skin and the attire material?

Answer:

You may be experiencing a condition known as intertrigo, which is inflammation of the skin occurring in warm, moist areas where the skin rubs or presses together, such as the armpits and groin area. Intertrigo may sometimes be caused by bacteria or fungi which can be diagnosed with skin tests done by a dermatologist.

The dark patches that you described may be due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is the darkening of the skin following any sort of inflammation and it may take weeks or months to resolve. This is similar to the blemishes one may get following resolution of facial acne.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is notoriously difficult to treat so it is best that the skin inflammation be treated promptly to prevent this from occurring. I would advise you to see a dermatologist for a more detailed assessment and for treatment.