What should you know about sore under skin fold?

Warm, moist folds can become irritated when skin surfaces rub together. Redness, stinging or a shiny raw patch may follow. A tender lump with pus can be a Boil, while Cellulitis tends to cause spreading redness, warmth and swelling. Hidradenitis Suppurativa can cause recurring painful lumps or draining areas in folds such as the armpits or groin. Shingles may cause burning or sensitivity followed by a stripe-like blistering rash on one side.

Gently wash the area, pat it dry and wear loose, breathable clothing. Reduce rubbing and avoid squeezing lumps, opening blisters or applying strong antiseptics. Keep a note of when the soreness began, whether it recurs in the same fold and whether a rash, lump or discharge appeared. Treatment depends on the cause; a clinician may consider Antiviral Treatment for shingles or Abscess Drainage for a collection of pus.

Seek same-day medical advice for rapidly spreading redness, marked warmth, severe pain, pus, red streaks, fever or feeling unwell. Get urgent assessment for a new blistering rash near an eye, face or ear, or for weakness or confusion. Recurrent painful lumps deserve a dermatology review because the pattern may point to Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Is this mainly friction, or does it resemble Cellulitis, a Boil, Shingles or Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Is there a collection that needs drainage? Which cleansing and drying routine is suitable? What symptoms should make me seek urgent care?