Armpit Swetting/Rash

Hi Everyone,

 I am two weeks post surgery for my first device.  Like others have mentioned, I am trying to use my left arm a little to keep it from freezing up.  However, it does hurt.  My biggest problem is keeping my armpit "aired out".  Sweat keeps building up.  I am keeping it clean and trying to keep it propped up so it breathes, but I am getting what looks like a yeast rash under my arm.  It is really uncomfortable.  Did anyone else have this problem?  If so, what helps??

Thanks in advance.

8 Comments

Anti-fungal creams?

by Penguin - 2023-02-03 12:34:16

Hi FlossyBell, 

Ouch, sounds nasty.  No not had that one.

Could you try an anti-fungal cream at night and then keep it 'aired' and moving as much as you can during the day and / or use ice packs to keep cool when your arm is still.  Ice packs may help with any post-operative swelling too. 

Maybe speak to a pharmacist for a recommended product?

I hope it clears up. 

 

moving your arm

by new to pace.... - 2023-02-03 16:43:50

You can move your arm, just do not lift it above your shoulder or anything heavy.  there is no need to keep it close to your side. If you have concerns about your rash. Contact your doctor to advise them you have this problem.

new to pace 

45 degree angle

by Daedalus - 2023-02-03 22:02:41

To make sure mine would "air out," I kept it away from my body as much as possible.  On the sofa, I'd rest my arm/elbow on the armrest away from my body. Same in a chair with armrests.  Also, after a shower, use the hair dryer to blow dry the pit.  

Rash

by AgentX86 - 2023-02-04 00:16:30

Make sure it's not infected.  Infections can be deadly. Literally.

Thank you!

by FLossybell - 2023-02-04 07:48:37

Thank you for all the suggestions.  It is much better.  I have got to get over being afraid to use my left arm.  I used the arm more and propped it up.  This group is fantastic!!

Sweat pads

by Persephone - 2023-02-04 11:11:35

Hi Flossy - glad you're feeling better. You can also get some relatively inexpensive sweat absorbing pads and reduce wearing of clothing made from synthetic fabrics and go for loose clothing in breathable cotton as much as possible. OTC antifungals are probably fine to use for a short period of time. Talc-free powder or a bit of baking soda can help, too.

Sweat under armpit

by Aberdeen - 2023-02-04 15:30:07

I too had this problem after pacemaker surgery. I don't sweat very much but after surgery the armpit on the pacemaker side would smell really bad! I used a stick deodorant and tried not to wear anything close to that armpit.

Be assured it does stop in time!

sweaty armpit!

by islandgirl - 2023-02-08 00:30:41

I just had that problem with recovering from CRT-D surgery! I was wondering what was going on but didn't think about it as it eventually resolved.

I was washing it and applying deodertant.  

I never noticed any smell.  

Glad yours resolved as well.  I will have to ask my surgeon about it when I see him in a couple of weeks.  

The other problem I have is whenever my body goes through any trauma like surgery or an ICD shock, I have hair loss for about 3 months.  

 

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