Nasal Passage Obstruction Doesn’t Involve Surgery

A nasal passage airway device is being rolled out. It uses radio frequency energy instead of surgery to unblock sinus o

Dr. Brad Otto of Wexner Medical Center looks at scans of airflows through a nasal cavity. | The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Millions of Americans live with conditions that can obstruct their nasal passages, often making it difficult to breathe fully through their nose.

When the condition is bad enough, treatment typically involves invasive surgery that requires general anesthesia.

But a new technology — one that’s noninvasive and virtually painless — has shown promise in a small clinical trial.

A patient who underwent the procedure told Healthline that it fixed what had been a lifelong breathing issue in a matter of minutes.

“From start to finish, the procedure wasn’t even half an hour, and that includes the numbing and the procedure,” Linda Wells said. “Once the healing was done, I was amazed at how much better I could breathe.”

How the device works

The device used in this procedure was the Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling device.

It was developed by Aerin Medical, the company that sponsored the clinical trial.

This device essentially uses targeted energy to reshape the nasal passage to facilitate better airflow.

But in order to understand which areas need to be reshaped for specific patients, the company partnered with experts at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Division of Otolaryngology.

Specifically, the company was interested in the work researchers had done in the field of computational fluid dynamics.

“It’s a computer-based algorithm that basically allows you to see how air flows through a tube, through a cavity, or over top of something,” explained Dr. Brad Otto, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the Wexner Medical Center. “It’s similar to the technology they use when they show aerodynamics on a car when they design it.”

“So this group came to us, hoping that we could kind of marry these technologies and take a look,” Otto told Healthline. “One of our main aims is to actually look at a patient’s computational fluid dynamics both before and after the study, and see how airflow has or has not changed within the nose.”

Easier than typical surgery

The procedure itself involves taking a CT scan of a patient’s nasal cavity.

From there, an otolaryngologist such as Otto determines how certain areas could be reshaped to optimize airflow.

When it’s time for surgery, the patient’s nose is numbed and radio frequency energy is used to reshape the nasal passage.

As the nose heals over the next few weeks, the patient comes in for follow-up appointments to ensure the procedure is working as planned.

Dr. Brad Otto of Wexner Medical Center uses the non-invasive sinus procedure on a patient. | The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Typical interventions for nasal obstruction involve surgery, done under general anesthesia, to widen the nasal valve. This is the region near the top of the nose, where the side walls of the nose meet the septum that divides the nose vertically.

“A surgery example would be where some folks have pieces of cartilage placed in this area — sometimes harvested from the septum, sometimes from the ear — in order to widen out that area. Some people have cartilage placed in other areas to help strengthen that side wall,” explained Otto.

“Essentially, if you’re familiar with Breathe Right strips, all of these procedures in some way or form tend to try and mimic what those strips do by getting that nasal valve a little wider,” he added.

Linda Wells walks with her husband, Paul, after her treatments for chronic nasal symptoms. | The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Wells told Healthline she’d undergone surgery for a deviated septum in the past.

Although the surgery accomplished the objective of helping her breathe better through the left side of her nose, it created a new problem. It was now tougher to breathe through the right side.

“I talked to Dr. Otto about it and he said it really wasn’t worth going under anesthesia and having surgery again, but he said there is this new procedure and asked if I’d be interested to see if it would work,” said Wells.

“I said, ‘Absolutely.’ So he performed the procedure on just the right side of my nose,” she added. “He numbed my nose first, and that was really the only painful part of the whole procedure — and even that wasn’t bad. He let the numbing take effect, then did the procedure.”

Getting the technology out to clinics

Otto says that he doesn’t anticipate further collaboration with Aerin Medical on this procedure as the company looks to get their technology into clinics.

“Their next phase is going to be to roll this product out in a wider fashion, as well as start finding a way that it can be paid for, whether it’s out-of-pocket or whether it can be paid for by insurance companies,” he said.

For people interested in the procedure, Otto advises consulting with a doctor to determine what specific factors are contributing to nasal obstruction.

“I think patients really need to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist — an ear, nose, and throat physician — because they’ve got to make sure that there’s no other common problem,” he said. “This procedure is probably going to be performed by an otolaryngologist, so that’s probably the avenue they’re going to need to take in order to get a procedure like this done in the future.”

While issues such as cost and rolling the technology out on a widespread basis still need to be ironed out, there’s no doubt in Wells’ mind that it shows promise.

“I could not believe the difference that just this little procedure, sitting in a chair at a doctor’s office, made,” said Wells. “I was totally thrilled. I can breathe so much better now.

What causes burning sensation

A burning sensation can affect any part of the body. It may feel like pins and needles, heat, or a sharp, prickly pain. A wide variety of conditions can cause it, so it is important to seek medical advice and receive a correct diagnosis.

In this article, we look at the causes of burning sensations, when to see a doctor, and what treatments are available.

Causes of burning sensations

A burning sensation can occur anywhere on the body.

The location of the sensation can give a good indication of its cause. For example, a burning feeling in the muscles may be the result of an injury, while a burning sensation on the skin is likely the result of having come into contact with an allergen or an irritant, such as poison ivy.

Below are some of the most common locations of burning sensations and possible underlying causes:

While urinating

Feeling pain or a burning sensation while urinating is often a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are much more common in women, and other symptoms can include a fever and a strong, continual urge to urinate.

Infections can affect the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other areas of the body. It can also harm the kidneys, and anyone who suspects that they have a UTI should see a doctor. UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics.

The following can also cause a burning sensation during urination:

• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)


• prostatitis, which refers to inflammation of the prostate


• a physical injury to the urethra or surrounding tissue — often the result of shaving, sexual intercourse, or friction from clothing

Skin

Throughout the day, the skin comes into contact with a range of possible irritants. The following sources of irritation can lead to a burning sensation:

• sunburn


• plants that sting or cause a rash, such as nettles, poison ivy, or poison sumac


• insect bites and stings, such as from wasps, bees, and spiders


• allergic reactions to lotions, perfumes, detergents, or other substances that come into contact with the skin


• very dry skin, particularly during the winter months


• conditions such as eczema


• anxiety or stress, particularly if a person is worried about skin conditions


• nerve damage resulting from degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis

An intense burning sensation on the skin can also be caused by cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deepest layers of skin. It is treated with antibiotics.

Cellulitis can spread quickly, so it is important to receive treatment right away. See a doctor if a burning sensation is accompanied by:

• fever


• swelling, heat, or redness of the skin


• swollen and painful glands

Hands and feet

A burning sensation in the hands and feet is often caused by one of the skin issues mentioned in the previous section.

However, burning in the fingers or toes could be a symptom of nerve damage. The medical community refers to this as peripheral neuropathy.

Up to 50 percent of people with diabetes may have peripheral neuropathy. A person with diabetes should speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following in the hands or feet:

• pain


• burning


• tingling


• numbness


• weakness

Some other medical problems that may cause peripheral neuropathy include:

• multiple sclerosis


• several infections, such as shingles and HIV


• injuries and accidents


• vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12


• kidney and liver disease


• cancer

Raynaud's phenomenon can also cause a burning sensation in the hands and feet. It causes the small arteries in these extremities to spasm and close when exposed to the cold. Consequently, the fingers and toes receive less blood. They can turn white, and a person may feel a burning or stinging sensation, as well as numbness.

This condition can similarly affect the nose, lips, and ears. Symptoms disappear when a person warms themselves, increasing blood flow.

Muscles

The feeling of burning in the muscles after working out is typically due to the release of lactic acid.

A person may feel a burning sensation in certain muscles when lifting weights or doing other strenuous exercises. This is typically due to the release of lactic acid.

A person may also feel this when they try a new exercise or start exercising more often. The soreness and burning sensation may be delayed. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away after a few days.

An intense burning sensation may indicate a muscle injury, such as a sprain or strain. If this feeling does not get better over time or spreads to several muscles, a person may have a chronic condition, such as fibromyalgia.

Other causes of a burning sensation in the muscles include:

• arthritis


• myofascial pain syndrome


• a herniated disc in the spine

Mouth or throat

A burning sensation in the throat is often the result of an infection, such as strep throat. A person with strep throat may feel worse pain when talking, and the area may feel raw and scratchy. Strep throat is often accompanied by fever, chills, and other cold- or flu-like symptoms.

Strep throat is common in children, but relatively uncommon in adults.

Acid reflux can also cause a burning sensation in the throat. The sensation may be intermittent, but it tends to follow an acidic meal. People with acid reflux may also experience a feeling of burning in the chest, belching, and stomach discomfort.

Burning sensations in the mouth and gums are often the result of irritation caused by:

• gum disease


• vigorous tooth brushing


• acidic foods

Canker sores can also cause this feeling. They are small, red or white sores that often appear on the lips or tongue. They can be quite painful but typically go away on their own after several days.

Genitals

A burning sensation in or around the genitals can result from skin irritation, such as that caused by getting soap in the vagina.

Tiny wounds caused by shaving or sexual intercourse can also lead to a temporary feeling of burning.

Infections are often responsible for a burning sensation in the genitals. Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis commonly lead to a feeling of burning, itchiness, and unusual discharge, for example, and bacterial vaginosis can also cause a fishy vaginal odor.

Genital burning can also result from a wide range of STIs.

When to see a doctor

A person should contact a doctor within 24 hours if they have a rapidly spreading rash.

It is usually safe to wait for a few days and see whether the sensation goes away. See a doctor if the feeling of burning persists.

Contact a doctor within 24 hours if any of the following symptoms occur:

• a rapidly spreading rash


• a fever


• an intense burning sensation during urination


• a burning sensation following a physical injury


• other worrisome symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Also, see a doctor if a burning sensation:

• recurs


• is associated with a chronic illness, such as liver failure or diabetes


• gets worse in response to medication

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause. For example, many STIs and other infections can be eliminated with antibiotics.

When no cure exists, treatment will involve managing symptoms. Fibromyalgia, for instance, remains poorly understood and difficult to treat. A doctor will develop a plan to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Work a doctor to find a treatment that works, and report any negative reactions to medication. If symptoms do not improve, ask about other treatment options.

Five abnormal things you may do in your Sleep

Have you at any point woken up toward the beginning of the day to seeing a disappointed accomplice, annoy that you gave them a long discourse in your rest? This is one case of the numerous abnormal things we can do while we should be neglectful of the world. Read on for our main five picks.

What do you do while you are asleep?

Although it is not clear exactly how many people experience parasomnias, or sleep disorders, it is likely that you — or someone you know — have faced at least one such event at some point.

Parasomnias are often associated with unsettling actions or behaviors, made all the more strange for being acted out in a person's sleep, while they are completely unconscious.

However, although some of the strange things that we do in our sleep may be connected with the presence of a sleep disorder, others are, in fact, normal physiological occurrences that are extremely common.

In this Spotlight, we look at five of the strangest things some people do while they're fast asleep.

1. Sleep talking

Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is a common physiological phenomenon, and it is reportedly more frequent in children and adolescents, though it is not an unusual occurrence in adults.

As Shelly Weiss notes in the book Parasomnias, episodes of sleep talking don't tend to last very long, and they don't, in fact, always include intelligible speech.

"Sleep talking is usually brief and infrequent, but can range from a person making a few sounds during sleep that are brief and unintelligible, to full phrases with understandable content or even frequent and long speeches which sound hostile or angry."

A recent study conducted by Dr. Isabelle Arnulf of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France, investigated what sleep talkers are likely to say, and found that, in 10 percent of cases, sleep speech is rich in swear words and negative content.

Scientists say that sleep talkers often swear and deliver angry speeches.

In fact, swear words featured 800 times more often during sleep discourse than they normally did in an individual's daytime talk.

Dr. Arnulf notes that this may be because sleep talking likely occurs in response to a negative dream situation that makes such impulsive and unguarded speech excusable.

Weiss explains that sleep talking episodes can occur at any stage of sleep and that they are "only disturbing to others," that is, to bed partners.

And I can confirm — my partner's sleep talking episodes, in which he usually expresses distress, never fail to unsettle me. But since he never remembers these occurrences the morning after, they don't bother him at all.

But there are, according to Weiss, external situations that "may precipitate" sleep talking, so if you know that you — or your loved one — are prone to this, then eliminating these factors may help.

They include feverishness due to illness, experiencing stress and anxiety during day-to-day life, lack of sleep, or living with a sleep disorder.

2. Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is perhaps the best-known type of parasomnia, having captured people's imaginations for years, and featuring prominently in literature and movies.

Sleepwalkers may engage in complex and sometimes dangerous behaviors.

This sleep disorder usually takes place during the stage three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; this is a "deep sleep" period in which brainwaves slow down, and breathing also becomes deep and slow-paced.

People cannot be easily woken at this stage, which is partly what makes sleepwalking so unsettling, as the somnambulist is physically active while still emerged in a deep state of slumber.

But the weirdness does not stop here.

Specialists Frank Ralls and Madeleine Grigg-Damberger write in Parasomnias that sleepwalkers may appear concomitantly awake and "not there" to anyone witnessing their actions:

"[Sleepwalking] episodes often begin with the individual sitting up in bed, fumbling with bedclothes, looking about in a confused manner before getting out of bed and slowly beginning to walk around. The eyes are usually open, often wide open with a confused 'glassy' stare..."

Frank Ralls, Madeleine Grigg-Damberger

They also add that "[t]he person often walks toward sound, light, or a particular room," and they may engage in complex behaviors, such as changing clothes, opening doors, or using the bathroom.

Sleepwalking behaviors

A related sleepwalking disorder is that of sleep-related eating, in which individuals get out of bed, make their way to the fridge, and have a snack, all without actually waking up.

The eating behavior is usually compulsive, and the person could wake up the next morning to find a mountain of incriminating — and shocking — evidence, in the form of dirty wrappers and food containers, as in this case study.

There are, however, some sleepwalking behaviors that are much more dangerous than overeating. One such example is that of sleep driving, in which a person drives a motorized vehicle technically on autopilot, while fully unconscious of their actions.

Some scientists blame these episodes on a short-circuitry caused by certain sleeping aids, the so-called "z-drugs" — zolpidem and zopiclone — though it is not entirely clear to what extent these are at fault.

Sleep texting?

Though no scientific studies have yet been conducted to address this issue, apparently sleep texting is not uncommon, especially among adolescents.

Over the past few years, various media outlets have reported cases of teenagers embarrassed to find out they had sent text messages to their friends or their crushes while asleep.

One young woman told The Atlantic that she woke up one morning to find that she had made plans to see her ex-boyfriend, which she didn't remember and immediately regretted.

Sleep specialists have declared that this is a new feature in terms of sleep disorders, and the behavior is not yet listed in specialized textbooks.

The specialists blame it largely on the fact that many teenagers have poor sleep hygiene, having become glued to their smartphones, texting away late into the night, and allowing notifications to disturb their slumber.

3. Sleep starts

Many of you are probably familiar with the phenomenon of sleep starts, or "hypnic jerks."

Sleep starts are usually accompanied by the sensation of falling from a great height.

These are characterized by a sensation of falling from a great height, or tripping, which causes the body to jerk and the sleeper to wake up — literally "with a start."

Weiss notes that sleep starts "frequently occur in normal people and at any age," with a prevalence of approximately 60–70 percent in adults; they are not considered a type of sleep disorder.

Typically, the muscle contractions last for less than 1 second, and they occur as a person is about to transition to a state of sleep, or during a stage of light sleep.

Some less common accompanying sensations listed by Weiss include "an auditory sound such as an utterance," and the terrifying perception of a "loud bang or flash of light," also known as "exploding head syndrome."

Although sleep starts are a normal occurrence, scientists suggest that certain factors may increase their likelihood. According to Weiss, these include, "fatigue, emotional stress, sleep deprivation, vigorous exercise, and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine."

4. Sexual acts

A few individuals engage in erotic behaviors during sleep, which may spell out trouble if they also involve a bed partner.

Some of the most controversial unconscious acts performed during sleep are those of a sexual nature, especially when the individual attempts to involve an unwitting co-sleeper.

These acts are characteristic of a parasomnia known as "sexsomnia," in which individuals "display sexual vocalizations, masturbation, fondling, or intercourse/attempted intercourse during sleep — followed by morning amnesia."

Similarly to sleepwalking, sexsomnia takes place during the NREM stages of sleep, and, according to a case report published last month, "only 95 clinical cases" have been documented until now. The report authors also add that most of these cases feature male sleepers.

In some cases, sexsomnia is just an embarrassing occurrence, but in other, more extreme examples, the sleepers can end up sexually assaulting a sleeping partner.

But due to the fact that they remain unconscious throughout these acts, and they cannot remember them the following morning, violent sexual acts committed during sleep remain deeply challenging when brought to court.

The authors of one case report note that, in the instance that they evaluated, the patient affected by sexsomnia managed to gain some control over these night-time occurrences by attending psychotherapy sessions targeting stress management.

5. Acting out dreams

Finally, the parasomnia known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder is, much like sleepwalking, characterized by the performance of fairly complex actions while in a state of sleep.

Some individuals act out their dreams, often responding to violent or unsettling dream content.

However, there are also several differences between the two sleep disorders.

As its name suggests, REM sleep behavior disorder takes place during the REM stage of sleep, when most of the dreaming happens.

Individuals with this behavior disorder tend to "act out" or physically respond to whatever takes place in their dreams, which isn't always great news.

As Sujay Kansagra and Bradley Vaughn write in Parasomnias, "Dream content is [...] reported to become more violent with [REM sleep behavior disorder] onset, and involves the subject being attacked or having to defend a position or others."

Kansagra and Vaughn also note that most individuals with this disorder are over 50 years of age, though its incidence and prevalence rates are unclear.

Such troubled sleepers may make chaotic movements that correspond to their dream content, but fortunately, they are not usually physically violent, either toward themselves or others.

However, violent behavior is more often present in men than it is in women with REM sleep behavior disorder.

This parasomnia can be induced by an individual's first use of antidepressant medication, but stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, and chocolate can also be at fault.

Moreover, Kansagra and Vaughn point out that more than 50 percent of individuals with narcolepsy — another sleep-related disorder — also report the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder.

If you or someone you know live with a sleep disorder and would like to learn more about it and how to manage it, you may find it useful to access the webpages on "sleep and sleep disorders" curated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What are the causes of forearm pain?

Lower arms are basic to hand and arm development, so torment in this district can be exceedingly troublesome to every day life. Lower arm agony can come about because of various diverse causes, each requiring an alternate treatment approach.

The lower arms are made out of the sweep and ulna bones, which traverse the length of the lower arm to meet at the wrist joint. The area implies that the lower arm is naturally associated with a scope of regular arm or hand developments.

Therefore, damage or uneasiness in the lower arm can have a far reaching sway on versatility and meddle with every day working. For instance, lower arm agony can make it hard to type on a console or hold a thing with the hand.

Quick realities on lower arm torment:

The lower arm is the region between the wrist and the elbow of the arm.

Much of the time, a man can oversee lower arm torment with rest and organized movement.

A few gatherings of individuals might be at especially high danger of lower arm torment.

What are the causes?

Forearm pain may be caused by injury, nerve entrapment, or arthritis.

The forearm contains several superficial, immediate, and deep muscles.

Like most body parts, its structures are connected by tendons and ligaments.

Forearm pain can occur for a variety of reasons including:

• Injury: An acute trauma, such as a fall, can cause a fracture in one of the forearm bones or damage to the ligaments and tendons


• Overuse: Some sports, such as tennis and certain types of weightlifting, put a high degree of pressure on muscles in the forearm and can cause them to strain. Excessive use of computers can also cause muscle strain in the forearm, which is known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI). Pains caused by RSI are becoming increasingly common in the workplace given the growth of computer-based labor.


• Nerve entrapment: When nerves become compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling in and around the affected region. Nerve entrapment can be caused by a range of different syndromes affecting the forearm. The most common of which is carpal tunnel syndrome.


• Arthritis: Arthritis can occur in the wrist or elbow, causing a dull ache in the forearm.


• An underlying condition: Certain medical conditions, such as angina, can cause pain in the forearm.

The type of pain can vary depending on the cause. For example, nerve entrapment can cause shooting pains whereas arthritis of the elbow can cause a dull ache in the forearm. Overuse injuries, such as RSI, can induce both types of pain.

Treatment

The type of treatment will depend on the cause of the forearm pain and its severity.

Home treatments

In the case of an injury such as tendon damage, nerve entrapment, or overuse, a person can usually administer treatment at home using the following techniques:

• Rest: Reducing activity involving the forearm will help the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, or nerve to recover. A person should rest periodically rather than remaining inactive for sustained periods. However, a person with a sports-related forearm pain should avoid the sport until the pain has entirely subsided.


• Pain medication: A person can take Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain.


• Immobilization: In cases whereby movement is very painful, a person may require a splint or sling to restrict movement and minimize pain.


• Hot or cold therapy: The use of an ice pack can help to reduce inflammation and pain. A person may also try heat therapy after the swelling has gone down, which will also ease the pain.

Exercises and stretches

Treatment is often accompanied by exercises and stretches designed to rehabilitate and strengthen the forearm slowly. However, a person should only start doing exercises or stretches after consulting with a doctor to avoid aggravating the injury.

Wrist extension

A wrist extension exercise may be recommended to help treat forearm pain.

This exercise helps to stretch the forearm muscles:

• Standing upright, extend the injured arm in front of you with palm parallel to the floor.


• Using the opposite hand, pull the wrist back toward the body.


• Pull the wrist back until feeling a stretch in the forearm but without feeling any pain


• Hold the position for 20 seconds.

Elbow extension

Stretching the pronator muscle can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain in the forearm:

• Sitting upright, place the elbow on a table or chair arm.


• Using the opposing hand, gently push the forearm down towards the table or floor.


• When feeling a stretch but without any pain, hold the position for 15 seconds.

Wrist rotations

This exercise can help to improve blood circulation through the forearm and flexes the wrists:

• Extend arms in front of you with hands at shoulder height.


• Make fists and rotate each wrist clockwise then anticlockwise in a circular motion.


• Perform 10 repetitions in each direction.

Strength building exercises

During later stages of rehabilitation, it can be beneficial to go to a gym and use equipment such as cable machines, light dumbbells, or exercise bands. Strength building exercises, such as wrist curls or reverse curls, can help to build forearm strength, helping to prevent forearm pain from reoccurring.

Surgery or injections

Exercise is not always sufficient, and some people may require anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain. Sometimes, where the pain is caused by trapped nerves or other injuries, surgery may be required.

Prevention

A person can take basic precautions to help prevent forearm pain from occurring, such as:

• Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the forearm, such as tennis or certain types of weightlifting.


• Taking regular breaks from extended periods of computer use and using an ergonomic keyboard at work.


• Strengthening the forearm and increasing grip strength through resistance training.

What causes an underarm rash?

There are many different causes of armpit rashes, including chafing and eczema. Some rashes are harmless and go away in time, but others may signify a more serious condition. In this article, we look at different types of underarm rash and the treatment options and home remedies that are available to treat them.

Chafing

Chafing, heat rash, and eczema may cause armpit rashes.

When skin rubs hard against itself or clothing for too long, irritation is likely to occur. Areas of the body where the skin folds over itself or rubs against itself frequently, such as the armpit, are especially prone to chafing.

Chafing rashes are usually:

• red


• raw, or with the top layer of skin rubbed off


• stinging and burning


• in streak formations, often with a lighter center streak


• swollen, cracked, and bleeding or crusted if severe

Many people experience underarm chafing while exercising or wearing clothing that does not fit them properly.

Many people also experience chafing during the spring and summer months because they sweat more in the heat and moist skin is quicker to irritate.

Heat rash

Heat can mix with sweat on the skin and cause an irritation rash commonly called heat rash.

In most cases, heat rash causes itchy patches of bumps that are:

• tiny


• prickly


• red


• slightly raised

Many people develop heat rash in their armpits during the warmer months or while in hot climates because the armpits contain lots of sweat glands.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin or body comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, sparking an immune response. This allergic reaction usually develops within a few hours of exposure to allergens or irritants.

Contact dermatitis rashes are usually:

• itchy


• red


• blistered


• dry

There are many different causes of contact dermatitis. Some of the most common include:

• chemicals found in cleaning detergents and personal care products


• food or environmental allergens


• medicines


• insect stings or bites

Hair removal processes

Many people develop patches of tiny, red, painful bumps after shaving the underarms. These bumps are usually present in and around the hair follicles.