Duke had red armpit last night and I iced it and applied some aloe gel (100% aloe no other chemical) on it as I thought it was a heat rash but it’s getting worse and is sticky now.
It’s in both of his arm pits. He got stung by a hornet on his face 2 days ago (not sure if this is related) his face had slight swelling at night but was okay in the morning. Does he require any medication or consult from the vet office or will this armpit thing go away? What can I do to make it more comfortable for him? How can I treat it at home?
It sounds like Duke's skin issue might be more than just a simple heat rash, especially since it's sticky and worsening. The redness and stickiness could be indicative of a bacterial or fungal infection, which often develops in warm, moist areas like the armpits. While the hornet sting might not be directly related, any recent trauma or stress can sometimes exacerbate skin issues.
Here are a few steps you can take at home to help Duke:
First, gently clean the affected areas with a mild, dog-safe antiseptic solution or a diluted chlorhexidine solution. This can help reduce any bacterial load on the skin. After cleaning, make sure to keep the armpits dry, as moisture can worsen the condition. You can gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Consider using a medicated shampoo, such as one containing chlorhexidine or miconazole, which can help with both bacterial and fungal infections. Bathe Duke with this shampoo, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Doing this twice a week can be beneficial.
To prevent Duke from licking or scratching the area, which can further irritate the skin and introduce more bacteria, use an e-collar. Additionally, keep an eye on the area for any signs of improvement or worsening. If the redness and stickiness do not start to improve within a few days, or if they get worse, it would be best to consult a veterinarian.
Given that the condition is worsening and sticky skin can indicate an infection, it would be prudent to have Duke seen by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and possibly prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications if needed.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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