Underarm fungal infection help?

Hey everyone. Every single summer for the last few years, as soon as the heat starts kicking in, I get these fungal infections under my armpits without fail... sometimes on the left, sometimes on the right.

If I just leave them alone, they’re mostly fine, but they sting like crazy if I touch them, or if water hits them in the shower, or even just from moving my arms around too much. And don't even get me started on the smell, which is honestly pretty unbearable.

I need some advice. Should I go see my doctor, or just grab some over-the-counter cream at CVS? Also, is it okay to let the infection stay damp?

It is best to consult with a physician immediately to prevent any potential spreading or further complications. For issues of this nature, a prescription-strength cream such as Triderm is highly effective.

Definitely check in with your doctor first, but once things clear up, I’d suggest applying a very thin layer of Sudocrem in the morning instead of using deodorant. If this keeps happening, you might be dealing with sweat sensitivity or irritation from harsh deodorants rather than a fungal issue. For instance, even when I use medical-grade brands like CeraVe, I still end up with redness that looks just like a fungal infection. Plus, if your job involves heavy physical labor where sweating is inevitable, the sweat itself can become a major skin irritant.