Main menu
Common skin conditions
NEWS
Join DermNet PRO
Read more
Quick links
There are several asymptomatic skin diseases that favour the axillae. Most of the conditions in this month’s quiz are rather uncommon. Check the colour, and whether the surface is smooth (a patch) or thickened (a plaque).
Four examples of brown armpits, four examples of white armpits and four examples of skin coloured papules are included.
For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
When you finish the quiz, you can download a certificate.
What is wrong with this armpit?
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Is any treatment appropriate?
Yellowish papules and lax skin may be due to underlying pseudoxanthoma elasticum, when a similar appearance may be observed on the neck and antecubital fossae. This is an important group of familial disorders affecting elastic tissue of skin, blood vessels and the eyes. It is important to recognise to ensure that complications from blood vessel disease are dealt with promptly, and to provide genetic counselling.