What Is Armpit Yeast Infection?
Many microorganisms naturally reside in different areas of the human body. This includes bacteria and fungi. They provide health benefits when their count is in perfect equilibrium. The collection of bacteria and fungi that coexist harmoniously on the skin is known as the microbiome. However, some conditions make them grow out of proportion, and this is when they cause an infection. An example of such a kind of infection is a yeast infection.
Yeast is a form of fungus that is present in the skin and mucous membranes of the body. Although the most common yeast infection is a vaginal yeast infection, this infection can occur in the armpits too. When yeast causes infection in the armpit, the infection is called an armpit yeast infection. This infection makes the armpit itchy and inflamed. Candida is a yeast that frequently causes diseases such as intertrigo and armpit yeast infection, whereas other fungi cause conditions such as ringworm.
What Causes Yeast Infection in Armpit?
The causative pathogen for yeast infections in the armpit is Candida, a kind of yeast. A moist, wet, and warm environment is favorable for the growth of this yeast. Whenever they find this environment, they start proliferating and growing. The conditions that can lead to the overgrowth of yeast are listed below.
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Humid and hot weather like summers.
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Tight outfits.
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Lack of hygiene.
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When undergarments are not changed frequently.
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Some antibiotics can also result in this infection.
Who Are More Likely to Contract Yeast Infections in the Armpit?
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When an individual has certain underlying skin conditions like psoriasis and intertrigo.
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Individuals with weak immunity are prone to armpit yeast infection.
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Pregnant women can also contract this infection.
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Overweight or obese people are also prone to this infection.
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Cancer patients are at high risk of contracting this yeast infection.
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Some diseases which lower the immunity of an individual such as diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or certain autoimmune diseases that need prolonged use of corticosteroids pose a risk of contracting this yeast infection.
What Does a Yeast Infection in the Armpit Look Like?
Armpit yeast infections result in discomfort in the affected skin. An individual can identify these infections by following signs and symptoms:
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Bright red rashes in the armpit.
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Itchiness on the rashes.
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Yeast infections in the armpit may not cause pain but it will result in a burning sensation. The affected area will have a burning sensation.
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The skin in the armpit with yeast infection will be inflamed.
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Small, pimple-like spots may be present around the rash.
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Scaling can be seen at the affected area.
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Foul smell or bad body odor is not a characteristic of armpit yeast infection until it is caused by intertrigo (an inflammatory skin disease).
How Is Armpit Yeast Infection Diagnosed?
A doctor can identify the armpit yeast infection by examining the signs and symptoms. The characteristic feature of armpit yeast infection is the presence of bright red rash. For investigations, the doctor might want to take a sample of the infected region for analysis. They will carefully scrape some of the skin away from the infected region using a scalpel or tongue depressor. To determine the fungus, a pathologist will look at the sample under a microscope. Alternatively, the sample could be put in a culture. A medium called a culture enables the growth and detection of microbes. If the results of the investigations show the presence of the candida, the diagnosis is confirmed.
How to Treat Armpit Yeast Infection?
To get rid of armpit yeast infection, dermatologists prescribe antifungal medications. Antifungal medicines either kill the fungus or inhibit its growth. These medications can be given in the form of pills, creams, ointment or powder. The antifungal pill includes Fluconazole.
Topical antifungals have to be applied directly on the affected area including the margins of the rashes. This is an extremely important step that one should take care of. Not adequately applying the topical medicines or leaving the margins of the rashes will allow the fungus to spread. This is the reason, dermatologist advice to apply the antifungal creams at least two mm beyond the margins of the armpit rashes.
Furthermore, another crucial point is completing the full course of antifungal medications. The affected individual can see improvement in their symptoms after a few days of taking the medicines. The itch will be greatly reduced and the bright red rashes will start to heal. This is when most individuals discontinue using medicines as they feel the lesions have healed. Nonetheless, this will only exacerbate the armpit yeast infection and cause it to recur. Usually, the antifungal medications including pills and topical medications are to be taken for a few weeks or more. A longer duration is associated with the dosage of antifungal medications.
Lastly, the efficacy of antifungal medications greatly depends upon how a person is using them. Before application, armpit should be thoroughly cleansed and dry. One has to keep the armpit dry during the course of the treatment. After bathing, make sure to dry the skin completely before putting on clothes. Avoid tight clothing throughout the course of the treatment. In addition, a follow-up appointment with the doctor is crucial in order for them to see if the lesion has healed completely and if the medication dosage needs to be extended.
How Is Armpit Yeast Infection Prevented?
For preventing armpit yeast infection it is essential to avoid the conditions that lead to this infection. An individual can take following preventive measures
1. Obese people should lose weight and keep their diabetes signs under control.
2. Regular undergarment washing and wearing clean clothes are advised.
3. Keep healthy blood sugar levels, which may help with controlling diabetes which is a risk factor for this infection.
4. Regular dermatologist checks for a yeast infestation in the armpits are recommended.
5. Avoid picking at the underarms or using strong deodorants on the body.
6. After the armpits have been drenched in perspiration, especially in summers, take a bath. Make sure to correctly dry the armpits afterward to prevent moisture.
Conclusion:
Since the armpit can get sweaty easily, it can harbor infections too, especially yeast infection. However, armpit yeast infection is not a serious infection and can be easily treated if diagnosed and treated promptly. Recurrence can be prevented by taking the preventive measures and completing the full course of the antifungal medicines.
