Trichomycosis axillaris is a harmless bacterial overgrowth on armpit hair that produces hard nodules. Antibacterial soap or hair shaving can solve the problem. It is not dangerous and can be found in both men and women worldwide. Medications can also be helpful in killing bacteria.
Trichomycosis axillaris is a harmless overgrowth of bacteria on armpit hair. The condition produces hard nodules that attach to the hair, which are cosmetically unappealing. Antibacterial soap or hair shaving can solve the problem.
Corynebacterium bacteria generally cause the condition. Most often, Corynebacterium tenuis is the specific species involved. The bacteria grow together in a clump on the hair shaft. Underarm trichomycosis is not dangerous in itself and is not a symptom of any serious condition.
Both men and women can have the condition. Women in many countries tend to shave under the arms, so it may be more prevalent in men in those areas for this reason. The condition can appear at any age from puberty onwards. Occurring worldwide, trichomycosis axillaris is found in countries with hot or cold climates.
Sometimes, underarm trichomycosis simply causes the underarms to smell unpleasant and the clusters of bacteria are not apparent. With a thorough inspection, the sufferer can see the clumps of bacterial growth on the armpit hair. These can be yellow, black or red and surround the hair. The colors of the tuft can also affect the color of a person’s sweat and can stain the underarms of clothing.
The hair may feel like it has beads in it or it may feel thicker than normal. The tufts are more commonly yellow in temperate countries, although people in tropical countries may also have red or black tufts. Usually, the bacteria stay outside the hair shaft, but in some rare cases they enter the hair and destroy it.
While the condition is harmless, the lumps can be unsightly. The easiest way to solve the problem is to shave or trim the armpit hair, thereby removing the clumps of bacteria. Another way to keep the problem under control is to use antiperspirants regularly to reduce sweat production.
Medications can also be helpful in killing bacteria. Erythromycin and clindamycin creams can help. Benzoyl peroxide cleaning agents are another potentially useful preparation. If the sufferer can keep their armpits dry and clean, it can prevent bacteria from growing unchecked again.
A similar condition can also affect the hair in the genital tract. In this case we speak of pubic trichomycosis. The genital and armpit regions are the regions usually affected because these areas are wetter than other parts of the body.
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