Trichomycosis Axillaris - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial colonization of the hair shafts in sweat gland –bearing areas, such as the armpits and the pubic area. It is characterised by yellow, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft. It is caused by the overgrowth of Corynebacterium (mostly Corynebacterium tenuis ) and basically the concretions consist of tightly packed bacteria. They prefer moist areas of the body thus mainly affect underarm hair, and to a lesser extent, pubic hair (trichomycosis pubis). Trichomycosis axillaris occurs in males and females of all races from both temperate and tropical climates. Trichomycosis axillaris results from corynebacterial overgrowth on hair shafts in moist regions of the body and predominantly affects axillary hair, and to a lesser extent, pubic hair (trichomycosis pubis). Concretions encircle the hair shaft, making it appear beaded or thicker. Concretions are most common on the central portion of axillary hair. Concretions consist of 1- to 2-mm red, black, or yellow nodules that adhere firmly to the hair shaft. The insoluble cement substance elaborated by the bacteria adheres to the hair shaft and, occasionally, invades and destroys cuticular and cortical keratin. The yellow color is observed most commonly and may stain clothes yellow. Black and red are seen most commonly in tropical climates. In the United Kingdom, trichomycosis axillaris was present in 27% of adult male students, and in the general population, 42% of male patients and 7% of female patients. Trichomycosis axillaris is a benign disease with no associated mortality or complications.

Trichomycosis axillaris can affect any age group from puberty through adulthood. It appears to be more common in men than women but this is because many women shave their underarm hair. Usually the condition is symptomless and all that is noticed is sweaty smelly armpits. On closer inspection, 1-2 mm yellow, red or black concretions can be found encircling the hair shaft, making the hair appear beaded or thicker. Sweat may be coloured according to the colour of the concretions and may stain clothing. Yellow concretions are the most common, whilst red and black are seen most often in tropical climates. Rarely, bacteria may invade and destroy the hair shaft. Trichomycosis axillaris is a benign condition that does not have any complications. Agents used to help treat and prevent the problem include benzoyl peroxide gel or wash formulations and topical antibacterial preparations of clindamycin or erythromycin . Antiperspirants are also useful because they reduce sweating. Keep the underarm clean and dry to prevent recurrences of the condition. Oral antibiotics and antibiotic vanishing creams are a somewhat more elegant way to clear these patients. Daily cleansing with soap and water and application of benzoyl peroxide generally cures the infection. Regular use of antiperspirants aids in prevention.

Causes of Trichomycosis Axillaris

Common Causes and Risk factors of Trichomycosis Axillaris

Corynebacterium tenuis.
Poor hygiene.
Overgrowth of the corynebactery.
Narrowly packed bacteria.

Sign and Symptoms of Trichomycosis Axillaris

Common Sign and Symptoms of Trichomycosis Axillaris

Sweaty smelly armpits
Yellow, black or red granular nodules.
Concretions.
Smelly armpits.

Treatment for Trichomycosis Axillaris

Common Treatment for Trichomycosis Axillaris

Trichomycosis axillaris is a benign condition that does not have any complications. A gents used to help treat and prevent the problem include antibacterial preparations of clindamycin or erythromycin.
Antiperspirants are also useful because they reduce sweating.
Keep the underarm clean and dry to prevent recurrences of the condition.
Naftifine hydrochloride 1% cream is a recently developed material of proven efficacy in superficial cutaneous.
Oral antibiotics and antibiotic vanishing creams are a somewhat more elegant way to clear these patients.
Daily cleansing with soap and water and application of benzoyl peroxide generally cures the infection. Regular use of antiperspirants aids in prevention.

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