Trichomycosis axillaris

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]}; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

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 a trivial disease of worldwide occurrence that is believed to be caused by the genus Corynebacteria (mostly Corynebacterium tenuis).

It is characterised by yellow, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft. Usually the condition is symptomless and all that is noticed are sweaty, smelly armpits.

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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]
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  Trichomycosis axillaris. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[1]

Daily cleansing with soap and water and application of benzoyl peroxide generally cures the infection. Regular use of antiperspirants aids in prevention. Topical erythromycin is occasionally required to eliminate the infection.

• O’Dell ML (1998). “Skin and wound infections: an overview”. Am Fam Physician. 57 (10): 2424–32. PMID 9614412. Full text

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