Most mycotic (fungal) spores are constantly and in large enough quantities present on the surface of human skin. And only if the immune forces fail for some reason, the fungi under the armpits or on another part of the body are activated, causing the patient discomfort. Therapy in this case is selected by a dermatologist. However, it is first of all necessary to deal with the increase and strengthening of general immunity.
Symptoms of a fungus under the armpits
It is difficult not to notice this ailment, it is too obvious even for those patients who are used to being frivolous about their health. Mycotic (fungal) diseases should be treated as quickly as possible, otherwise the spores spread all over a large surface area of the skin.
The fungus under the armpits (the photo of the disease is presented below) appears quite often, since friction often develops on this part of the body. The use of aggressive deodorants that dry the skin, wearing synthetic clothing, etc. can also contribute to the appearance of mycoses. Axillaries are an area of the body that has almost always limited air access.
How to understand that the appearance of discomfort under the armpits is a fungus? In fact, to determine mycotic lesion is quite simple, if you know some differences in the symptoms of fungal diseases.
- Mycosis (fungus) should be distinguished from lichen. The first is characterized by the appearance of peeling, redness, without swelling and without pain and burning. In some cases, itching is possible, which causes discomfort. As a result, the patient combs the problem area of the skin, after which there may be scratches that will already bring pain, purulent discharge may appear. Therefore, if itching appears, you should use special ointments and refrain from combing the problem area.
- Atopic dermatitis is not a fungal disease, but many patients confuse this ailment with lichen or fungus under their arms when symptoms appear. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of small sores, from which pus or anemia can stand out. The area of damaged skin turns red; small scars and scars may remain after the exacerbation of the disease has passed.
- Linear lichen often appears in the skin of the armpits. This ailment is characterized by the appearance of pink, purple or brown spots that hurt. The patient experiences a burning sensation, over time, the affected area can grow.
Causes of discomfort
What is the reason for the appearance of fungus under the armpits? The photos show an unsightly picture, many patients think that the reasons for the appearance of the fungus are insufficient hygiene rules. This is a fallacy: you can take a shower several times a day, but this will not affect the severity of mycotic pathologies.
The following most common causes of the appearance of the fungus under the armpits and groin can be distinguished:
- Hormonal bursts, due to which immunity is reduced and the body's defenses are depleted. Most often this occurs during puberty, and similar hormonal bursts are characteristic of women during menopause.
- With hyperthyroidism and diabetes, fungal spores are quite often activated, which almost always leads to the development of itching and spots in the armpits. Almost all people with diabetes have first-hand knowledge of fungal skin diseases and dermatitis of various etiologies.
- Hereditary predisposition, skin susceptibility to fungal diseases and dermatoses, high allergy.
- Obesity and just overweight are an additional factor in the formation of mycotic spots, as sweat and its decomposition products accumulate in the fat folds.
- Stressful situations, chronic fatigue, in which the activity of sweat glands increases and immunity decreases in parallel - this combination leads to the activation of fungal spores.
- Chronic infectious diseases that slowly but inevitably exacerbate the state of the immune system.
Is it realistic to get infected through household items and clothing?
There is an opinion that a fungus can be infected through household items: common bedding, dishes, shoes, clothes, towels. This opinion is only partly true: even if mycotic spores get on the skin of a healthy person, this does not guarantee the obligatory fact of the appearance of spots or itching, peeling.
As mentioned above, spores of mycotic infections can be found on the skin of almost any person. But they are activated only if the body and immunity are so weak that they are not able to stop the process.
Which doctor should I go to?
If the patient has a suspicion of lichen or fungal diseases, if red itchy spots appear in the groin or in the armpits, you should definitely make an appointment with a dermatologist for diagnosis. It is important to determine the cause of the disease - lichen, candida or a fungus of a different origin.
Dermatologists accept for free, if there is a medical policy, all expenses will be borne by the Insurance Company. If the patient has a desire to undergo examination anonymously, then you can contact a paid diagnostic center.
Methods of modern diagnostics
As a rule, to determine the type of fungus, it is enough to take a scraping from the affected area. Experienced doctors sometimes just need to conduct a visual examination and listen to the patient’s complaints in order to accurately determine the cause of the pathology.
The faster you start treatment, the more likely it will be successful and the fungus will not spread to large areas of the skin. In some cases, if chronic diseases of the internal organs are suspected, the dermatologist may also direct the patient to undergo a general or biochemical blood test. This is required in order to identify the underlying disease (possibly the patient has diabetes mellitus, hormone problems, liver or pancreas ailments) - and treat it already, which will have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.
An overview of the treatment of fungi under the armpits
There are several main areas of therapy. How to get rid of a fungus under the armpits for a long time, while avoiding relapse of the disease? It is optimal to use the following treatment methods in combination:
- external (ointments, creams, balms);
- internal (taking tablets and antifungal drugs);
- vitamin and mineral therapy.
If you use only one method (for example, ointment), the fungus under the arm can take a long time, and then the patient will suffer from a relapse of the disease. Therefore, it is optimal to use several treatment methods at once - for example, combine the use of ointments with taking tablets. Such treatment will achieve the maximum effect and save the patient from the disease.
Creams and ointments with antimycotic action
How to cure a fungus under the armpits, if the ailment brings constant discomfort and itching? You can not do without the use of ointments for external use, here is a list of the most effective:
- "Clotrimazole" is available in the form of a gel, cream and ointment (each agent has a different concentration of the active substance). The main component is an antimycotic substance called clotrimazole. The tool should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area twice a day. Reviews about the ointment are the most positive: patients report an improvement after a few days of use.
- Lamisil is available in the form of a spray and ointment. The main active ingredient is terbinafine. There is a cheaper analogue called Terbinafine, but, as a rule, it is not available in pharmacies.
- "Fugnoterbin" is an effective ointment that is active against almost any type of fungus.
- "Mikonorm" is an ointment that, after the first application, reduces the severity of itching. The main active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride.
- "Terbizil" is another popular ointment that is effective against almost any type of fungal pathology.
Antimycotic tablets
How to treat a fungus under the armpits so that it does not come back again? Most often, getting rid of the visible manifestations of the disease is quite simple, but preventing relapse is more difficult. Dermatologists recommend combining both internal and external methods of therapy. To do this, you should drink a course of tablets in parallel with the use of creams and ointments.
- "Fluconazole" is probably the cheapest and most popular remedy against the manifestations of candidiasis and many other fungal pathologies. Before starting the appointment, consult a dermatologist.
- "Itraconazole" is a tablet preparation, which kills almost all types of spores. It has contraindications for administration, side effects are possible, therefore, before starting an administration, consult a dermatologist.
Vitamin and mineral complexes for skin
As mentioned above, fungal skin lesions should be treated comprehensively. Reception of vitamin and mineral complexes is an easy way to avoid a deficiency of vital trace elements. Below is a list of complexes, the reception of which will allow you to achieve the fastest healing of the skin and return it to its original form:
- "Perfectil" contains minerals, vitamins, as well as plant extracts, the presence of which in the composition contributes to the rapid recovery of the epidermis. Against the background of admission, immunity will increase, hair loss will stop (due to the zinc content in the composition).
- Esvitsin Brewer's Yeast contains faith and a full complex of B vitamins, due to which they are able to quickly restore the skin.
- "Pantovigar" - vitamins with brewer's yeast in the composition, contribute to the regeneration and improvement of the protective properties of the epidermis.
Alternative methods of fungus therapy
Popular methods of controlling the fungus under the armpits are still popular:
- Affected areas of the skin can be wiped with a decoction of calendula and oak bark. Infusions of these herbs have an astringent and drying effect. A glass of boiling water should take a tablespoon of the dry mixture, insist a couple of hours and wipe the affected area with a cotton pad soaked in infusion.
- Decoction based on ordinary burdock and chamomile flowers. It will take 50 g of dried flowers, 50 g of fresh burdock and 500 ml of water. We boil for 30-40 minutes on low heat. Then let cool, filter and lubricate the skin where lichen appeared.
How to prevent a relapse of the pathology?
In order to prevent the recurrence of symptoms of fungus under the armpits, you should undergo a full examination, stop chronic diseases of the internal organs, abandon bad habits, switch to proper nutrition. This set of measures will help strengthen immunity, as a result of which fungal spores simply do not activate.
If the patient has diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to adhere to a special low-carb diet and not to refuse to take medications (if necessary, from insulin injections). If the sugar level is maintained at an acceptable level, the fungus will not bother the patient.