Trichomycosis axillaris: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:11, 9 February 2025

Bacterial infection of the hair shafts in sweat gland-bearing areas

Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with apocrine sweat glands, such as the armpits and groin. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Corynebacterium, most commonly Corynebacterium tenuis.

Signs and symptoms

Trichomycosis axillaris is characterized by the presence of yellow, black, or red nodules on the hair shafts. These nodules are composed of bacterial colonies and can cause the affected hair to become brittle. The condition is often asymptomatic, but some individuals may experience hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or bromhidrosis (foul-smelling sweat).

Causes

The condition is caused by the overgrowth of Corynebacterium bacteria, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Factors that may contribute to the development of trichomycosis axillaris include poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and wearing tight or non-breathable clothing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made based on the clinical appearance of the nodules on the hair shafts. A Wood's lamp examination may reveal fluorescence of the affected hairs. In some cases, a microscopic examination of the hair shafts may be performed to confirm the presence of bacterial colonies.

Treatment

Treatment of trichomycosis axillaris involves improving personal hygiene and reducing moisture in the affected areas. Shaving the affected hair is often recommended to remove the bacterial colonies. Topical antibacterial agents, such as clindamycin or erythromycin, may be prescribed to reduce bacterial load. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene, keeping the affected areas dry, and wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Regular use of antibacterial soaps or washes may also help prevent recurrence.

Related pages

References

Trichomycosis axillaris affecting the armpit hair.

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-'''Trichomycosis axillaris''' is a superficial bacterial infection that affects the hair shafts in sweat gland–bearing areas, such as the armpits and the pubic area. It is a relatively common condition, but is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms can be easily confused with those of other skin conditions.
+{{Short description|Bacterial infection of the hair shafts in sweat gland-bearing areas}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+'''Trichomycosis axillaris''' is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with [[apocrine sweat glands]], such as the [[armpits]] and [[groin]]. It is caused by bacteria of the genus ''[[Corynebacterium]]'', most commonly ''Corynebacterium tenuis''.
-Trichomycosis axillaris is caused by the bacterium ''[[Corynebacterium]]'', which is a type of [[Gram-positive bacteria]]. These bacteria are part of the normal skin flora, but can become pathogenic under certain conditions. The bacteria proliferate in the presence of sweat and sebum, leading to the formation of yellow, red, or black nodules on the hair shafts.
-== Symptoms ==
+==Signs and symptoms==
-The primary symptom of trichomycosis axillaris is the presence of concretions on the hair shafts in the armpits or pubic area. These concretions are typically yellow, red, or black in color, and may be accompanied by a foul odor. Other symptoms may include itching and mild inflammation of the affected area.
+Trichomycosis axillaris is characterized by the presence of yellow, black, or red nodules on the hair shafts. These nodules are composed of bacterial colonies and can cause the affected hair to become brittle. The condition is often asymptomatic, but some individuals may experience [[hyperhidrosis]] (excessive sweating) or [[bromhidrosis]] (foul-smelling sweat).
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Causes==
-Diagnosis of trichomycosis axillaris is typically made based on the characteristic appearance of the affected hair shafts. In some cases, a [[microscopic examination]] of the concretions may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This examination typically reveals the presence of ''Corynebacterium'' bacteria.
+The condition is caused by the overgrowth of ''Corynebacterium'' bacteria, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Factors that may contribute to the development of trichomycosis axillaris include poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and wearing tight or non-breathable clothing.
-== Treatment ==
+==Diagnosis==
-Treatment for trichomycosis axillaris typically involves the application of topical antibiotics, such as [[erythromycin]] or [[clindamycin]]. In some cases, shaving the affected area may also be recommended. Good personal hygiene, including regular washing and drying of the affected area, can help to prevent recurrence of the condition.
+Diagnosis is typically made based on the clinical appearance of the nodules on the hair shafts. A [[Wood's lamp]] examination may reveal fluorescence of the affected hairs. In some cases, a microscopic examination of the hair shafts may be performed to confirm the presence of bacterial colonies.
-== See also ==
+==Treatment==
-* [[List of cutaneous conditions]]
+Treatment of trichomycosis axillaris involves improving personal hygiene and reducing moisture in the affected areas. Shaving the affected hair is often recommended to remove the bacterial colonies. Topical [[antibacterial]] agents, such as [[clindamycin]] or [[erythromycin]], may be prescribed to reduce bacterial load. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
+==Prevention==
+Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene, keeping the affected areas dry, and wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Regular use of antibacterial soaps or washes may also help prevent recurrence.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Corynebacterium]]
+* [[Bacterial skin disease]]
+* [[Hyperhidrosis]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Skin conditions]]
 [[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
-{{dermatology-stub}}
+[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]]
-{{bacteria-stub}}
+[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]]
+[[File:Trichomycosis-axillaris-armpit.jpg|thumb|right|Trichomycosis axillaris affecting the armpit hair.]]