Uncontrollable Body Odor? It Might Be This Rare Underarm Infection
In 2013, a man reportedly experienced an uncontrollable body odor as a result of bacterial infection of his armpit hair.
According to the case report, the 40-year-old patient reported he had dirty hair in his armpit, which also had bad odor for four years already. The doctors also found a creamy yellow substance in the man's armpit hairs.
As a result, the doctors' diagnosis was that the man had trichomycosis axillaris, a hair shaft infection resulting from the bacteria, Corynebacterium tenuis.
In this case, the doctors had the patient's armpits shaved and treated with aluminum chloride, which is a common ingredient in antiperspirants.
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Trichomycosis Risk Factors
As a bacterial infection, trichomycosis affects people regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity. However, according to medical studies, women are less likely to have this infection as they tend to shave their underarm hair regularly.
Some of the risk factors for possibly having this bacterial infection include humidity, excessive sweating of underarms, poor hygiene, and crowded surroundings or environments.
Diagnosis
The doctor usually conducts a physical exam to diagnose trichomycosis cases. During the exam, doctors look at the hair and nodules and the patient's hair shaft.
There are two kinds of diagnoses that determine the difference between trichomycosis and lice. These are the Wood's lamp exam and microscopy.
For Wood's lamp exam, the doctor uses a handheld lamp to inspect the affected area. This lamp utilizes a black light to display the germs or microbes that shine in a different color.
Meanwhile, microscopy is a procedure involving testing samples using a microscope. In this process, the doctor searches for foreign microbes, yeast, or any other irregularity.
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Trichomycosis Treatment through Antibiotics
Trichomycosis is curable. Doctors say this infection can clear up within several weeks provided that proper management and good hygiene are observed.
The most important thing to note is that before applying any treatment procedure, one should shave the hair in the affected part of the body.
One treatment option is the doctor's prescription of antibiotics. After the medical practitioner diagnoses trichomycosis, topical antibiotics, like erythromycin or clindamycin, may be prescribed.
By applying these creams to the affected part of the body typically two times a day for two weeks, the infection may already be treated.
The doctor may also recommend the use of benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel. However, these ointments may result in skin irritation as a side effect.
If topical antibiotics become ineffective, the doctor may prescribe erythromycin pills, which typically should be taken every day for up to 14 days, depending on the advice of the physician.
If symptoms persist, going back to the doctor is highly recommended so he can conduct more tests that could go with more effective treatments.
Good Hygiene as a Natural Treatment
Experts say proper hygiene can contribute to the bacteria's elimination from the affected area.
Washing the affected area with soap and clean water will help remove the bacteria. The application of antiperspirants will also lessen sweating and, thus, bacterial formation.
Use talc-free drying powders as in baby powder for the reduction of moisture. Washing and drying clothes thoroughly after wearing them will also help treat trichomycosis naturally.
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Aug 12, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
