Most mycotic (fungal) spores are constantly and in sufficient quantity 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 discomfort to the patient. Therapy in this case is selected by a dermatologist. However, it is necessary first of all to increase and strengthen general immunity.
Symptomatic of the fungus under the armpits
It is difficult not to notice this ailment, it is too obvious even for those patients who are accustomed to take their he alth lightly. Mycotic (fungal) diseases should be treated as quickly as possible, otherwise the spores spread over a larger surface area of the skin.
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. Alsothe use of aggressive deodorants that dry out the skin, the wearing of synthetic clothing, etc. can contribute to the appearance of fungal infections. The armpits are an area of the body, access to air is almost always limited.
How to understand that the appearance of discomfort under the arms is a fungus? In fact, it is quite simple to determine a mycotic lesion 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 scratches may remain, which will already bring pain, and purulent discharge may appear. Therefore, if itching occurs, you should use special ointments and refrain from scratching the problem area.
- Atopic dermatitis is not a fungal disease, but many patients, when symptoms appear, confuse this ailment with lichen or a fungus of the skin under the arms. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of small sores, from which pus or ichor can be released. The area of damaged skin turns red, small scars and scars may remain after the exacerbation of the disease has passed.
- Linear lichen quite 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 may grow.
Causes of discomfort
What is the reason for the appearance of the fungus under the arms? The photos show an unsightly picture, many patients think that the causes of the appearance of the fungus are insufficient compliance with hygiene rules. This is a delusion: you can take a shower several times a day, but this will not affect the severity of mycotic pathologies.
The following are the most common causes of fungus under the armpits and in the groin:
- Hormonal surges, as a result of which immunity is reduced and the body's defenses are depleted. Most often this occurs during puberty, and similar hormonal surges are typical for women during menopause.
- With hyperthyroidism and diabetes, fungal spores are often activated, which almost always leads to the development of itching and spots in the armpits. Almost all people with diabetes are familiar with fungal skin diseases, with dermatitis of various etiologies.
- Hereditary predisposition, skin susceptibility to fungal diseases and dermatoses, high allergy.
- Obesity and simply 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 the sweat glands increases and immunity simultaneously decreases - this combination leads to the activation of fungal spores.
- Chronic infectionsdiseases that slowly but inevitably aggravate the condition of the immune system.
Is it possible to get infected through household items and clothes?
There is an opinion that the 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 he althy 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 unable to stop the process.
Which doctor should I contact?
If a patient has a suspicion of lichen or fungal diseases, if red itchy spots appear in the groin area or in the armpits, you should definitely make an appointment with a dermatologist for diagnosis. It is important to determine what the cause of the disease is - lichen, candida, or a fungus of a different origin.
Dermatologists accept free of charge, if you have a medical policy, all costs will be borne by the Insurance Company. If the patient has a desire to be examined 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 only need to conduct a visual examination and listen to the patient's complaints in order to accurately determine the cause of the pathology.
The sooner you starttreatment, the greater the chance that 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 refer the patient to take a general or biochemical blood test. This is required in order to identify the underlying disease (perhaps the patient has diabetes mellitus, hormone problems, diseases of the liver or pancreas) - and treat it already, which will positively affect the condition of the skin.
An overview of treatment methods for underarm fungus
There are several main lines of therapy. How to get rid of the fungus under the arms for a long time, while avoiding recurrence of the disease? It is optimal to use the following methods of therapy in combination:
- external (ointments, creams, balms);
- internal (taking pills and antifungals);
- vitamin-mineral therapy.
If you use only one method (eg, ointment), the fungus under the arm may take a long time, and then the patient will suffer from a relapse of the disease. Therefore, it is optimal to use several methods of therapy at once - for example, to combine the use of ointments with taking pills. 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 arms, if the disease brings constant discomfort and itching? You can’t do without the use of ointments for external use, here is a list of the most effective ones:
- "Clotrimazole" is available in the form of a gel, cream and ointment (the concentration of the active substance is different in each product). The main component is an antimycotic substance called clotrimazole. The agent should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area twice a day. Reviews of the ointment are the most positive: patients notice an improvement in their condition 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, which is called "Terbinafine", but, as a rule, it is not available in pharmacies.
- "Fugnoterbin" is an effective ointment that is active against almost any name of the fungus.
- "Mikonorm" - ointment, which already after the first application reduces the severity of itching. The main active ingredient is also terbinafine hydrochloride.
- "Terbizil" is another popular ointment that is effective against almost any type of fungal pathology.
Antimycotic tablets
How to treat the fungus under the armpits so that it does not return again? Most often, getting rid of the visible manifestations of the disease is quite simple, but preventing a relapse is more difficult. Dermatologists recommend combining both internal and external therapies. To do this, drink a course of tablets in parallel with the use of creams and ointments.
- "Fluconazole" presentsis probably the cheapest and most popular remedy against the manifestations of candidiasis and many other fungal pathologies. Please consult a dermatologist before taking.
- "Itraconazole" is a tablet drug that kills almost all types of spores. It has contraindications for taking, side effects are possible, so you should consult a dermatologist before taking it.
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 deficiency of vital trace elements. Below is a list of complexes, the use of which will allow you to achieve the fastest possible 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 restoration of the epidermis. Against the background of the reception, 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, promote regeneration and improve the protective properties of the epidermis.
Folk methods of fungus therapy
Folk methods of dealing withunderarm fungus:
- 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. Take a tablespoon of the dry mixture in a glass of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours and wipe the affected areas with a cotton pad soaked in the infusion.
- Decoction based on ordinary burdock and chamomile flowers. You will need 50 g of dried flowers, 50 g of fresh burdock and 500 ml of water. Boil for 30-40 minutes on low heat. Then let cool, filter and lubricate the skin where the lichen appeared.
How to prevent recurrence of pathology?
In order to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms of the fungus under the arms, you should undergo a complete examination, stop chronic diseases of the internal organs, give up bad habits, switch to proper nutrition. Such a 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 follow a special low-carbohydrate diet and not refuse medication (if necessary, insulin injections). If the sugar level is kept at an acceptable level, then the fungus will not bother the patient.
