This article is written by Dr. Lê Thị Thu Hằng, Dermatologist, Department of Internal Medicine & Examination, Vinmec International General Hospital Hai Phong.
The armpit is a moist area that secretes a lot of sweat, making it prone to folliculitis. Folliculitis in the armpit significantly affects the quality of life and aesthetics, so it needs to be treated actively and effectively.
1. What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction of one or more hair follicles in any area of the body, except the palms, soles, and semi-mucosal areas. Folliculitis includes the following types:
- Superficial folliculitis, follicular neck inflammation: It presents as small pustules like millet grains, very superficial at the hair follicle opening, pale yellow, easily ruptured, leaving pus or blood-stained scabs. The disease usually progresses in episodes and can heal after a few days without leaving scars. Typical locations of superficial folliculitis are the face, scalp, armpit hair, pubic hair, groin folds, and both shins.
- Deep folliculitis: Inflammation invades the entire follicular structure, which can lead to keloid or atrophic scars and hair loss when healed.
Most cases of folliculitis are caused by Staphylococcus aureus residing on the skin and in hair follicles. However, folliculitis can also be caused by other bacteria such as gram-negative bacteria, Proteus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or by yeast, fungi, or viruses.
2. Symptoms of Armpit Folliculitis
Armpit folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction of one or more hair follicles in the armpit area. When experiencing armpit folliculitis, the patient will exhibit the following symptoms on the armpit skin:
- Red, swollen armpit skin, itching, and odor
- Red, cone-shaped pimples containing pus. The pus is at the tip of the pimple, with a yellow spot in the middle, surrounded by a red halo. Over time, the pimple will change from red to dark purple, feel painful to the touch, easily rupture, and form scabs
- Itching in the armpit area, with prominent red bumps
- Ingrown armpit hair, curling downwards, not emerging on the skin surface, causing the armpit skin to swell and turn red
3. Causes of Armpit Folliculitis
- Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus can cause superficial folliculitis (also known as Bockhart's impetigo) and can lead to deep inflammation affecting the entire hair follicle. When inflammation spreads to the hair follicle-sebaceous unit, it can leave scars after treatment. The disease often recurs due to unresolved favorable factors such as a polluted, humid environment.
- Infection of armpit hair follicles: The armpit skin becomes infected, and under the influence of sweat, the infection spreads, causing swelling, clogged pores, and folliculitis.
- Fungi: Candida fungi, which inhabit moist areas of the body such as the genital area and armpits, attack the mucous membranes of the underarm skin, causing folliculitis.
- Excessive sweating: The sweat glands under the arms secrete a lot, causing sebum to accumulate and clog pores, leading to bacterial growth, folliculitis, and body odor.
- Improper armpit hair removal: Shaving or plucking armpit hair at home negatively affects the armpit skin, causing excessive pore dilation, which allows bacteria to enter and cause folliculitis.
- Inappropriate deodorant use: Some deodorants contain ingredients that irritate the skin, leading to armpit folliculitis.
- Genetics: If a family member has armpit folliculitis, the risk of developing the condition is higher.
- Other causes: Allergies to medications or cleaning chemicals, polluted environments, increased sebum secretion on the skin, etc.
4. Treatment of Armpit Folliculitis and Body Odor
Armpit folliculitis tends to be persistent and recurrent due to favorable external environmental factors and the patient's condition. Complications can include boils, carbuncles, and cellulitis. Additionally, armpit folliculitis can cause unpleasant odors and aesthetic issues due to darkened, rough armpit skin.
4.1 Treatment of Armpit Folliculitis
- Do not squeeze pustules.
- Use topical antiseptics such as betadine alcohol, iodine alcohol, and antibiotic creams or ointments like fucidin, bactroban, etc.
- In cases of severe and recurrent folliculitis, systemic antibiotics may be used. Antibiotics from the β-lactam group, amoxicillin, cephalosporin group, cyclin, ciprofloxacin, etc., can be used according to the doctor's instructions.
For recurrent armpit folliculitis, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease and detect bacterial reservoirs for thorough treatment.
4.2 Treatment of Armpit Odor Due to Folliculitis
- Gently apply alcohol to the armpit or dilute alcohol with water to wash the armpit daily.
- Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in a cup of water, stir well, then use a clean cloth to soak this solution, apply it to the armpit, and leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Slice a lemon, gently rub it on the armpit, or squeeze a little fresh lemon juice and apply it to the armpit.
- Use a cotton ball soaked in a little apple cider vinegar and apply it to the armpit, wait for about 2 - 3 minutes, then take a shower.
- Lightly apply baby powder to the armpit. The light fragrance of baby powder helps reduce odor and limit sweat secretion.
- Apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the palm and gently rub it under the armpit.
5. Prevention of Armpit Folliculitis
- Avoid local trauma by not scratching or rubbing the armpit area.
- Do not wear tight clothing; wear clothes that absorb sweat well.
- Treat associated diseases that cause armpit folliculitis.
- Wash clothes with antibacterial soap.
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and eliminate toxins faster.
- Follow a healthy diet, supplementing with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Shave armpit hair properly and consider applying pure coconut oil to the armpit.
- Avoid consuming odorous foods such as garlic, chili, fish, red meat, onions, etc.
- Do not drink alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Do not smoke and avoid stress.
Armpit folliculitis causes many inconveniences for patients in daily activities. Therefore, when there are signs of the disease, patients should quickly see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment. When treating armpit folliculitis, patients need to follow the doctor's instructions to achieve the best treatment results.
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