From the Guidelines
For axillary fungal infection, use an over-the-counter antifungal cream like clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2% twice daily for 2-4 weeks, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Apply the antifungal cream to clean, dry skin in the affected armpit area.
- Keep the area dry and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce moisture and friction.
- Change out of sweaty clothes promptly and use antiperspirant to reduce moisture.
- Consider using antifungal powder in addition to cream for severe cases.
- If symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks of treatment, see a doctor for further evaluation and potential prescription of stronger antifungal medications like ketoconazole or oral antifungals for widespread or persistent infections.
Rationale
The treatment works by killing the fungus causing the infection, typically dermatophytes or yeasts like Candida, as discussed in the guidelines 1. Keeping the area dry and reducing friction helps prevent recurrence, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections, including axillary fungal infection 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for the recommended treatment.
From the Research
Definition of Axillary Fungal Infection
- Axillary fungal infection, also known as tinea axillaris, is a type of fungal infection that affects the axillary region 2.
- It is a variant of intertriginous tinea, which is a fungal infection that occurs in skin folds 2.
Causes and Risk Factors
- The causative agent of tinea axillaris is typically a dermatophyte fungus, such as Trichophyton verrucosum 2.
- The infection can be promoted by topical treatment with glucocorticosteroids, which can lead to the spread of the infection to other parts of the body 2.
- Living in a rural area and having contact with infected animals may also increase the risk of developing tinea axillaris 2.
Treatment Options
- Topical antifungal agents, such as itraconazole, can be effective in treating tinea axillaris 2.
- Other topical antifungal agents, such as azoles, allylamines, and polyenes, may also be used to treat fungal infections, including tinea axillaris 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of antifungal agent should be based on an accurate diagnosis and the specific type of fungus causing the infection 3, 4, 5, 6.