Thursday, February 28, 2013

Chronic Yeast Infection under arms: Causes & Treatment

Lots of people think that yeast infection affects only women. In reality, men are also susceptible to yeast infections. Women are more likely to develop yeast infections compared to men. The condition not only occurs in the genital regions but also on body parts that are damp and warm like your armpits, anus, under breasts, mouth, belly button, fingernails as well as between the toes. Yeast infection on the skin folds is known as Intertrigo. The underarms are main candidate for a yeast infection. Underarm yeast infection is not a very serious condition as it can be treated. There are different causes and treatments available for underarm yeast infection. Here you can find the causes and treatments of chronic underarm yeast infection.

Chronic Yeast Infection under arms: Causes & Treatment

Underarm yeast infection is discomforting and bothersome condition. The most irritating thing of having underarm yeast infection is itching around the area. A person suffering from underarm yeast infection can experience burning sensation under the arms because of excessive scratching and damage caused by fingernails. Even the slightest friction with clothes can cause burning sensation. He/she also get the red rash that covers the whole underarm area. The rash can spread in the surrounding area in some cases. Other common symptoms are unpleasant odor because of skin bacteria and poor ventilation, dark discoloration of the skin, and flakes or specks of skin.

What causes yeast infection under arms?

Following are the main causes of under arm yeast infection.

Candida Albicans

The main cause of this condition is the fungus named Candida Albicans. Candida Albicans are always present in our body but consuming antibiotics kill good bacteria and microorganism in the body and make the Candida multiplies at a faster pace, which leads to yeast infection anywhere in the body where it takes reaction. Good bacteria and microorganisms protect the body from fungal infections.

Weak immune system

Another great contributor to underarm yeast infection is weak immune system. The weak immune system is caused due to several reasons such as antibiotic treatments, use of steroids or birth control pills. It can also occur as a result of improper nutrition, inadequate rest, high stress, and other health problems like AIDS & Diabetes.

Hot and humid climate

It is one of the most common causes of underarm yeast infection as the yeast grows in hot-humid climate. Hot and humid climate is more favorable for their multiplication, particularly when they are present on skin.


Wearing tight or Synthetic clothing


Wearing tight and synthetic clothes affect the supply of oxygen to the skin. Skin needs to breathe to keep bacterial growth down. Tight and synthetic clothes trap heat and moisture what yeast bacteria need to grow.

Poor hygiene

Even if you are a healthy person, you need to maintain proper hygiene to protect yourself from skin infection. People who are overweight or a profuse sweater should take extra care. Wearing dirty clothes and infrequent bathing allow infection-causing yeast to build up.

How to treat Yeast infection under arms?

Following are the different treatment options for under arm yeast infection.

Antifungal Creams

Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams like Clotrimazole is generally used to cure underarm yeast infection. Clotrimazole is the same type of cream that helps to fight vaginal yeast infection and jock itch. Use this anti-fungal cream to your clean, dry underarms two times a day. You can also use anti-fungal cream with miconazole as an active ingredient.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines help to get relief from the itching and irritation caused by the infection. Antihistamines contain loratadine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine and cetirizine. Another anti-inflammatory agent that decreases itching and redness is Corticosteroids.

Natural Remedies for Underarm Yeast Infection:
  • Combine 1 Tbsp. of each tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol with 1 pint of water. Use this mixture to wash your underarms daily, especially immediately after a shower.
  • Apply the mixture of white vinegar (1 tsp) and water (1 bowl) to your armpit.
  • Mash one garlic clove and apply it to the affected area.
  • Take honey, apply it on your underarms and leave for 20 minutes. Then wash it with warm water.

Prevention Tips:

  • Wear loose fitting cotton clothes for free air movement
  • Take frequent baths in summer season
  • Don’t use talcum powder, perfumes and deodorants
  • Consume garlic and unsweetened yogurt to fight back yeast infection
  • Wash the affected area every day with soap and water
  • Keep the affected area dry
  • Use baby powder or antifungal powder under the armpits
  • Avoid foods and beverages like sugar and sugary products, mushrooms, baked goods made with yeast and gluten, beer, wine, pickles, fermented foods, cheese, and fruit juices

2 comments:

I'm not sure if Lavilin can help with yeast infections, but I do know that it is a fantastic, very reputable all-natural brand. I have sensitive skin and I use it all the time! Love it.

Wearing breathable clothes is really important. Too much skin tight clothing is a hazard when it comes to this condition.

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