Why Am I Getting Bad Odour In Armpit?
Question: Hi doc. I'm a 45 year old male, 5'11", 205 lbs. for a couple months I've been noticing that my left armpit has had a strong odor despite washing and it is resistant to deodorant.
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
The bad odor can occur because of bacterial infection by corynebacteria.
The bacteria colonize the area of the armpit ,grow there and produce bad odor.
It does not go away by deodorant or washing.
Oral and topical antibiotics would be needed to treat it.
Also I would like to know-
Are the hair in the affected armpit white?
Is there any discoloration of the skin in the armpit?
Is there any other area affected?
Do you have fungal infection anywhere else on the body?between feet or fingers?
Can you upload photos of the affected area?
Photos can help a lot to predict the condition.
Answer the questions and we can continue the discussion here.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD Dermatology.
Thanks for writing in.
The bad odor can occur because of bacterial infection by corynebacteria.
The bacteria colonize the area of the armpit ,grow there and produce bad odor.
It does not go away by deodorant or washing.
Oral and topical antibiotics would be needed to treat it.
Also I would like to know-
Are the hair in the affected armpit white?
Is there any discoloration of the skin in the armpit?
Is there any other area affected?
Do you have fungal infection anywhere else on the body?between feet or fingers?
Can you upload photos of the affected area?
Photos can help a lot to predict the condition.
Answer the questions and we can continue the discussion here.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD Dermatology.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your quick reply.
I noticed no discoloration or white hairs. It looks the same as the right underarm.
I do have an intermittent fungal infection on either side of my testicles, it vanishes after showering and seems to only flare up in colder months and after significant weight gain. Odd. I treat it with an anti fungal cream after bathing. Goes away quickly.
Right now there's nothing to show you as both conditions have no visible signs at this time.
I noticed no discoloration or white hairs. It looks the same as the right underarm.
I do have an intermittent fungal infection on either side of my testicles, it vanishes after showering and seems to only flare up in colder months and after significant weight gain. Odd. I treat it with an anti fungal cream after bathing. Goes away quickly.
Right now there's nothing to show you as both conditions have no visible signs at this time.
Hi Again,
Thanks for the details.
Unilateral malodorous axilla can occur in corynebacterial infections.
Treatment consists oral and topical antibiotics.
Oral antibiotics like erythromycin three times a day can be curative.Topical antibiotic like fucidic acid or erythromycin can be helpful when applied twice a day.
Also general measures like keeping the area clean and dry will be helpful.
Absorbing powders like ABZORB powder can help by keeping the area dry.
A visit to dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis and allow prescription medicines to be given.
Hope this helps.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD Dermatology.
Thanks for the details.
Unilateral malodorous axilla can occur in corynebacterial infections.
Treatment consists oral and topical antibiotics.
Oral antibiotics like erythromycin three times a day can be curative.Topical antibiotic like fucidic acid or erythromycin can be helpful when applied twice a day.
Also general measures like keeping the area clean and dry will be helpful.
Absorbing powders like ABZORB powder can help by keeping the area dry.
A visit to dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis and allow prescription medicines to be given.
Hope this helps.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD Dermatology.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much. I will proceed as you suggested. You've been a great help!
XXXXXXX
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Hi XXXXXXX
If you are satisfied with the answer please accept it and rate it at the end.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
If you are satisfied with the answer please accept it and rate it at the end.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar