Armpit Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention (2024)

What are the symptoms of armpit yeast infections?

The most common symptom of an armpit yeast infection is a bright red rash in the skin folds of your armpit. The rash may be in patches of different shapes and sizes. The rash is usually intensely itchy. You may feel a burning sensation. The area surrounding the rash may have small, pimple-like spots. You may also notice scaling and swelling.

Armpit yeast infections don’t normally cause a smell or odor. But if your yeast infection is due to a skin condition called intertrigo, you may notice a musty smell. Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin condition. It's caused by your skin folds rubbing together, along with heat and moisture.

What causes armpit yeast infections?

A yeast called Candida causes armpit yeast infections, or candidiasis. Candida grow and thrive in moist, warm environments. Conditions that allow Candida to grow include:

  • Hot, humid weather.
  • Tight clothing.
  • Poor hygiene.
  • Infrequent undergarment changes.
  • Skin conditions such as psoriasis and intertrigo.

Yeast infections are more common in certain groups of people. This includes people who:

  • Are pregnant.
  • Have overweight/obesity.
  • Are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria that normally live on your body. This allows Candida to grow out of control.
  • Are receiving chemotherapy.

Yeast infections are also more common in people with weakened immune systems. This may be due to conditions like HIV/AIDs or diabetes. Or it may be due to the use of medications that suppress your immune system.

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Are armpit yeast infections contagious?

Armpit yeast infections aren’t usually contagious. But people with weakened immune systems do have a greater risk of catching an infection.

Armpit Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention (2024)

FAQs

Armpit Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention? ›

It causes a bright red, itchy rash in your underarm area. Candida grow and thrive in warm, moist environments. Treatment includes the use of an antifungal cream or ointment. You can prevent armpit yeast infections by keeping your underarm area clean and dry.

What causes yeast infections in the armpits? ›

In cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is infected with candida fungi. This type of infection is fairly common. It can involve almost any skin on the body, but most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes cutaneous candidiasis is Candida albicans.

What is the best antifungal cream for armpit Candida? ›

In severe or persistent cases of candidiasis, your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to your skin. Over-the-counter antifungal creams that are often recommended include clotrimazole (Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat), and tioconazole (Vagistat).

What STD causes armpit rash? ›

A syphilis rash might also be made up of large, raised gray to white lesions with a moist finish. These types of syphilis rashes occur on the inner thighs, armpits, groin, or below the breasts.

What is the best medicine for underarm fungus? ›

A doctor may also recommend an antifungal or antibacterial cream, if an infection is present. Treatment for a Candida infection, for example, may be with lotions containing clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole.

Can deodorant spread a yeast infection? ›

Soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants and perfumes are generally well-tolerated. But when these products are used day after day in the armpit can lead to skin irritation that may include the occurrence of a yeast infection.

What autoimmune disease causes armpit rash? ›

Inverse psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. It causes a rash in areas of your skin that rub together, including your groin and armpits.

What does lymphoma armpit rash look like? ›

It may start off as small patches of dry, red skin on a small area of the body, and be similar to eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. As it advances, the rash may thicken in places, forming plaques that may fester and turn into sores. Later, small bumps or tumors may start to appear on or under the skin.

How do you tell if a rash is fungal or bacterial? ›

Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules.

How do you get rid of a yeast infection in your armpit fast? ›

Yeast infections also can be found on other parts of the body such as the groin or armpits. You will probably get a cream or ointment that contains an antifungal medicine. Examples of these medicines are miconazole and clotrimazole. You put it on your skin to treat the infection.

What kills yeast on skin? ›

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) creams and lotions can be applied to superficial skin infections. Other medications require a prescription and a visit to your doctor. Other antifungal creams, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), which is available by prescription, is helpful as well.

What kills underarm bacteria? ›

Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your armpits. The acid in vinegar helps kill bacteria. Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.

How to get rid of yeast infection under breast? ›

Treatment for a yeast infection under your breasts may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or other solution. You can buy many antifungal creams over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if necessary.

What happens to a yeast infection if left untreated? ›

What Happens If You Leave a Yeast Infection Untreated? Untreated yeast infections can sometimes progress into more serious infections, leading to redness, swelling, and cracks or sores around your vagin*. These severe infections are still treatable, but they are much more uncomfortable and take longer to clear up.

Why are my armpits so itchy all of a sudden? ›

Sometimes, itchy armpits may result from poor hygiene or an allergic reaction to deodorant, soap, or laundry detergent. On the other hand, some skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or even scabies and body lice, can lead to itching in the armpit area.

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