Most of us have black underarms either because of sweat, friction, using too strong deodorants , or sometimes as a post inflammatory phenomenon. We encounter many patients who come to us for treatment of this condition thinking it as laser burn or sometimes they just ask for chemical peeling thinking it can take care of the problem.
But, but, as most of you know, treatment of the cause is the primary objective in any condition.
What if I tell you that a bacterial infection can cause blackness which most of you misunderstand.
That’s Erythrasma.
It is caused by Corynebacterium. Like all infections this also has some factors which can trigger the occurrence. Some of them are increasing age, hot & humid climate, and in institulized individuals.
Well its most commonly seen in toe web spaces, groin followed by axilla. Most of the time it is asymptomatic and can present with mild itching.
Visit your dermatologist if you are suffering from black patch under arms or any of the above sites,
Most of the time diagnosis is clinical but your doctor may choose to perform wood’s lamp test which is optional. Treatment involves topical and oral antibiotics.