How do you get rid of a bacterial infection under your armpit?

Author: Dr. Rodolfo Daniel  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Treatment typically begins with shaving the affected hairs and the surrounding area to remove as much of the bacteria as possible. Doctors may then prescribe topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin. They may also recommend a cream or ointment that contains benzoyl peroxide.

How do I get rid of a bacterial infection in my lymph nodes?

Treatment may include:
  1. Antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals given by mouth, IV, or injection. Which of these you get depends on the type of germ causing the infection.
  2. Medicine to control pain and fever.
  3. Medicine to reduce swelling.
  4. Surgery to drain a lymph node that has filled with pus.

How do you know if you have a bacterial infection in armpits?

Trichomycosis axillaris is a superficial bacterial infection of underarm hair. The disease is characterised by yellow, black or red granular nodules or concretions that stick to the hair shaft.

How to treat underarm infection at home?

Home remedies for armpit rashes
  1. Keep the area cool and dry by wearing loose clothing and taking lukewarm showers.
  2. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and away from humid environments.
  3. Tap or pat itchy skin gently instead of scratching it.
  4. Take a lukewarm bath with added oatmeal, vinegar, salt, or baking soda.

How do you treat an infected armpit?

How is an armpit yeast infection treated? Treatment for your armpit yeast infection may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment, powder or other solution. You can apply the antifungal directly onto the infected area of your skin.

How To Get Rid Of Intertrigo FAST | Dermatologist Tips

How do you fix bacteria in your armpits?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

What ointment is good for armpit infection?

Mupirocin ointment is a medication that treats bacterial skin infections. It prevents bacteria growth and kills existing bacteria on your skin. You can rub this medication on your affected skin. Make sure you wash your hands before and after using the ointment.

What antibiotics treat underarm bacteria?

Use of topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin, and benzoyl peroxide, as well as antiseptic soaps, may yield clinical benefit by limiting the growth of the contributory bacteria that decompose apocrine secretions, liberating fatty acids that have peculiar smells.

Do armpit infections go away?

But most are harmless and go away on their own. Armpit lumps are often a sign of infection that may require antibiotics. Some lumps are due to skin issues and need to be removed. Rarely, an armpit lump can be a sign of cancer.

How do you treat a bacterial skin infection at home?

Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water. Applying an antibiotic ointment on your wounds or sores. Covering your wounds or sores with a bandage to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering the area. Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas.

How to treat bacterial infection in armpit?

Treatment typically begins with shaving the affected hairs and the surrounding area to remove as much of the bacteria as possible. Doctors may then prescribe topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin. They may also recommend a cream or ointment that contains benzoyl peroxide.

Where does armpit bacteria come from?

The culprit is an enzyme called C-T lyase, found in the bacterium Staphylococcus hominis, which dwells in human armpits. These bacteria feed on odorless chemicals released in sweat, which the enzyme then converts into thioalcohols—a pungent compound responsible for the offending smell.

What does a staph infection look like in the armpit?

Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include: a painful red lump or bump (a boil, carbuncle or abscess) hot, red and swollen skin (cellulitis)

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

What removes bacteria from the lymph?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped masses of lymphatic tissue along lymph vessels. They store lymphocytes and filter waste, bacteria and damaged cells (including cancer cells) from lymph. The lymphocytes inside the lymph nodes also attack bacteria and viruses that they find in the lymph.

Which antibiotic is best for swollen lymph nodes?

Medication Summary
  • Dicloxacillin.
  • Cephalexin.
  • Cefazolin.
  • Cefuroxime.
  • Ceftriaxone.
  • Clindamycin.
  • Nafcillin.
  • Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ)

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.

How do you fix an infected armpit?

Treating Armpit Rash

Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can reduce inflammation and itching. For fungal infections, antifungal creams or powders can be effective. If the rash is bacterial, antibiotic ointments may be necessary.

Can deodorant cause armpit infection?

If your armpit is itchy, red, flaking or bumpy, you may be having an allergic reaction to your deodorant. The various ingredients in deodorant, which help it mask the odor of sweat, can be a common cause of contact dermatitis.

What deodorant kills bacteria?

NIVEA Antibacterial Deodorant

NIVEA MEN Silver Protect Anti-Perspirant Roll-On fights and kills up to 99% of bacteria that cause body odour using innovative silver ions to help you feel fresh all day.

How do you detox your armpits from bacteria?

An armpit detox is a mask that can be applied to your underarms for around 15 minutes. The mask can be made at home with common household items like baking soda and cornstarch, or some beauty brands offer their own masks or scrubs.

Which cream is best for underarm infection?

Canesten® Cream treats a broad range of fungal skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, fungal sweat rash and fungal nappy rash. It is an effective solution that stops fungal growth, destroys the fungi and soothes irritation.

Can you use Neosporin under armpits?

Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor. Some products are meant to be used on the scalp for various conditions. To correctly use these products, follow the directions on the product package.

How to tell if it's fungal or bacterial rash?

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.

What can I put on an inflamed armpit?

What to do: You should cleanse the armpit with antiseptic soap and apply warm compresses on the area to reduce skin irritation and discomfort. The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories, creams, ointments or antibiotics to treat any infection.

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