What is the black fungus under my armpits?

Author: Mrs. Jolie Raynor II  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.

How to get rid of fungus under 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.

Why is it black under my armpits?

Perhaps the most common reason for darkened armpits, shaving too harshly or without the use of lubricant may cause small, low-grade cuts that inflame the skin on your underarms. Similarly, the aggressive pulling of hairs via waxing also irritates the armpits, leading to hyperpigmentation over time.

Does dark armpits mean diabetes?

A dark patch (or band) of velvety skin on your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could be a sign of pre-diabetes. The medical name for the condition that causes this velvety skin is acanthosis nigricans.

How do you get rid of armpit hair fungus?

Hair removal, good hygiene and topical 1% clindamycin, 2% erythromycin or 5% benzoyl peroxide are the treatments most often recommended for trichomycosis axillaris. These agents may also treat coexistent erythrasma.

FUNGAL INFECTION in your TOES/ GROIN/ ARMPIT? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment - Dr. Aruna Prasad

Does trichomycosis smell?

Trichomycosis Symptoms and Diagnosis

If you notice a strange odor, color change, or textured hair follicles in the area, see a doctor. Your dermatologist can tell whether you have the condition by using several methods, including: Wood's light.

Does hair fungus go away?

It may take many weeks to go away. Your child's doctor or health care provider will prescribe a medicine to be taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. The medicine goes through the blood to the scalp and into the growing hairs to stop the fungus from growing.

How to get rid of black underarms?

Home Remedies for Removing Dark Underarms Naturally
  1. Lemon. Lemon is a popular natural remedy for lightening dark underarms. ...
  2. Baking Soda. Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and lighten dark underarms. ...
  3. Aloe Vera. ...
  4. Cucumber. ...
  5. Potato. ...
  6. Turmeric and Milk. ...
  7. Coconut Oil. ...
  8. Apple Cider Vinegar.

What do diabetic armpits look like?

Acanthosis nigricans (AN)

This skin condition causes dark patches of velvety skin in body creases such as your neck, armpits, or groin. Sometimes patches appear on your hands, elbows, or knees. Diabetes can cause skin infections or changes such as dark patches on the skin.

How long does it take to reverse acanthosis nigricans?

Higher than normal insulin levels in the blood stream cause the growth of darkened skin over certain areas of the body. No skin treatment will cure it, but acanthosis nigricans may lighten up and possibly disappear by treating the root cause, insulin resistance, but it can take months or years to do so.

What is the black stuff in my armpit?

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.

Can deodorant cause black armpits?

"Deodorants have paraben, alcohol, fragrances etc. that can irritate the skin and cause inflammation leading to thickening and darkening of the skin over time. Many antiperspirants also use aluminum as an active ingredient, which clogs up the sweat ducts causing dryness and pigmentation" says Dr.

What disease causes dark armpits?

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity.

What soap kills yeast on skin?

Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication. It treats fungal or yeast infections in your skin. You can use this medicated shampoo as you would use a regular shampoo by massaging it into your skin. Follow the label for directions on how long you should let the product set before rinsing it off.

What kills fungus completely?

Ketoconazole will kill the fungus and prevent it from growing back. Alternatively, common shampoos, like Head and Shoulders, contain selenium sulfide, another antifungal agent. Do a bit of shopping and find an over-the-counter shampoo that works for you.

What are the symptoms of too much yeast in your body?

Symptoms
  • Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) -vaginal itching, soreness, and discharge.
  • Candidiasis in the mouth and throat (thrush)- white patches, redness or soreness.
  • Candidiasis in the esophagus - pain and difficulty swallowing.
  • Invasive candidiasis- fever and chills are common.

What are the first warning signs of diabetes?

If you have any of the following diabetes symptoms, see your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested:
  • Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night.
  • Are very thirsty.
  • Lose weight without trying.
  • Are very hungry.
  • Have blurry vision.
  • Have numb or tingling hands or feet.
  • Feel very tired.
  • Have very dry skin.

What is a diabetic belly?

But that doesn't mean abdominal weight gain should be ignored. It can be an early sign of so-called "diabetic belly," a build-up of visceral fat in your abdomen which may be a symptom of type 2 diabetes and can increase your chances of developing other serious medical conditions.

What three drinks should diabetics avoid?

What are the worst drinks for diabetes?
  • Fruit juice (unless treating low blood sugar)
  • Sweetened coffee or tea.
  • Sweetened sports drinks and energy drinks.
  • Regular soda.

Can I use baking soda for underarms every day?

Baking soda can be harsh on the skin. It's fairly common to develop a rash when using deodorants that rely on baking soda. That odor-fighting alkalinity can irritate sensitive skin, especially if you shave your armpits. Baking soda is also highly abrasive.

Does diabetes cause dark armpits?

Light brown or black skin patches may be a sign of acanthosis nigricans. This treatable skin disorder isn't contagious or dangerous. However, it can be a sign of diabetes, so talk to your healthcare provider. Often, treating diabetes (or another underlying cause) causes the skin to clear up.

What shampoo is antifungal?

Ketoconazole Brand names: Daktarin Gold, Daktarin Intensiv, Dandrazol, Nizoral. Find out how ketoconazole cream and shampoo treats fungal skin infections and how to use it.

Does apple cider vinegar destroy scalp fungus?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It's often added to foods,1 and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp, or hair. It's known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions,2 and it may also offer benefits for scalp flaking or thinning hair.

What does hair fungus look like?

In the scalp, fungal infections often form circular, scaly, inflamed patches. Frequently, there can be temporary hair loss (hair returns when infection clears but if treatment is delayed and scarring results, permanent hair loss can be seen). This is a classical example of ringworm (tinea capitis) in a young child.

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