Armpit Yeast Infection: Causes, Sweat, Odor, and Treatment

Quick Summary

• An underarm yeast infection occurs when Candida yeast grows out of control in the warm, moist conditions of the armpit and typically causes redness, itching, burning, peeling, and discomfort.
• Sweat may make the infection worse because the trapped moisture, heat and friction are perfect conditions for yeast to grow and spread.
• Sometimes there is a smell, but it's not just yeast. The interaction of sweat, bacteria, irritated skin and skin fold irritation causes the musty or sour odor.
• Antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, and avoiding moist underarm areas and irritating deodorants usually make treatment possible.
• If the rash persists, does not improve, becomes painful, or continues to spread, see a doctor, as it could be a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, eczema, or another dermatological condition.

What Is an Armpit Yeast Infection?

An armpit yeast infection is another type of cutaneous candidiasis, an overgrowth of Candida on the skin's surface. It usually appears in the underarms as a rash in the skin fold, where sweat, friction, deodorant residue, and tight clothing can collect and retain moisture.

It is closely associated with candidal intertrigo, a yeast-induced rash in the skin folds. According to DermNet, candidal intertrigo is characterized by "red, softened, irritated plaques which can have scaling and small surrounding 'satellite' bumps or pustules. These are usually found in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or in any other place where there are folds that tend to stay moist.

Candida albicans is a prominent skin yeast, in a 10 year study on cutaneous candidiasis, 694 out of 3,113 patients were diagnosed with cutaneous candidiasis and 95.68% of them were caused by Candida albicans.

Common Symptoms of an Armpit Yeast Infection

An armpit yeast infection may look like a friction, deodorant, or heat rash, but it has certain characteristics.

Common symptoms include:

• A rash that is red or bright red in the armpit fold
• Itching, burning or stinging
• When the skin rubs against skin, it can become sore.
• Scaling or peeling or cracked skin
• Skin that is soft, damp or shiny in the affected area
• Tiny red lesions or pustules on the edges of the rash
• Musty smell, especially if there is body odor or inflammation of the skin folds

The rash can be very itchy and may feature burning, swelling, scaling, and small pimples around the affected area, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Why Sweat Can Trigger an Armpit Yeast Infection?

While they are not directly caused by sweat, the warm, damp environment it creates is ideal for Candida growth. Because the armpit is naturally warm and enclosed, sweat trapped there keeps the skin moist and irritated. Arm movement, constriction, close-fitting garments, and shaving or deodorant residue can also cause additional strain on the skin barrier, which can lead to Candida overgrowth.

According to The Merck Manual, skin maceration and inflammation caused by friction and moisture may lead to secondary infection with yeast or bacteria, a condition called intertrigo.

For this reason, armpit yeast infections are more common in hot weather, after exercise, in people who sweat a lot, and in people who wear non-breathable clothing for long periods.

Obesity, friction and trapped moisture are all factors that contribute to skin-fold rashes, which are common in obesity, according to a study of 2,778 patients with severe obesity that showed that intertrigo occurred in 15.9% of patients.

Does an Armpit Yeast Infection Cause Odor?

Not always. But when sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells and inflamed tissue mix, an awful smell can emerge. It may be musty, sour or more noticeable than normal body odor.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, odour is not a characteristic of an armpit yeast infection alone, but it can occur when the infection is accompanied by intertrigo, a condition involving heat, moisture, and friction over time.

If the rash is accompanied by an odor, it's not always yeast. Similar or overlapping presentations can be caused by bacterial overgrowth, deodorant irritation, inadequate drying following baths, blocked hair follicles or other skin conditions.

Main Causes of Armpit Yeast Infection

The cause is simply Candida overgrowth in the underarm skin fold, but several factors can make this overgrowth possible.

1. Excessive Sweating

Heavy perspiration leaves the underarms damp. Sweat is an important factor in the proliferation of Candida, which thrives in warm, moist areas.

2. Tight Clothing / Non-Breathable Clothing:

The use of synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting clothing can trap heat and moisture against the skin. According to DermNet, some of the most important risk factors for candidal intertrigo include tight-fitting clothing and excessive sweating. Intertrigo may involve the axilla: In a study of the prevalence of intertrigo in residents of nursing homes, the axilla was affected in 0.5% of the residents.

3. Friction in Underarm Fold

Over time, the skin barrier is damaged by repeated skin-to-skin contact. If the skin is affected, it is more susceptible to overgrowth of yeast and bacteria.

An axillary microbiome study showed that underarm odor is often bacterial, with 76.7% of the sequences associated to Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus, two of the most important bacteria responsible for armpit odor.

4. Diabetes

People with diabetes, especially those who have uncontrolled blood sugar, are more likely to get a Candida skin infection. Diabetes is recognised as a risk factor for skin-fold yeast infections and intertrigo by both DermNet and the Merck Manual.

5. A Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system can make yeast infections more common, more difficult to treat or more resistant to treatment. This can happen in connection with illness, immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy, or other health issues.

6. Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics can reduce beneficial bacteria in the body and on the skin, making it easier for Candida to multiply. Antibiotics are a known risk factor for yeast infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

7. Deodorant Product / Irritation

Some deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes and shaving products may irritate skin in the armpits. Yeast colonizes the skin more easily in irritated and damaged skin, and allergic contact dermatitis to these products can also result in a rash that looks like a yeast infection.

Armpit Yeast Infection vs Other Underarm Rashes

Not every armpit rash is yeast. The underarm can develop several types of irritation or infection.

• Condition
• Common Signs
• Key Difference
• Armpit yeast infection
• Red, itchy, moist rash; may have small satellite bumps
• Often worse in sweaty skin folds
• Heat rash
• Tiny bumps, prickly feeling, sweat-related
• Usually improves with cooling and loose clothing
• Deodorant allergy
• Itching, redness, burning after product use
• Often starts after a new deodorant or fragrance
• Bacterial infection
• Pain, warmth, pus, swelling, bad odor
• May need antibiotics
• Ringworm
• Circular, scaly rash with raised border
• Usually has a ring-like shape
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Painful lumps, drainage, recurring boils
• Usually deeper and more painful than yeast

DermNet notes that conditions such as tinea, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, and other skin diseases can resemble candidal intertrigo.

How Is an Armpit Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

An Armpit Yeast Infection is diagnosed by examining the skin. An Armpit Yeast Infection is diagnosed by looking at the skin.

Most cases are diagnosed by clinical appearance when the rash occurs in a moist skin fold and has typical features. A healthcare provider will usually inspect the area and inquire about deodorant use, diabetes, medication use, sweating patterns, and past infections.

Rashes that are unusually looking, very severe, recurring, or unresponsive to initial treatment may have a skin scraping or swab taken to check for yeast, bacteria or an alternative cause. When the diagnosis is still unclear, fungal microscopy and culture can be used, notes DermNet.

Treatment for Armpit Yeast Infection

Treatment usually focuses on two goals: removing yeast overgrowth and managing moisture, which allows the yeast to remain. Clinical cure was 36.2% by day 7 and 68.1% by day 14 in a randomized clotrimazole study; this indicates a role for topical antifungals in Candida prone irritated folds.

1. Topical Antifungal Creams

Antifungal creams, ointments, powders or solutions usually work for mild yeast infections in the armpits. These include clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin. According to the CDC, the treatment of candidiasis involves antifungal medication, depending on the location, severity and overall health of the patient. Topical antifungal agents are also first-line treatment for candidal intertrigo, according to DermNet.

2. Maintain clean and dry armpits.

Controlling moisture is as crucial as medication treatment. Mild cleansing, drying, and prevention of sweat entrapment are part of the recovery process. Drying measures and drying agents are regular parts of managing intertrigo, says The Merck Manual.

During treatment, you can help by doing the following:

• After showering, dry armpits thoroughly.
• Change sweatshirts, T-shirts, shorts, etc. as soon as possible.
• Putting on airy, natural fibre material.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes to allow air to circulate properly while the condition is healing
• Opening windows and doors to ventilate whenever possible
• Taking antifungal or drying powder, if advised by a provider

3. Avoid Irritating Products

Avoid using scented deodorants, alcohol-based sprays, strong perfumes, and harsh soaps until the rash clears. Products that burn or sting when you rub them on are probably increasing the inflammation and should not be used.

4. Oral Antifungal Drugs for Serious Illnesses

If the infection is widespread, recurrent, or severe and/or not responding to topical treatment, a health care professional may prescribe an oral antifungal. According to DermNet, systemic antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole may be necessary for severe cases, generalized cases or those that don't respond to therapy.

What Not to Do?

Don't scratch; this will break the skin and allow bacteria to enter, causing a secondary infection. Steroids can help with the itching and redness symptoms of a yeast infection, but steroids can also make it difficult to recognize a yeast rash and can even make the infection worse, so don't use steroid creams unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

Do not continue using the deodorant on irritated, broken or burning skin. This will likely prolong healing and increase irritation.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

In mild cases of yeast infections in the armpits, there may be some improvement within a couple of days after starting antifungal treatment, but it takes some time for the skin to completely calm down. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the rash should start to clear up in about two weeks once treatment with the fungicide has started.

Further investigation is indicated if there is no improvement after one or two weeks of regular treatment or if the rash persists. It may be a yeast problem, or there may be another factor—such as a bacterial infection, eczema, psoriasis, or a deodorant allergy—that may need to be managed differently.

How to Prevent Armpit Yeast Infection

Prevention involves getting moisture, friction and skin irritation under the arm to a minimum.

Good preventive practices include:

Taking a shower after heavy sweating

• Drying armpits thoroughly before putting on clothes.
• Loose-fitting, breathable garments made from natural fabrics
• Getting rid of exercise clothes promptly after exercise
• Avoiding sharing towels
• Switching to milder deodorant products or to those that are not as highly perfumed
• If excessive sweating is a frequent issue, then try to correct it.
• Maintaining good control of blood sugar levels if you are a diabetic
• Getting prompt treatment of any early signs of rash before it spreads or gets worse

DermNet suggests treating predisposing factors, keeping the skin cool and dry, and avoiding occlusive or tight clothing as the foundations for managing and preventing candidal intertrigo.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a health care provider if it's the first time you've had a yeast infection, if symptoms continue or do not improve after treatment with an over-the-counter drug, if you are pregnant, if you have diabetes, if you have a weakened immune system, or if you develop sores, bleeding, fever or an unusual odor or discharge.

But these symptoms can be a sign of something more than just a simple yeast infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), bacterial vaginosis, contact dermatitis, or another skin condition, each of which will require a different treatment strategy.

Final Thoughts

Yeast infections on the armpit are most likely due to an overgrowth of Candida in a moist, warm, and irritated skin fold. Sweat and odour may occur, but are usually a sign of trapped moisture, friction and inflammation, not a sign of yeast activity alone.

Antifungal therapy, good hygiene and drying the axillae (underarm) are effective in most cases. The steps are simple: treat the yeast properly, prevent moisture buildup, avoid products that irritate the skin, and seek medical attention if the rash is severe, keeps coming back, or is not improving.

FAQs From Reddit About Armpit Yeast Infection

1. Is it a fact that you can get a yeast infection in your armpit?

Yes. Candida can overgrow in the armpit as the area is naturally warm, moist and rubbing – all good conditions for yeast proliferation.

2. How can I tell if my armpit rash is yeast or it's an adverse reaction to the deodorant?

A yeast rash is usually red, moist, itchy and may have small bumps around it. Usually, irritation from deodorant appears after you start using a new one, and it may improve when you stop using the product. If the rash keeps coming back despite switching products, professional evaluation is recommended, as bacteria, eczema, allergies, and yeast can all present the same way.

3. Will an armpit yeast infection smell?

Not always. Armpit yeast infections do not necessarily smell, but a musty odor can develop if you have intertrigo (skin-on-skin friction, heat and prolonged moisture), says the Cleveland Clinic.

4. I am constantly having fungal rashes under my arms; why?

Frequent underarm yeast rashes can be associated with ongoing moisture, clothing that is too tight or incompatible with the skin, regular skin or body rubbing, or conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression.

5. Which cream is suitable for an armpit yeast infection that can be purchased over the counter?

Commonly used OTC antifungal agents include clotrimazole and miconazole. Both are included among CDC's recommendations for treating candidiasis, and DermNet recommends that topical antifungals (including clotrimazole) be used first in the treatment of candidal intertrigo.

6. Is it OK to have a yeast infection in the armpit and treat it with athlete's foot cream?

Although the skin under the arm is not as tough as that on the foot, some athlete's foot creams contain ingredients which may also help treat skin yeast infections. Apply only as directed; do not apply to broken or weeping skin; and consult the clinic if the rash is painful, spreading, or does not improve.

7. Can I use deodorant during the treatment of an armpit yeast infection?

Yes, temporarily. Scented deodorants, strong antiperspirants, baking soda products, and alcohol-based sprays can exacerbate irritation during the period of active infection. Giving the skin barrier time to heal without further chemical insult can help to accelerate healing.

8. Does sweating exacerbate armpit yeast infection?

Yes. Candida likes to grow in a warm, moist environment, which is provided by sweat. Simple measures in maintaining armpit moisture, changing sweaty clothing soon after and wearing breathable fabric can help to minimize flare-ups.

9. How many days does it take for a yeast infection under the arm to heal?

Less severe cases may improve within a few days of starting antifungal therapy, and may completely resolve in 1-2 weeks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the rash should start to fade after about 2 weeks of treatment.

10. If antifungal cream isn't working, what can I do?

If the rash does not seem to be improving, it may not be yeast. Similar presentations can be caused by contact dermatitis, bacterial infection, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm or hidradenitis suppurativa. The clinician may need to do further examination of the area or have a skin sample tested to decide on treatment.

11. Can you apply a yeast infection cream containing a steroid to the yeast infection in the armpit?

Only under medical supervision. Steroid creams may help temporarily with itching and redness, but in the case of a fungal infection, they may mask or exacerbate the problem, especially on the thinner, more sensitive skin of the underarms.

12. When to seek medical help for armpit yeast infection?

Evaluate if the rash is painful, spreading, oozing, bleeding, foul-smelling, or develops again and again despite an antifungal treatment. If you have diabetes or a weak immune system, or if you have a fever, swelling, or signs of pus, seek care sooner – it could be a more serious and complicated infection.