Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (16)

Trichomycosis axillaris
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Trichomycosis axillaris

Contributors: Renata Prado MD, Whitney A. High MD, JD, MEng, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Trichomycosis axillaris is an asymptomatic superficial bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium spp. It is relatively common and is the result of bacterial overgrowth, with concretions forming on hair shafts in moist regions of the body. These concretions represent bacterial colonies and the insoluble cement substance elaborated by the bacteria that adheres to the hair shaft.

Trichomycosis axillaris affects chiefly the hair of the axilla but may, to a lesser extent, involve the pubic hair as well (trichomycosis pubis). It may affect any age group from puberty through adulthood. The condition appears to affect men more often, likely because many women shave the axillary hair.

Recent evidence suggests that patients with one cutaneous disease process caused by Corynebacterium, such as trichomycosis axillaris, may often have other related and coincidental disease processes caused by the same bacterial species, such as pitted keratolysis (a corynebacterial infection of the feet) or erythrasma (a corynebacterial infection of the intertriginous skin).

Codes

ICD10CM:
A48.8 – Other specified bacterial diseases

SNOMEDCT:
49894005 – Trichomycosis axillaris

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:08/18/2019
Last Updated:08/19/2019
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Trichomycosis axillaris
A medical illustration showing key findings of Trichomycosis axillaris : Axilla, Yellow hair
Clinical image of Trichomycosis axillaris - imageId=536988. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Adherent, yellowish concretions around numerous hair shafts in the axilla.'
Adherent, yellowish concretions around numerous hair shafts in the axilla.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.