Axillary trichobacteriosis L08.8

Harmless, only olfactorically challenging, globally occurring, extensive colonisation of the axillary hair with corynebacteria in people with hyperhidrosis axillaris and lack of personal hygiene.

Corynebacterium tenuis.

The corynebacteria, which belong to the normal flora of the skin, form dense yellowish colonies in the case of inadequate hygiene, hyperhidrosis and damp heat, which envelop the hair shaft like a cuff.

Coatings of yellow (Trichobacteriosis palmellina flava), red (Trichobacteriosis palmellina rubra) or black (Trichobacteriosis palmellina nigra) colour which are difficult to remove and envelop the hair. Usually penetrating axillary sweat odor. See also Bromhidrosis. The clinical combination of trichobacteriosis axillaris with keratoma sulcatum and erythrasma is not uncommon.

Adequate body hygiene using soaps, cleansing disinfectants or acid syndets. It is recommended to shave the armpit hair, use deodorants in case of hyperhidrosis, change clothes frequently, use natural fibre textiles.

1. Rho NK et al (2008) A corynebacterial triad: Prevalence of erythrasma and trichomycosis axillaris in soldiers with pitted keratolysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 58 (2 Suppl):S57-558