Yellow Armpit Skin: 4 Types of Fungal Skin Infections that Cause Yellowing of the Armpit

By - Aneeza Pervez

Is your yellow armpit skin needs your attention? Indeed, yes!

Not because it’s embarrassing for people who used to wear tank tops and bikinis. Certainly, it is major evidence of many skin-related problems.

Various environmental and health factors may influence the color of the armpit skin. Although, it doesn’t pose a serious health risk or cause rapid deterioration of health. It still needs your attention!

You will learn everything you need to know about yellow armpit in this article. For sure, it’s causes, symptoms, and possible treatments. So, let’s dive into it!

What does Yellow Armpit Means?

Undoubtedly, human color is the same from head to toe. But in some cases, there may be pigmentation, or decolorization of the skin occurs. This causes the skin to develop abnormal color patches. Might be these color patches look creepy on the skin.

Mucous or soft parts of the body may develop yellow patches under certain conditions. For instance; jaundice, sweating, high blood salt levels. Consequently, it causes underarms skin to turn yellow. The reasons for yellow underarms are not limited to these.

Indeed, many bacterial, fungal, or viral diseases produce abnormal skin color patterns.

Is Yellow Armpit Skin Cause for Concern?

It is not a fatal infection or disorder to have yellow armpit skin. Furthermore, avoiding it isn’t difficult. Don’t stress yourself out over it. Take it in stride. But, yeah! Be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

You can trust your physician to let you know better. By assessing your medical condition and underarm color severity.

Therefore, as a preventative measure. Your medical assistance will prescribe medication or provide medical advice.

What Causes Yellow Skin Under Arms?

Indeed, yellow stains under the arms are caused by certain factors. However, microbes are responsible for how the skin is infected. As well as unhealthy conditions within the body.

Below is a list of reasons why armpits skin appears yellow:

In addition to these, many health disorders can also cause yellowing of the armpits.

However, we will mainly focus on fungal skin infections, which can cause yellowing of the skin.

What are Fungus Skin Infections?

The skin infection caused by fungus is known as mycosis.

The fungi are eukaryotic organisms. Interestingly, these creatures range in size from tiny yeasts to large mushrooms. The majority of them are not harmful to humans or animals. Although, the world is home to 5.1 million different species of fungi. Among them, only 300 are associated with skin diseases.

You can find fungi everywhere — in the water, on the land, in the air, even on animals and humans. All of them are not disastrous. Yet some cause health problems when they come into contact with the body’s skin.

Whenever the pollen or seeds of fungi land on your skin. Eventually, it causes skin reactions such as rashes, skin damage, or even discoloration. Moreover, it also negatively affects your internal health.

Most skin infections are caused by the following species of fungi:

• Yeast (Malassezia furfur, Candida)

• Dermatophytes (Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton)

Fungal Infection Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of fungal skin infections:

How do I Know If I Have Armpit Fungus?

The presence of fungal infection on the skin usually manifests as:

In the case of armpits, you might feel irritation, rashes, and itching underarms. Look under your armpits. If it has a pinkish or yellowish color along pungent smell. Most likely, fungus attacked your armpits.

Also, here are some other signs that indicate you have a fungus infection in your armpit:

Types of Fungal Skin Disease that Cause Yellow Armpit Skin

In general, fungi attack soft skin areas. For instance, around the mouth, the bikini area, under the breast, or at the armpits. Consequently, the skin exhibits certain symptoms including:

The following types of fungal diseases can cause yellowing of the underarms.

Yeast Skin infections

Yeast is a microscopic fungus that can have both positive and negative effects on health.

You are naturally endowed with yeast. Indeed, it is also found in the digestive tract. Where it works symbiotically with bacteria. Therefore, it plays a major role in the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body.

It is true that yeast in your gut keeps your digestive tract in the balance!

As well, if you are female, yeast may reside in your vaginal area. Where it is serving with a beneficial bacterium (Lactobacillus). That contributes to vaginal health.

Yeast undoubtedly contributes substantially to the maintenance of human health. In contrast, unchecked yeast can cause serious problems. For instance; vaginal thrush, oral thrush, and skin infections.

It is medically known as candidiasis when yeast grows abnormally.

Infection of the Skin with Candida Fungus

Candida is a group of fungus responsible for several types of skin infections. Approximately 150 different types of Candida fungus irritate the skin. But Candida Albicans dominate the list of skin infecting organisms.

Cutaneous candidiasis describes yeast growth over the skin. Candida Skin infection is also known as “candidosis” “moniliasis” or “candidiasis”.

Typically, Candida infections occur where skin meets skin. For instance, under the breasts, neck, abdomen, groin, under the arms, etc.

Here are some types of skin infections that result from Candida overgrowth:

Symptom of Yeast Skin Infection

Here are some most apparent symptoms of a yeast infection on your skin:

Aside from these, sleeplessness, tiredness, and malnutrition can also occur.

Causes

When one of these conditions exists, yeast growth is rampant in the body:

Antibiotics can also damage beneficial bacteria that help balance yeast in the body. Consequently, you will get an infection caused by yeast.

Treatment

Infection with yeast skin may prove challenging for sufferers. But, it is not as harsh as you might think. Even a cream that contains antifungal agents and medications can cure it.

Indeed, effective disease prevention depends on timely treatment.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor is a common skin infection caused by fungi. It is also called pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor. It is caused by fungi of the Malassezia family. 

Malassezia is naturally present on your skin. It works in symbiosis with your body cells and beneficial bacteria. Infections can occur on your skin if this fungus is left unchecked.

During this condition, fungi cells interfere with the body’s normal pigmented cells. Therefore, it results in discoloration of the skin. In consequence, you may experience light or dark pigmentation on your skin.

It is a relatively painless disease. The condition is not contagious, nor does it cause hurting symptoms. However, some people would find it creepy. Thus, it creates feelings of self-consciousness, or distress in them.

Despite this, it is not life-threatening. But it can cause permanent disfigurement of the skin. For instance; neck, underarms, shoulders, trunk, etc.

Besides Tinea Versicolor, Malassezia also causes the following diseases:

Causes

Tinea Versicolor typically affects young adults and adolescents more than others. Tinea infection’s cause has yet to be determined by doctors. However, there is some evidence that related to the promotion of yeast on the skin.

Some of them are as follows:

Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure can exacerbate the disease’s symptoms and leave permanent scars. The same is true if your skin is oily, warm, and moist. Therefore, you could develop yeast colonies. 

Symptom

Certainly, Tinea Versicolor is characterized by skin discoloration and lighter or darker patches. Indeed, they can be either hyperpigmented or hypopigmented.

Moreover, Tinea Versicolor is characterized by the following symptoms:

Usually, these patches appear on trunks, shoulders, underarms, and even the back. 

Treatment

Symptoms that are mild and do not cause pain are okay. Indeed, home-based treatment is possible for this type of infection.

Antifungal creams, lotions, and shampoos are also commonly used to reduce pigmentation.

However, if the infection spreads fast, along with some unpleasant behaviors. Your dermatologist is the best person to consult. Along with some medicines, he/she will provide you with topical antifungal cream.

Despite the fact that it’s curable. But it won’t be easy to remove its discolored marks. Even after weeks or months have passed.

Dermatophyte Infections

Dermatophyte infection is a contagious fungal infection that is most common worldwide. Mainly, this superficial fungal infection affects nails, hair, and skin. 

Indeed, dermatophyte fungi require keratin components to grow normally. The outermost keratin-rich parts of the body are affected because of this. 

Infections caused by dermatophytes are also known as tinea and dermatophytosis. Ringworm is a common name for this condition. Even though it doesn’t come from worms. 

Skin complications can occur as a result of excessive growth of Dermatophytes. While optimal amounts are beneficial for the normal functioning of the human body.

Causes

A dermatophyte spreads via

Symptom

It is usually dermatophytes that affect keratin. Such as nails, hair, and skin. Almost all of the symptoms appear in these areas. 

The following are some symptoms of dermatophyte infection:

Treatment

Luckily, this condition can easily be cured with antifungal cream or ointment. However, there are a few limitations. Therefore, if your infection does not improve with ointment. Then, you should take oral antifungal tablets. 

It is strictly recommended to use only prescribed medicines. Otherwise, you might experience serious health complications!

Treatment Options for Fungal Skin Infection

Indeed, a variety of fungi may cause different kinds of infections. That requires different therapies. Furthermore, doctors consider the following factor while determining the best treatment for you.

The following are some possible treatments for your infected skin.

Antifungal Creams and Ointments

The first-line treatment for fungal diseases is antifungal creams and ointments. Indeed, it works to stop fungi from growing. Moreover, it prevents symptoms from spreading.

 If you are experiencing persistent symptoms. Then the doctor will prescribe different tropical creams for application on the infection site. Keeping your fungal infection under control is best achieved with this method. 

These are some of the most common antifungal creams:

Topical ointments and sprays are also helpful for fast and more effective results! 

Antifungal Shampoos

Fungi can affect your scalp and cause hair loss. Therefore, the best solution for your problems is antifungal shampoos. There is 2% ketoconazole in these shampoos. Indeed, it helps to prevent fungus growth.

Oral Antifungal Medications

As a matter of fact, many fungal diseases can be treated with antifungal creams and ointments. However, if this does not improve. Thereafter, doctors prescribe oral antifungal tablets along with antifungal ointments.

Oral medications are available for terbinafine, miconazole, and many other antifungal drugs.

Antifungal Injections

Antifungal injections are administered to patients with more severe symptoms. Antifungal intravenous drugs consist of Fluconazole (Injection), Amphotericin B, and other medication.

Antifungal injections do not only lessen the symptoms but also kills the fungus.

Strict Instruction

However, before taking any of the antifungal medications, you should consult your doctor. Otherwise, you will suffer serious health and skin-related complications. That may be chronic or even fatal.

Taking Precautions to Prevent Fungal Skin Infections

While there are a variety of effective treatment methods to cure a skin infection. But it is better to develop good precatory habits. That will prevent you from developing or spreading skin disease.

The following methods can help you avoid getting infected:

How do You Get Rid of Yellow Armpit Skin Naturally?

There is no doubt that yellow armpit skin can be embarrassing for people. In fact, the yellow armpit skin makes you look creepy when you raise your arms in excitement. 

Here are the most effective ways to lighten your dark underarms skin. Which will definitely work for you.

Potato Juice

Potato juice contains many essential nutrients, including vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and even phosphorus. Surprisingly, these nutrients can help to brighten up dull areas of the skin.

How to apply?

Slice the potato and drain its juice. Then add a little honey and lemon juice (optional). Directly apply it on the yellow armpit and leave for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. The remedy must be applied 3 to 4 times a week. 

A note of precaution: Do not use lemons if your skin is sensitive to bleaching agents!

Turmeric 

Turmeric contains anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial components. Together, these elements are effective in preventing infection and lightening underarm skin. Thereby reducing yellow pigments on the skin.

How to apply?

Add two tablespoons of yogurt and a ¼ of turmeric. Adding sandalwood, saffron, and wheat flour might improve results as well. Mix well all ingredients.

Apply this paste to your underarms and let it dry. Then rinse it with fresh water. This procedure should be repeated three to four times a week.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best natural moisturizers. This effectively removes skin patches as well as dead skin cells. Moreover, it lightens pigmentation, thereby aiding in skin whitening.

How to apply?

For 5 to 10 minutes, massage coconut oil directly on your underarms. After that, take a shower. You will get surprising results.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antioxidants, antimicrobials, and many other healing properties. As well as being a great moisturizer, it is also a great source of vitamin E. It removes dead skin and helps lighten tans.

How to apply?

Directly apply aloe vera gel under your yellow armpit and let it absorb. After that, rinse with water. You’ll be amazed at how good the results are.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is effective in fighting fungus. Because of its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thus, it aids in the health of underarms.

How to apply?

Pour a few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar into your bathtub and take a shower. Moreover, you can apply it directly to the infected skin using cotton pads. 

Surely, your skin will become healthier and fungus-free within a short time.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why are my armpits yellow?

Armpits can turn yellow due to a variety of fungal diseases. Moreover, excessive sweating and jaundice may also result in yellow underarm skin.

How do you get rid of yellow armpit skin?

Yellow skin can be lightened with antifungal creams and ointments. Aside from this, home remedies can significantly contribute to skin whitening.

Can deodorant darken underarms?

Deodorants that are in-expensive and local can clog pores. As a result, your armpits will darken.

Is yellow skin normal?

Human skin varies in color from light hues to dark brown. However, the color can be yellow as well. Indeed, skin yellowing, or yellow skin patches, is usually a sign of serious health illness.

What causes the skin to go yellow?

The primary cause of skin infections is fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens. That mostly results in yellowing of the skin.

Why does Yellow Armpit hair Grow?

This yellowish hair growth pattern is, in fact, unusual and creepy. The infection is certainly caused by bacteria (Trichomycosis).

Is Yeast Skin Infection Contagious?

Well, yeast skin infection is not contiguous. However, anyone with a weak immune system is more vulnerable to it.

Towards the End

Bacterial and fungal infections often result in yellow armpit skin. Moreover, it might be an indication of health issues inside the body. For a better understanding of your armpit health. You should consult with a healthcare professional.

However, yellow skin under arms is quite normal in some people. Yet not all cases are the same. Many people neglect it and suffer serious health and skin problems as a result.

Hence, you must take the necessary medical measures along with hygienic practices to prevent infection. 

Stay Healthy, Stay Safe!