A Study of Axillary Dermatoses in Patients Presenting to DVL OPD, in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: Axillae differ from normal skin due to their high density of skin appendage along with the diverse commensal flora. In addition,  the axillae are frequently subjected to external manipulation such as hair removal or use of anti-perspirants and deodorants. These factors make axillary area vulnerable to a number of varied dermatoses, which  underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding, as attempted in this study.

Aim and objectives: To study various axillary dermatoses in patients attending DVL OPD, in a tertiary care center with clinical & demographic patterns & etiology.

Materials & Methods: Cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study conducted from May to October 2023 to determine various axillary dermatoses in patients presenting to DVL OPD.

Result: A total of 150 cases were included- 99 males and 51 females. The most common dermatoses were infections with 30 (20%) cases of tinea corporis & 13 (8.6%) cases  of erythrasma. Other rare disorders like Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), lichen-planus pigmentosus, flexural psoriasis, Darier’s disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, neurofibromatosis (NF), KID syndrome & Kyrle’s disease were also noted in this study.

Conclusion: Given the wide range of conditions presenting in the axilla, accurate clinical recognition is essential for proper treatment. Awareness of the varied etiologies, coupled with thorough clinical evaluation, can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. This study highlights the importance of considering both common and uncommon entities in differential diagnosis of axillary dermatoses.