WHAT IS IT?Fox-Fordyce disease is a rare disorder of the sweat glands that primarily affects the armpits of young women. The sweat glands become blocked, causing small, sometimes itchy bumps.WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?Small, skin-colored bumps appear in the armpits. Sometimes they are brownish or yellowish-white. They can be itchy. Because the sweat glands are blocked, it's sometimes noticeable that little sweat is released during exertion or sports.
Besides the armpits, they can also appear around the nipple and sometimes in the pubic area.
 |
 |
| Fox-Fordyce disease |
Fox-Fordyce disease |
 |
 |
| Fox-Fordyce disease |
Fox-Fordyce disease |
HOW DOES IT COME ABOUT?The sweat glands that become clogged in Fox-Fordyce disease are a special type, occurring only in certain areas, such as the armpits. These sweat glands (called apocrine sweat glands) are located near an armpit hair, and the duct from the sweat gland does not open onto the skin, as with regular sweat glands, but onto the upper portion of the hair follicle. During puberty, under the influence of hormones, the ducts from hair follicles and sebaceous glands often become clogged, resulting in, among other things, pimples (acne). If the upper portion of the hair follicle becomes clogged, the sweat gland that opens onto it can no longer release sweat. However, the sweat gland continues to produce sweat, especially during heat and exertion. The sweat gland enlarges, swelling develops, and sweat leaks out into the skin. This causes inflammation, resulting in even more swelling and itching.
WHO GETS IT?Fox-Fordyce disease occurs primarily in women (nine times more often than in men) between the ages of 13 and 35. It is rare. Because it is related to hormones, it doesn't begin until puberty.HOW IS IT TREATED?This condition is difficult to treat. Sometimes it's wiser to do nothing at all.
One option is the pill (birth control pill). This shouldn't be a mild pill (under 50 pills), but a regular one. Or the Diane-35 pill, which is also used for pimples. The pill also affects the hair follicles, and its purpose is to reopen the blocked hair follicles. Use it for at least six months to assess its effectiveness. The disadvantage of the stronger birth control pills and the Diane-35 pill is that the risk of thrombosis is approximately twice as high as with a mild birth control pill.
Another product is vitamin A cream (tretinoin cream). This has a mild abrasive effect (peeling). The cream is intended to open the blocked hair follicles. These creams can irritate, especially the thin armpit skin, which is very sensitive.
If it itches, an anti-inflammatory cream can be applied. These creams are also used for eczema. An example is hydrocortisone cream or Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream.
Removing all pimples (surgically, laser) has been attempted, but it's nearly impossible because there are so many, and it also damages the hair follicles.WHAT CAN I STILL DO ABOUT IT?There's little you can do about it yourself. The symptoms worsen with exertion, sports, a warm environment, and stress. These are all conditions that cause you to sweat. However, not exercising or doing any physical activity would be very bad and unhealthy advice. However, something might be possible to address an overly warm environment and stress. |
