Microbiology question

[davjohnny]

Hi,
I had a question in a homework sheet:
Over two million bacteria are found per square centimetre of skin under armpits. Why Don't they cause disease more often ?


I guess the question is basically asking me, considering that there is so much bacteria under armpits, why don't armpits get infected with disease often?

I thought of some answers :
Sweat - some type of chemical that sweat contained that killed bacteria ?
Expose - Your armpits are exposed much so maybe the bacteria don't get enough of something

Help is appreciated

[NATHANALANPATRICKROGERS]

When i wore a sling for 2 weeks I got a rash under my arms for the first time.

I think the foul-smelling bacteria in your arm pit thrive in warm, moist, largely anaerobic conditions. Movement, antiperspirant deodorant and cool fresh air seem to minimise this effect, and a little fragrance makes you smell good on the odd occasion too.

[Jorge1907]

The count is not so great and even at that is an underestimate - as nathan says the counts typically fail to include anaerobes.
We don't get sick because these microbes are part of our normal flora - microbes with which we live in relative balance. Failing some compromise of the host - they're unlikely to cause disease.

[Ms.Science]

Hi there.
I had this question for homework to.
Science Quest 2- Chapter 11-The body at war?
I guess it's because the skin acts as a barrier against the bacteria.
Large amounts of bacteria are found on the skin anyway.
If you are using science quest 2 then go to page 272.
and read . Hope this helped. Please reply to whether your using science
quest or not.

Cheers.