Having an itchy skin can be annoying and frustrating even if you have already put something on the affected skin, but to no avail.
Do you often find yourself scratching your underarms just a little too much? Hair growth, or the tiny hairs from shaved armpits can cause that but there may be more to it than you care to know.
Sensitive skin, skin irritation due to itchy rash, allergic reaction to laundry detergent, poor hygiene, and several other reasons could be the triggers to unwanted itchy armpit.
Continuous itching can be frustrating and it seems like there are no easy solutions to prevent itchy armpits.
This article will help you know and understand the most common causes of itchy underarms to avoid further skin irritation.
What Conditions Cause Itchy Armpit?
Do you often find yourself itching a lot on your armpits? This section will help you find some of the most common reasons what triggers it.
A skin condition such as contact dermatitis causes the skin to have tiny rashes that appear on some parts of the body: face, chin, neck area, jawline, hands, palms, fingers, legs, underarm area, and more.
The humid weather is also a well-known factor in itchy armpits. Excessive sweating in the skin folds can cause bacteria to mix with sweat, resulting in body odor.
To relieve symptoms, using a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone cream immensely helps in reducing the itch and the appearance of rashes on the affected areas.
Atopic dermatitis can also cause itchy underarms. a symptom is an itchy armpit. Symptoms of itchy armspits can be treated by managing the underlying cause and treating the symptoms as well.
Candida, also known as a yeast or fungal infection, is caused by the overproduction of yeast in the body. Keep the affected area as cool as you can and avoid tight clothing – the key is to let your pits breathe! Don’t use a steroid cream, as this can make the infection worse. To prevent itchy armpits due to candida, wear loose clothes, practice good hygiene, and ingest beneficial bacteria, found in yogurt with live cultures. Avoid commercial soaps and deodorants. Consult your doctor for proper medication.
How do I stop my sensitive skin underarms from itching?
A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of or treat armpits itch. Treatment choices vary depending on the causes, but may be:
- Wear loose clothes for proper air ventilation to keep your skin cool.
- Keep your body especially the underarms clean as possible.
- Increase water intake especially on warmer days to keep your skin hydrated.
- Avoid using skin products with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrance as these can trigger allergic reaction.
- Always keep calamine lotion handy should at the earliest signs of red rash.
- Wearing tight clothing especially on a warm day can also contribute to skin irritations.
- Your doctor will usually prescribe the use of topical steroids. In rare occasions, armpit itch can be much more than just allergic reaction. It could be a symptom of some underlying conditions such as inflammatory breast cancer.
Rashes in your underarms can be treated at once with a fresh ice pack, and a trusted skin care product with Aloe Vera. If your itchy armpits persist, consult with your dermatologist to have your skin checked immediately.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is often called milaria, which happens when the skin is susceptible to hot and humid conditions. It can occur when sweat glands become blocked and the glands can no longer release sweat from the skin which can also pave the way to bacterial or fungal infection. The water inside the gland is filled with swelling. It causes painful itchiness. It usually appears in clusters of tiny pimple / blisters in the skin. Clusters occur generally near the armpit or anywhere where skin is touching it. A heat rash can often occur on skin after it cools. Applying a cold compress and dressing in loose clothes helps to reduce inflammation in the skin.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is characterized by eczema. Other symptoms of contact dermatitis, such as allergic reaction to laundry detergents, tight clothing, can result in incessant scratching on the body and other affected areas including to toxic substances. Any chemical or material irritates underarm areas. ICD has many common side effects such as burning. Sometimes skin lesions, fissures (cracks) appear.
ICD is often diagnosed by a physician with effective treatments to help reduce skin swelling due to rashes and to help improve skin conditions.
Can Deodorants Cause Itchy Armpits?
Hygiene has always been an important part of our daily lives. The use of skin care products such as deodorants play a vital role in keeping us fresh and clean. But no matter how pricey or effective the skin care product is, not all people get the full benefits of it.
Some can use them without any problem at all, and some people that have sensitive skin tend to suffer from the ingredients in the skin care products they put their trust in. So what’s wrong here? Having sensitive skin is the culprit. And, using a deodorant can bring a myriad of consequences i. e. itchy armpits.
For people with sensitive skin, antiperspirants, deodorants, and other skin care products can be a little bit too stressful to even use. Some people are susceptible to allergic reactionand without available remedies, the unbearable itch can last longer. Deodorants commonly contain chemicals that help fight off bacteria-causing odor that unfortunately become the nemesis of people with sensitive skin. above which cause itching. It’s best to use fragrance free products or with milder ingredients to keep your skin safe.
Safe Ways To Combat Itchy Armpits
Dampness and poor hygiene are the common denominators here, making prevention and treatment (in most cases) pretty simple: Keep your underarms clean and dry. Use non-talc powder, antiperspirant (applied morning and night), or even prescription underarm wipes if needed. You can also use an exfoliating toner to keep bacteria at bay, and if further intervention is necessary, talk to your dermatologist to learn more.
FAQ’S
How do I stop my armpits from itching?
There are several things you can try to stop your armpits from itching:
- Keep your armpits clean and dry – Make sure you shower regularly and thoroughly clean your armpits with soap and water. Dry your armpits thoroughly after showering or sweating.
- Avoid tight clothing – Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that allows air to circulate around your armpits.
- Use a moisturiser – Apply a moisturiser to your armpits to soothe and hydrate the skin. Choose a moisturiser that is specifically designed for sensitive skin.
- Try an antiperspirant – An antiperspirant can help control sweating and reduce the chance of irritation and itching. Look for an antiperspirant that is gentle on the skin and does not contain alcohol or fragrances.
- Avoid shaving – Shaving can irritate the skin and cause itching. If you must shave, use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Use a natural remedy-Applying a natural remedy such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or apple cider vinegar to your armpits may help soothe itching and reduce inflammation.
When should I be concerned about armpit rash?
An armpit rash can have various causes and can range from mild irritation to a severe medical condition. In general, you should be concerned about an armpit rash if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, swelling, fever, or drainage.