Contents
- 1 Are itchy armpits a symptom of anything?
- 2 When should I be worried about itching?
- 3 When should I be worried about armpit rash?
- 4 What deodorant is good for itchy armpits?
- 5 What does a deodorant rash look like?
- 6 Can sweat cause you to itch?
- 7 What is the fungus in my armpits?
- 8 What is lymphoma itching like?
- 9 Does lymphoma cause armpit rash?
Are itchy armpits a symptom of anything?
Poor hygiene – The armpits are home to many different bacteria. Poor hygiene practices can lead to a buildup of sweat and dirt on the skin, which causes these bacteria to multiply. Excess bacteria lead to odor and an increased risk of infection, which may cause itching as a result.
a bacterial or fungal infectiona skin condition, such as eczema or dermatitispersistent heat rash
A doctor will examine the underarm and will prescribe any necessary treatments. In some cases, a doctor may refer the person to a dermatologist for specialist treatment. Many causes of itchy armpits are preventable. The following tips may help prevent bacterial and fungal infections:
keeping the skin cool and dryshowering after exercisedrying the underarms thoroughly after showering or bathingwearing sleeveless vests or loose-fitting T-shirtswearing breathable and absorbent materials, such as cotton
The following tips may help alleviate symptoms of underarm eczema:
avoiding soaps and deodorants that contain harsh chemicalsavoiding shaving with a dry razorusing a gentle patting motion to dry the skinusing fabric detergents for babies and people with sensitive skinavoiding scented fabric softeners
Itchy armpits are usually a sign of a noncancerous skin condition. Common examples include skin infections or a chronic skin condition such as eczema. A doctor will be able to provide treatment for these conditions. Rarely, itchy armpits may be a sign of cancer.
Can stress make your armpits itch?
Often anxiety and itchy skin can occur as separate conditions. Other times, they may cause one another. Treatment can depend on the cause. If you have anxiety and itchy skin, it’s possible that you’re dealing with two distinct issues. It’s also possible that these conditions are closely linked.
Anxiety disorders can cause some people to experience itchy skin and itchy skin conditions can lead to anxiety. One can exacerbate the other. Each can be effectively treated, but it’s important to determine whether the anxiety and itching are connected. Itching due to anxiety is no less real than itching from other causes, but it may take a different approach to treatment.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States every year. More than 1 in 5 people experience chronic itch at some point in their lifetime. It’s difficult to know how many people have anxiety-related itching, or psychogenic itch,
Continue reading to learn more about the association between anxiety and itching, and what you can expect of treatment. Anxiety, especially if it’s chronic, can affect your health in many ways. Anxiety is related to a number of skin problems. Just think about how a brief moment of embarrassment can cause you to blush or how being nervous can make some people break out in hives,
The weight of mental or emotional stress can also lead to some serious itching. Your brain is always communicating with nerve endings in your skin. When anxiety kicks in, your body’s stress response can go into overdrive. This can affect your nervous system and cause sensory symptoms like burning or itching of the skin, with or without visible signs.
You can experience this sensation anywhere on your skin, including your arms, legs, face, and scalp. You might feel it only intermittently or it could be quite persistent. The itch can happen at the same time as symptoms of anxiety or it can occur separately. Even if the cause of your itching is anxiety, serious skin problems can develop if you scratch too much or too vigorously.
This can leave you with irritated, broken, or bleeding skin. It can also lead to infection. Not only that, but the scratching probably won’t do much to relieve the itch. On the other hand, the skin condition and relentless itching may have come first, prompting the anxiety.
- Treatment depends on the specific causes of anxiety and itching.
- No matter the cause, unrelenting itching can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life.
- So, it’s worth seeking treatment.
- Aside from your primary care physician, you might benefit from seeing a specialist or perhaps two.
- A mental health professional can help you learn to manage anxiety, which can alleviate that aggravating itch.
If your skin is seriously affected, you might also need to see a dermatologist. Psychologists can also help with dermatological problems related to anxiety. This field is called psychodermatology. Treatment for the itch may include:
corticosteroids or other soothing creams or ointmentsoral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a type of antidepressant that may ease chronic itching in some peoplelight therapy sessions may help get itching under control
Here are some things you can do on your own to help relieve itching :
Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer every day.Run a humidifier to help keep your skin moist.Avoid rough clothing, hot baths, harsh sunlight, or anything else that contributes to itchiness.Try over-the-counter products such as corticosteroid cream, calamine lotion, or topical anesthetics.When itching is impossible to ignore, put on some gloves or cover your skin to prevent yourself from scratching.Keep your fingernails trimmed so that if you do scratch, you’re less likely to break the skin.
Since stress can aggravate the itch, you’ll also need to take steps to lower your stress levels. Here are a few things you can try:
acupuncture deep breathing exercises meditation yoga
A therapist can provide behavior modification therapy and other strategies to lessen anxiety. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep every night, and exercise regularly. Any underlying medical conditions should also be addressed.
- Anxiety and itching are both things that can come and go.
- If they’re fleeting and not causing any major problems, you may not need to see a doctor.
- If that’s the case, it’s still a good idea to mention it at your next appointment.
- If anxiety and itching are interfering with your ability to function or causing visible skin damage or infection, see your primary care doctor as soon as possible.
If necessary, you can get a referral to the appropriate specialist. Untreated, the cycle of anxiety and itching can repeat over and over, ratcheting up your anxiety level. Frequent scratching can also lead to serious skin issues. Anxiety and itching can be effectively treated, though.
What infection causes itchy armpits?
An armpit yeast infection is a fungal skin infection caused by a yeast called Candida. It causes a bright red, itchy rash in your underarm area.
Why is only one of my armpits red and itchy?
Friction, moisture, and sometimes infection with bacteria or yeast are the most common causes. Intertrigo can be treated by reducing friction and moisture in the armpit. The armpit should be thoroughly washed and dried, and then you can apply a powder, like talc or cornstarch, to dry it out.
How do I get rid of itchy armpits?
7 WAYS TO GET RID OF ITCHY ARMPITS AND PIMPLES – Here are some methods you can use to help treat itchy underarms along with symptoms such as armpit pimples: 1. Anti-itch creams or lotions: Over-the-counter anti-itch creams that contain ingredients such as Hydrocortisone or Calamine can help get rid of itchy armpits.2. Moisturiser: Applying a moisturiser such as the NIVEA Repair & Care Lotion can help soothe itchy armpits, particularly if the skin there is dry.3.
Should I be worried about itchy armpits?
T-cell and B-cell skin lymphoma – T-cell and B-cell skin lymphoma can produce a rash that accompanies the itch. This can have characteristics that include:
mycosis fungoides, which are small patches of dry, red skin that may resemble psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitisskin hardening and thickening, as well as the formation of plaques that may itch and ulcerate papules, which are raised areas of skin that may eventually grow and form nodules or tumorserythroderma, which is a general reddening of the skin that can be dry, scaly, and itchy
Breast cancer is cancer that develops in the breast cells. A rare form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer can cause symptoms that may include itching. If your breast is tender, swollen, red, or itchy, your doctor might first consider infection rather than inflammatory breast cancer.
- The treatment for infection is antibiotics.
- If antibiotics do not make the symptoms better in a week to 10 days, your doctor may perform tests for cancer, such as a mammogram or breast ultrasound,
- Although itchiness, including in your armpit, can be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, it’s typically accompanied by other noticeable signs and symptoms.
This can include:
skin changes such as thickening or pitting that gives breast skin the look and feel of orange peel swelling that makes one breast look larger than the otherone breast feeling heavier and warmer than the otherone breast with redness that covers more than one-third of the breast
Your itchy armpits are likely caused by something other than cancer. Common causes include:
Poor hygiene. Bacteria will grow in places that collect dirt and sweat. To prevent itchy armpits, keep your underarms clean, especially after physical activity. Dermatitis. Allergic, atopic, or contact dermatitis are all potential skin conditions that could appear in your armpits and create itchiness. Chemicals. Your soap, deodorant, or laundry detergent could be triggering the itch in your underarms. Consider changing brands or using a natural alternative. Prickly heat. Also known as heat rash and miliaria rubra, prickly heat is a bumpy, red rash sometimes experienced by people who live in humid and hot environments. Dull razor. Shaving with a dull razor or without shaving cream can result in armpit irritation, dryness, and itchiness. Hyperhidrosis. A disorder of the sweat glands, hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that can lead to irritation and itch. Bras. Some women have an itchy allergic reaction to bras made with nickel, rubber, or latex. Intertrigo. Intertrigo is a rash in the skin folds. If left untreated, it can cause bacterial or fungal infection. High risk for intertrigo includes heat, high humidity, poor hygiene, diabetes, and obesity,
If your armpits are itchy, it’s likely caused by a non-cancerous condition such as poor hygiene, dermatitis, or an allergic reaction. In most situations, if cancer is behind the itch, there are other symptoms accompanying it. This can include swelling, redness, warmth, and skin changes like thickening and pitting.
Why am I itchy all of a sudden?
Causes – Causes of itchy skin include:
Skin conditions. Examples include dry skin (xerosis), eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, parasites, burns, scars, insect bites and hives. Internal diseases. Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems and certain cancers. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster). Psychiatric conditions. Examples include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other things can irritate the skin and cause rashes and itching. Sometimes a substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Also, reactions to certain medicines, such as narcotics to treat pain (opioids) can cause itchy skin.
Sometimes the cause of the itching can’t be determined.
When should I be worried about itching?
When Should You See a Doctor? – You may be able to shrug off itchy skin that lasts for a day or two, but chronic itching can take over your life. If your itching lasts for more than two weeks and is not getting better, it’s time to see a doctor. He or she will help you to identify the root cause and the most suitable course of treatment.
You should also see a doctor if your itch is so severe that it’s disrupting your sleep or daily life, regardless of the length of time you’ve had it. Also, see a doctor if the itch affects your whole body, comes on suddenly with no explanation, or is accompanied by other symptoms. These scenarios could indicate that an internal condition is responsible.
Your doctor will be able to make an initial diagnosis and refer you to either a dermatologist or an internist for further investigation.
Can hormones cause itchy armpits?
Tips To Prevent Itching During Menopause –
Drink lots of water so that your skin gets the hydration it needs. Supplements like Evening Primrose Oil are known to help ease the symptoms. Topical products containing Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and collagen peptides can help. Ensure you get adequate sleep – at least 7-8 hours. Use sunscreen every time you step out to prevent sun damage, which can further dry out your skin. Avoid smoking and the consumption of alcohol, both of which dry the skin further. Maintain a balanced diet with more natural foods and less processed foods. A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce dryness. Exercise regularly. Yoga helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause and can also regularise your hormone levels. Maintain a stress-free lifestyle. Use products that are free of strong fragrances. Try and shower in lukewarm water or cold water. Hot water depletes the natural oils and moisture present in the skin. Apply a good moisturiser immediately after bathing to prevent the skin from drying out. Use a mild soap or cleanser as much as possible. Because your skin could be itchy all over your body, the temptation to scratch where it itches is strong. Try and not scratch as it can aggravate the skin further. Cut your nails and keep them short, so that even if you inadvertently scratch in your sleep, you don’t harm the skin.
Wrapping Up Most women experience dry and itchy skin during menopause. While there is no telling which part of your body might be itching more, there are ways to treat and prevent drying of the skin and itching. A healthy lifestyle and some preventive measures can help. Begin By Knowing Your Skin
What does diabetes itch feel like?
Frequently Asked Questions –
- Is itching a sign of type 2 diabetes? Itching can be a sign of type 2 diabetes caused by high blood sugar. One study found that over one-third of people with type 2 diabetes itched enough that it affected their quality of life.
- Can diabetes cause vaginal itching? People who have diabetes are more likely to have vaginal itching because they are at higher risk for yeast infections. Yeast infections commonly cause vaginal itching.
- What does diabetes itching feel like? If you have diabetes, itching can be intense. It’s an irritating feeling that makes it hard not to scratch, but scratching can make the itch worse. You can itch anywhere, but if you have nerve damage (neuropathy) associated with diabetes, your lower legs may itch.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study. Biology (Basel),2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332
- Schmelz M. Itch processing in the skin. Front Med,2019;0. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00167
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your skin.
- Datsi A, Steinhoff M, Ahmad F, Alam M, Buddenkotte J. Interleukin‐31: the “itchy” cytokine in inflammation and therapy, Allergy.2021;76(10):2982-2997. doi:10.1111/all.14791
- Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study. Biology (Basel),2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332
- American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and skin complications,
- Mohammed L, Jha G, Malasevskaia I, Goud HK, Hassan A. The interplay between sugar and yeast infections: do diabetics have a greater predisposition to develop oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis? Cureus.2021;13(2):e13407. doi:10.7759/cureus.13407
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your skin.
- Rinaldi G. The itch-scratch cycle: a review of the mechanisms. Dermatol Pract Concept,2019;9(2):90-97. doi:10.5826/dpc.0902a03
By Nancy LeBrun In addition to her extensive health and wellness writing, Nancy has written about many general interest topics for publications as diverse as Newsweek, Teen Vogue, abcnews.com, and Craftsmanship Quarterly. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. Thanks for your feedback!
When should I be worried about armpit rash?
A rash in your armpit, or “axilla,” can be mild or severe, short-lived or chronic, and treatments depend on the underlying cause. Over-the-counter creams can work best for some rashes, while others require a prescription. Any time you have lingering symptoms—like an itchy, irritated armpit—it’s not a bad idea to see a healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions.
Eep reading to get the lowdown on armpit rashes and what to do about them. Getty Images This rash is caused by exposure to something that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction, according to MedlinePlus. Contact dermatitis is probably the most common cause of armpit rashes, Lisa Chipps, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, told Health,
Patients usually come in with a story, “like they’re worried about the deodorant that they just applied the last few months or weeks.” There are two main types of contact dermatitis, Per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), each can cause an itchy, burning, or painful rash.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance that provokes an immune response. Your rash could be an allergic reaction to fragrances and preservatives in soap and skin products, for example, or poison ivy (presuming you recently had a brush with this poisonous plant). Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common type of contact dermatitis, says MedlinePlus. It’s caused by repeated exposure to an irritant. Such exposures may include applied products such as deodorants, antiperspirants, soaps, or washes.
It’s possible to have both types of contact dermatitis, Yale Medicine points out. So what’s the solution? The best advice is to avoid the allergen or irritant. “Usually, when you discontinue the offending product, usually you can clear up the rash,” said Dr.
- Chipps. “And sometimes we’ll prescribe some anti-inflammatory creams to use to get the patient to feel better faster,” Dr.
- Chipps added.
- In more severe cases, Yale Medicine says healthcare providers may recommend oral steroids, such as prednisone, to relieve an itchy rash.
- Also known as acne inversa, HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
It begins as a blockage of hair follicles in areas of the body where certain sweat glands (called apocrine sweat glands) reside, says MedlinePlus. “One of the major areas that it occurs is in the axilla, but it could certainly occur in the groin,” Amy McMichael, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Health,
- While anyone can develop this condition, it’s more common in women, particularly African American cisgender females, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
- In its mildest form, HS produces small, painful, pus-filled bumps.
- They may look reddish, purplish, or darker brown, depending on a person’s skin color, said Dr.
McMichael. As HS progresses, larger nodules can develop. The bumps can rupture and leak foul-smelling fluid and pus, says MedlinePlus. Tracks or tunnels connecting the wounds may form beneath the surface of the skin, leading to scarring and even keloids, noted Dr.
- McMichael.
- Treatment, Dr.
- McMichael said, depends on the severity of the disease.
- Topically applied cleansers and antibiotics might be the first choice for mild disease.
- For moderate disease, options include various oral medications and combination therapies.
- Adalimumab (Humira), an injectable biologic, is approved for moderate-to-severe disease, says the AAD,
Various surgical procedures may be performed to allow the pus-filled lesions to drain and heal. A zit-like rash in your armpits? It could be folliculitis, a common condition that occurs when hair follicles become infected, per the AAD, “We see that most often when people are shaving too close to the skin and then getting ingrown hairs or little nicks in the skin that allow the normal skin bacteria to penetrate and get in under the skin,” said Dr.
- Chipps. Treatment may depend on the type and severity of the rash, Fred H.
- Brennan, Jr., DO, assistant director of the University of South Florida-BayCare family medicine and sports medicine programs in Clearwater, Florida, told Health,
- For a mild, pimply rash, it may be best to stop shaving for a couple of days and apply an over-the-counter topical steroid, like hydrocortisone cream, a couple of times a day, Dr.
Brennan said. For a more severe rash, where the bumps are topped by pustules, or little whiteheads, you may need an antibiotic. “That means you have a pretty good infection brewing there,” said Dr. Brennan. Laser hair removal can be helpful in reducing the thickness of the hair and decreasing hair growth in the area, noted Dr.
- McMichael.
- AN is not a rash, per se.
- It’s a velvety thickening of the skin in the body’s folds and creases, and that includes the armpits, according to UpToDate.
- These patches appear darker in color than the surrounding skin.
- Acanthosis nigricans has been linked to insulin resistance (due to diabetes or pre-diabetes, for example), hormonal irregularities (like thyroid disease), and the use of certain drugs (such as birth control pills or steroids), notes the AAD.
People who are overweight, have a family history of AN, or have darker skin are at greater risk of developing this skin condition. Although AN usually develops slowly, its sudden appearance may be a sign of cancer, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) cautions.
If there’s an underlying medical cause, addressing the issue may help—managing insulin resistance, for example. To reduce the appearance of AN, per the AAD, healthcare providers may suggest oral or topical retinoids to help clear the skin, laser treatments to reduce the skin thickness, or topical medication to lighten the skin.
Dr. McMichael has seen patients who’ve tried to lighten the patches under their pits with bleaching cream, but this is not recommended for the sensitive skin of the axilla. “When you try to treat it with a bleaching agent, it just doesn’t work, and it can be very irritating.” Chafing, or skin rubbing against skin, especially in warm or moist areas of the body, can cause this itchy or burning rash known as intertrigo, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
It can appear red-to-violet in color or even just hyperpigmented, according to Dr. McMichael. “We typically see it most commonly under the breast, but you could get it in the underarms too,” Dr. McMichael said. Intertrigo affects the outer layers of skin, says MedlinePlus. These so-called intertriginous areas can ooze, crack, or bleed, the AAFP explains, and as the skin breaks down, it becomes vulnerable to infection.
Keeping skin folds cool and dry can help with healing and prevent recurrences, says the AAFP. As for treatment, MedlinePlus says options include antibiotic or antifungal creams, topical steroid cream, and drying agents (such as antiperspirant or absorbent powder).
- This is a type of rash that affects the body’s skin folds, says the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).
- One study published in 2016 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that it affects 24% to 30% of people with psoriasis.
- Unlike the white, scaly patches that psoriasis usually produces, inverse psoriasis (aka intertriginous psoriasis) can be smooth and shiny, the foundation notes.
Additionally, the rash can be sore, itchy, and irritated from sweating, according to a 2018 study published in Dermatology Therapy, “A lot of times people think they have intertrigo or yeast,” said Dr. McMichael. But the key to treatment is getting a proper diagnosis: “You could put all the anti-yeast medicine you want on that, and if you don’t biopsy it and find out that it’s psoriasis, then you’ll miss the boat,” Dr.
- McMichael said.
- Topical steroids are usually the first choice of treatment, per the NPF, although more severe cases may require oral medication or biologic therapy.
- Ringworm is an itchy, scaly rash that forms a ring-like pattern on the skin.
- It belongs to a group of diseases called tinea, which is caused by fungi, per MedlinePlus.
“Just like people get athlete’s foot or jock itch, sometimes they can get a fungal infection in the armpit from moisture and heat,” explained Dr. Chipps. Ringworm spreads via contact with an infected person or animal or by touching a surface where the fungi like to live, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While anyone can get ringworm, athletes are more vulnerable—particularly those involved in contact sports. Wrestlers might get it under their arms from skin-to-skin contact, for example. You can also get ringworm by sharing towels or other personal items with someone who has the infection, the CDC explains.
Ringworm is typically treated topically with an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication, the CDC notes. Yeast thrives in warm, moist creases of the body, per MedlinePlus, and that includes your armpits. Candidiasis is simply a yeast infection of the skin.
The same fungus that causes most vaginal yeast infections, Candida albicans, is often responsible for skin infections too. These infections are the result of an overgrowth of yeast normally found on your skin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sometimes they’re a complication of intertrigo, says the AAFP.
This type of rash may be pimply and can itch, burn, or ooze, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. The go-to treatment? Antifungal powders. Yes, you can get a pimply underarm rash from being overheated. But unlike a fungal infection, which can take some time to clear up, a heat rash is fleeting.
- It’s more of an inflammatory process that goes away when you cool the skin,” said Dr. Chipps.
- It doesn’t linger around.” Per the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this type of rash (also called miliaria) occurs when sweat glands and ducts become obstructed by bacteria, skin cells, oil, or other debris.
Clusters of pimples or small blisters can make your skin feel itchy or irritated—causing prickly, tingling pain, according to the AAFP. If you keep your skin cool and dry, the rash should clear up on its own, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sometimes healthcare providers prescribe a corticosteroid lotion.
Cutaneous lymphoma, or lymphoma of the skin, is an uncommon type of cancer, says the American Cancer Society (ACS). It begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. Skin lymphomas may appear as pimples, flat patches, thick plaques, or nodules, says the ACS,
They may be itchy and range in color from red to purple. If cancer reaches the lymph nodes, you may feel a lump in your armpit area. Most skin lymphomas have no known cause. According to the ACS, having a weakened immune system can boost your risk of developing skin lymphoma, although it’s not clear why.
What deodorant is good for itchy armpits?
Itchy and sensitive skin needs gentle deodorant. Dove deodorants are suitable for itchy underarms because they’re formulated to care for your skin, with our ¼ moisturizers to leave your underarms feeling soft and smooth. If your skin is particularly sensitive, choose Dove alcohol-free deodorants.
Why are my armpits dark?
How To Treat & Prevent Dark Underarms There is no other part of the body more susceptible to dark spots and hyperpigmentation than your underarms and face – the only difference being that the underarms don’t call attention as much as they do an area like your face.
That is until it warms up outside and the layers start to peel back. Those cute tank tops, bathing suits, summer dresses, and short-sleeves mean your arms are on full display and your underarms are front and center. Of course, lifting your arms to reveal dark marks can really throw off your confidence.
You’re not alone, millions of people suffer from underarm hyperpigmentation, and for a number of different reasons. Dark underarms can happen due to a variety of things, from skin conditions like hyperpigmentation or ingrown hairs, excessive sun exposure, shaving with a razor, or even poor hygiene or diet.
There are, however ways to treat and prevent dark underarms from ruining your summer plans. By regularly waxing your underarms, using products like Barra Brightening cream, Ipanema Ingrown Hair Serum, and following basic skin care tips, it’s possible to reverse the discoloration effectively, and even prevent further damage to the skin in the future.
Why do underarms get dark? The skin under your arms has tons of skin folds, which makes it very sensitive and sometimes difficult to manage. This part of the body is very sensitive and prone to discoloration for a number of reasons, which is why our underarms need as much care and attention as any other visible area on our face and body.
When we do things like shaving with a razor, it can result in tiny cuts in our skin that can become infected with bacteria or yeast causing inflammation and color change in our skin tone. Alcohol-based deodorants can also irritate your skin causing it to become dark in color as well as sweating a lot which can also cause your armpits to become darker than usual.
The most common cause is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from irritation — generally caused by ingrown hair, overexposure to UV rays, sweat, dirt buildup, and even fabric irritation from the clothing you wear. Repeated exposure to drying and damaging products or irritating chemicals may lead to skin pigmentation and dark marks.
Preventing Dark Underarms The best way to Preventing Dark Underarms is by practicing consistent and daily care of the skin on your underarms. Here are some tips to help you prevent dark underarms: Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Sun exposure can cause your skin to become darker, so wearing sunscreen is essential for everyone — especially those with fair complexions. Apply sunscreen every day, including your underarms, before you go out in the sun so that you can minimize sun damage and prevent dark underarms.
- Exfoliate Regularly Get rid of dead skin cells that can make your underarm area look darker than usual.
- You should exfoliate at least three times per week; if you have sensitive skin or have never exfoliated before, add our gentle exfoliants, like, to your skincare routine.
- Eep The Area Clean Shower daily with warm water and soap.
Dry yourself thoroughly after showering or bathing as moisture can cause bacteria to thrive under your arms which can lead to darkening of the skin. Cleanses Your Underarms Cleanse your underarms twice daily with an antiperspirant containing aluminum salts that absorb moisture from the sweat glands preventing them from producing excess sweat which would otherwise stain clothes.
- Test different deodorants to find the one best for you.
- Avoid Friction from fabrics Avoiding any unnecessary friction to the area, heavy, harsh, itchy fabrics should be avoided.
- Breathable fabrics like cotton allow proper ventilation to the underarm area.
- Treating Dark Underarms If you experience dark underarms there are treatment options to consider to minimize the appearance of dark marks.
This includes waxing, brightening cream, or skincare treatments for ingrown hair and dry skin. Waxing The first recommendation is to wax your underarms every two weeks. This will help to remove any excess hair, dirt, debris, and other irritants that can cause abrasions and ingrown hair from forming on your skin.
Our signature hard wax at Depil Brazil nourishes, hydrates, and also exfoliates the skin to keep it smooth, soft, and even skin tone. Barra Brightening Cream Using our contains vitamins and nourishments to lighten the skin pigment in this area of the body. This cream can also be used on other areas of the body and is effective at reducing dark spots on your underarms.
Apply this daily for the best results. Ipanema Ingrown Hair Serum Ingrown hairs can make the dark marks look worse and can cause pain and irritation when they grow back. Our keeps ingrown hairs, redness, and rashes at bay keeping your skin healthy and smooth longer between your wax appointments.
Whether you’re heading somewhere hot, or just want to look good on a hot day, there are steps that you can take to have the ideal underarm. By adopting some of the best practices we’ve mentioned above, you can benefit from beautiful and soft underarms all summer long—and that’s something worth keeping in mind.
Why Your Deodorant is Giving You an Armpit Rash
Start by booking your first wax at Depil Brazil and speak to one of our experienced, professional Wax Pros about your underarm concerns and get a personalized skincare plan to help treat and prevent your hyperpigmentation. When booking, don’t forget, all first-time guest get their first service FREE! So your underarm dreams can be made a reality, right here at Depil Brazil.
Can I put lotion on my armpits?
Moisturize Intermittently – In the same ways your face and body crave moisture, your underarms need hydration to look and feel their best. They just don’t need it quite as frequently. Since they are damp, Dr. Zalka recommends using a pH-balanced underarm or body lotion once or twice a week, or more as needed for dryness.
How long does an armpit rash last?
Some armpit rashes can last a few hours and disappear if an irritant is removed. Others occur with a chronic condition, such as psoriasis, and may come and go for many years.
What does a deodorant rash look like?
Most adults are in the habit of swiping deodorant or antiperspirant under their arms as a part of their daily hygiene routine. Both deodorant and antiperspirant products are meant to keep your body smelling fresh, even as your body temperature rises and you begin to sweat.
When you get redness, itching, or flaking skin where you applied deodorant or antiperspirant, it’s a sign that you might be allergic to something in the product. Since most deodorants and antiperspirants have similar active ingredients, it’s possible that almost all of these products can cause an allergy or sensitivity.
This article will help you figure out if you are allergic to your deodorant and give you tips for treating this kind of allergy. Deodorant is a product that soaks up and masks the odor of your sweat. Antiperspirant is a product that stops you from sweating.
redness inflamed skinhivesitching
You can develop a sensitivity or allergy to your deodorant even if you’ve been using the same product for years. Sometimes, cosmetic companies change their formulas without alerting the consumer, introducing a new ingredient that you may have already been sensitive to.
aluminumfragrancespreservativesdyes
In a 2011 study, 25 percent of people who showed an allergy to cosmetic fragrance were triggered by deodorant fragrance ingredients. Different types of alcohol are considered fragrance ingredients and can also trigger allergies. Preservatives in deodorant can also trigger an allergic rash or irritation.
Parabens are a type of preservative that was once included in many personal care products. Most deodorant companies have removed parabens from their formulas, but there are still some that include parabens. Metals in your cosmetic products can trigger an allergic reaction. One of the ingredients that’s used to stop you from sweating is aluminum.
Research has linked contact dermatitis with this type of aluminum exposure. Dyes used to add to or change the color of your deodorant product may also be the culprit. Symptoms of a deodorant allergy may include:
itchy, red patches under your arms inflammation and swellingscaling and flaking skin where the deodorant has been applied underarm blisters or hiveslumps or cysts under your armpit
It can be hard to pin down whether your deodorant is what’s causing your allergic reaction. Since deodorant and antiperspirant products are allowed to simply list “fragrance” or “parfum” on their ingredient label, it can be hard to tell if it’s any one of the many fragrance ingredients that’s triggering your reaction.
Your doctor or allergy specialist can help you confirm what type of reaction you’re having and what’s causing it. If you have symptoms of a deodorant allergy, your doctor can use a patch test to confirm your diagnosis. There are so many alternatives to deodorant with allergens, with more seeming to pop up every day.
“Natural” deodorant options use ingredients like essential oils, baking soda, and cornstarch to keep your underarms dry. Be careful, though, as people can develop allergies to products labeled as “natural.” Some of these “hypoallergenic” deodorants are more effective than others.
Everyone’s body is different, so you may need to try a few brands before you find the natural deodorant formula that works for you. If you have sensitive skin, it’s possible that you will experience symptoms of itching and redness even with some of the natural deodorant products that are on the market.
Some people find that they are more comfortable skipping deodorant completely or only using it for special circumstances. People lived for thousands of years before they could drop by the supermarket to buy deodorant, so going without it isn’t going to hurt your health.
There’s nothing wrong with a little sweat — in fact, it’s good for you, After an initial “armpit detox,” during which your body will recalibrate the bacteria that live under your arms, you may find that you don’t notice a particularly strong or offensive smell coming from your armpits. Some people use a few drops of a natural antibacterial substance under their arms to keep them feeling fresh.
One example is tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil, like almond oil. When you’re experiencing an allergic reaction from your deodorant, your first priority might be symptom relief. An over-the-counter topical antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can be applied to soothe burning, itching skin.
- If symptoms persist or the rash is especially painful, your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical cream.
- Home remedies such as cold compresses, an oatmeal bath, and calamine lotion may also help symptoms of itching and inflammation.
- Going forward, you should identify and try to avoid the allergen.
This could be as simple as switching deodorants. It might involve a visit to your doctor to figure out which ingredient is causing your reaction. How to find relief when you have a skin rash or allergy There are a few tried-and-true home remedies that can help you find relief when you have an allergic reaction.
applying pure aloe vera using tea tree oil, diluted with coconut oil applying baking soda paste bathing in Epsom saltapplying cold compresses taking an oatmeal bathapplying calamine lotion
Having an allergic reaction to your deodorant isn’t uncommon. It also isn’t usually a medical emergency. Self-treatment with home remedies, switching products, and identifying your allergy trigger might be enough to ensure that you don’t have to deal with symptoms of this type of allergy again.
Can I put Vaseline on itchy armpits?
King suggests. Apply an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream and a soothing petroleum jelly-based product like Vaseline to the affected skin, she says. If your symptoms persist or worsen, see a primary care doctor or a board-certified dermatologist if you are able to.
Can sweat cause you to itch?
Abstract – Sweating plays an important role in maintaining temperature homeostasis in humans. However, under certain circumstances, sweat can cause itching. For example, when excessive sweat accumulates on the skin surface for a long period, miliaria can develop and cause itching.
Subjects with dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), suffer from itch when exposed to heat or psychological stresses, which are also known perspiration stimuli. Recently, some mechanisms of sweat-induced itch have been revealed. For instance, attenuated sweating ability is observed in subjects with AD, causing heat retention, skin dryness, and high susceptibility to itch.
Furthermore, the decreased tight junction of the sweat gland in AD leads to sweat leakage in the dermis, which could be designated as a “sweat endocrine response” and may be the cause of tingling itch during sweating. Additionally, metabolomic analysis of sweat from patients with AD revealed that glucose concentration in sweat increases according to disease severity.
What is the fungus in my armpits?
Candida infection of the skin is a yeast infection of the skin. The medical name of the condition is cutaneous candidiasis. The body normally hosts a variety of germs, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body, some produce no harm or benefit, and some can cause harmful infections.
Some fungal infections are caused by fungi that often live on the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. They include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Sometimes, these yeast penetrate beneath the surface of the skin and cause infection. In cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is infected with candida fungi. This type of infection is fairly common.
It can involve almost any skin on the body, but most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes cutaneous candidiasis is Candida albicans, Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants.
The fungi take advantage of the warm, moist conditions inside the diaper. Candida infection is also particularly common in people with diabetes and in those who are obese. Antibiotics, steroid therapy, and chemotherapy increase the risk of cutaneous candidiasis. Candida can also cause infections of the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.
Oral thrush, a form of candida infection of the moist lining of the mouth, usually occurs when people take antibiotics though only a small number of people who take antibiotics get thrush. It may also be a sign of an HIV infection or other weakened immune system disorders when it occurs in adults.
Individuals with candida infections are not usually contagious, though in some settings people with weakened immune systems may catch the infection. When it occurs in the mouth or vagina, it is sometimes called mucocutaneous candidiasis. Candida is also the most frequent cause of vaginal yeast infections.
These infections are common and often occur with antibiotic use. Candida infection of the skin can cause intense itching. Symptoms also include:
Red, growing skin rashRash on the skin folds, genitals, middle of the body, buttocks, under the breasts, and other areas of skinInfection of the hair follicles that may look like pimples
Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Your provider may gently scrape off a sample of skin for testing. Older children and adults with a yeast skin infection should be tested for diabetes. High sugar levels, seen in people with diabetes, act as food for the yeast fungus and help it grow.
- Good general health and hygiene are very important for treating candida infections of the skin.
- Eeping the skin dry and exposed to air is helpful.
- Drying (absorbent) powders may help prevent fungal infections.
- Losing weight may help eliminate the problem if you are overweight.
- Proper blood sugar control may also be helpful to those with diabetes.
Antifungal skin creams, ointments, or powders may be used to treat a yeast infection of the skin, mouth, or vagina. You may need to take antifungal medicine by mouth for severe candida infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina. Cutaneous candidiasis often goes away with treatment, especially if the underlying cause is corrected.
Infection of the nails may cause the nails to become oddly shaped and may cause an infection around the nail. Candida skin infections may return.Widespread candidiasis may occur in people with weakened immune systems.
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis. Skin infection – fungal; Fungal infection – skin; Skin infection – yeast; Yeast infection – skin; Intertriginous candidiasis; Cutaneous candidiasis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- Fungal diseases: candidiasis.
- Www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html,
- Updated June 28, 2022.
- Accessed January 3, 2023.
- James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM.
- Diseases resulting from fungi and yeasts.
- In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds.
- Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology,13th ed.
Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15. Lionakis MS, Edwards JE. Candida species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases,9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 256.
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M.
Editorial team.
Can stress cause armpit pain?
How Anxiety Can Cause Underarm Pain – Every part of your body is affected by anxiety. But of course, your underarm pain isn’t the only issue that occurs when you’re anxious. You may be wondering, what do my armpits have to do with how anxious I get? The fact is, there are many different issues that can lead to underarm pain – some of which are directly caused by anxiety, some of which are caused by other symptoms of anxiety that seem to have an effect on the armpits.
Rapid Heart Rate Rapid heartbeat and the rapid breathing that accompanies it demands that the muscles in your chest work overtime to accommodate the quick movements of your lungs and heart. Overusing these muscles makes them feel tense and can send pain shooting through them when you move in a way that causes them to flex. Shaking Shaking happens as a part of the flight or fight response your body engages in, alerting all your muscles to the possibility that they make have to be used on short notice to combat or escape the perceived threat (essentially getting them “warmed up”). However, the adrenaline that shaking sends to your muscles does not get used when there is no fighting or running away necessary. This confuses your muscles and leaves them feeling strained and achy. Sweating/Irritation Interestingly, another forgotten cause of underarm pain is sweating. Sweating itself doesn’t lead to underarm pain, but what it does do is irritate the skin, which in turn can cause itching or burning that may result in pain. It’s an indirect symptom that can still lead to fairly distressing discomfort.
While anxiety can be a cause of underarm pain (and can be addressed in order to make the pain go away), it will be important to be sure that it is not being caused by something more serious, as doing so can actually help relieve your anxiety.
Why are my arms so itchy at night?
Dry skin : Your body loses moisture at night, which can make your skin itchy. Hormonal changes: At night, your body doesn’t produce as many hormones as it does during the day and certain hormones reduce inflammation (swelling). As you have fewer hormones at night, your skin could be itchy.
What is lymphoma itching like?
What Does a Rash From Hodgkin Lymphoma Look Like? If you’re experiencing a skin rash, you may be wondering what’s causing it and whether it could be a sign of Hodgkin lymphoma. Although certain other types of lymphoma can cause skin irritation, this symptom is fairly uncommon with Hodgkin lymphoma, which sometimes produces pruritus (itchiness) without a rash.
Researchers believe the itchiness is caused by cytokines, which are chemicals released by the body’s immune system in response to lymphoma. Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching. Many individuals experience this itchiness in their hands, lower legs or feet, while others feel it throughout their entire body.
Patients often report that the itching tends to worsen while they are lying in bed at night.
What does diabetes itch feel like?
Frequently Asked Questions –
- Is itching a sign of type 2 diabetes? Itching can be a sign of type 2 diabetes caused by high blood sugar. One study found that over one-third of people with type 2 diabetes itched enough that it affected their quality of life.
- Can diabetes cause vaginal itching? People who have diabetes are more likely to have vaginal itching because they are at higher risk for yeast infections. Yeast infections commonly cause vaginal itching.
- What does diabetes itching feel like? If you have diabetes, itching can be intense. It’s an irritating feeling that makes it hard not to scratch, but scratching can make the itch worse. You can itch anywhere, but if you have nerve damage (neuropathy) associated with diabetes, your lower legs may itch.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study. Biology (Basel),2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332
- Schmelz M. Itch processing in the skin. Front Med,2019;0. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00167
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your skin.
- Datsi A, Steinhoff M, Ahmad F, Alam M, Buddenkotte J. Interleukin‐31: the “itchy” cytokine in inflammation and therapy, Allergy.2021;76(10):2982-2997. doi:10.1111/all.14791
- Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC. Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study. Biology (Basel),2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332
- American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and skin complications,
- Mohammed L, Jha G, Malasevskaia I, Goud HK, Hassan A. The interplay between sugar and yeast infections: do diabetics have a greater predisposition to develop oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis? Cureus.2021;13(2):e13407. doi:10.7759/cureus.13407
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and your skin.
- Rinaldi G. The itch-scratch cycle: a review of the mechanisms. Dermatol Pract Concept,2019;9(2):90-97. doi:10.5826/dpc.0902a03
By Nancy LeBrun In addition to her extensive health and wellness writing, Nancy has written about many general interest topics for publications as diverse as Newsweek, Teen Vogue, abcnews.com, and Craftsmanship Quarterly. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. Thanks for your feedback!
When should I be worried about armpit rash?
A rash in your armpit, or “axilla,” can be mild or severe, short-lived or chronic, and treatments depend on the underlying cause. Over-the-counter creams can work best for some rashes, while others require a prescription. Any time you have lingering symptoms—like an itchy, irritated armpit—it’s not a bad idea to see a healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions.
- Eep reading to get the lowdown on armpit rashes and what to do about them.
- Getty Images This rash is caused by exposure to something that irritates the skin or causes an allergic reaction, according to MedlinePlus.
- Contact dermatitis is probably the most common cause of armpit rashes, Lisa Chipps, MD, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, told Health,
Patients usually come in with a story, “like they’re worried about the deodorant that they just applied the last few months or weeks.” There are two main types of contact dermatitis, Per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), each can cause an itchy, burning, or painful rash.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance that provokes an immune response. Your rash could be an allergic reaction to fragrances and preservatives in soap and skin products, for example, or poison ivy (presuming you recently had a brush with this poisonous plant). Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common type of contact dermatitis, says MedlinePlus. It’s caused by repeated exposure to an irritant. Such exposures may include applied products such as deodorants, antiperspirants, soaps, or washes.
It’s possible to have both types of contact dermatitis, Yale Medicine points out. So what’s the solution? The best advice is to avoid the allergen or irritant. “Usually, when you discontinue the offending product, usually you can clear up the rash,” said Dr.
- Chipps. “And sometimes we’ll prescribe some anti-inflammatory creams to use to get the patient to feel better faster,” Dr.
- Chipps added.
- In more severe cases, Yale Medicine says healthcare providers may recommend oral steroids, such as prednisone, to relieve an itchy rash.
- Also known as acne inversa, HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
It begins as a blockage of hair follicles in areas of the body where certain sweat glands (called apocrine sweat glands) reside, says MedlinePlus. “One of the major areas that it occurs is in the axilla, but it could certainly occur in the groin,” Amy McMichael, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Health,
While anyone can develop this condition, it’s more common in women, particularly African American cisgender females, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). In its mildest form, HS produces small, painful, pus-filled bumps. They may look reddish, purplish, or darker brown, depending on a person’s skin color, said Dr.
McMichael. As HS progresses, larger nodules can develop. The bumps can rupture and leak foul-smelling fluid and pus, says MedlinePlus. Tracks or tunnels connecting the wounds may form beneath the surface of the skin, leading to scarring and even keloids, noted Dr.
McMichael. Treatment, Dr. McMichael said, depends on the severity of the disease. Topically applied cleansers and antibiotics might be the first choice for mild disease. For moderate disease, options include various oral medications and combination therapies. Adalimumab (Humira), an injectable biologic, is approved for moderate-to-severe disease, says the AAD,
Various surgical procedures may be performed to allow the pus-filled lesions to drain and heal. A zit-like rash in your armpits? It could be folliculitis, a common condition that occurs when hair follicles become infected, per the AAD, “We see that most often when people are shaving too close to the skin and then getting ingrown hairs or little nicks in the skin that allow the normal skin bacteria to penetrate and get in under the skin,” said Dr.
- Chipps. Treatment may depend on the type and severity of the rash, Fred H.
- Brennan, Jr., DO, assistant director of the University of South Florida-BayCare family medicine and sports medicine programs in Clearwater, Florida, told Health,
- For a mild, pimply rash, it may be best to stop shaving for a couple of days and apply an over-the-counter topical steroid, like hydrocortisone cream, a couple of times a day, Dr.
Brennan said. For a more severe rash, where the bumps are topped by pustules, or little whiteheads, you may need an antibiotic. “That means you have a pretty good infection brewing there,” said Dr. Brennan. Laser hair removal can be helpful in reducing the thickness of the hair and decreasing hair growth in the area, noted Dr.
McMichael. AN is not a rash, per se. It’s a velvety thickening of the skin in the body’s folds and creases, and that includes the armpits, according to UpToDate. These patches appear darker in color than the surrounding skin. Acanthosis nigricans has been linked to insulin resistance (due to diabetes or pre-diabetes, for example), hormonal irregularities (like thyroid disease), and the use of certain drugs (such as birth control pills or steroids), notes the AAD.
People who are overweight, have a family history of AN, or have darker skin are at greater risk of developing this skin condition. Although AN usually develops slowly, its sudden appearance may be a sign of cancer, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) cautions.
If there’s an underlying medical cause, addressing the issue may help—managing insulin resistance, for example. To reduce the appearance of AN, per the AAD, healthcare providers may suggest oral or topical retinoids to help clear the skin, laser treatments to reduce the skin thickness, or topical medication to lighten the skin.
Dr. McMichael has seen patients who’ve tried to lighten the patches under their pits with bleaching cream, but this is not recommended for the sensitive skin of the axilla. “When you try to treat it with a bleaching agent, it just doesn’t work, and it can be very irritating.” Chafing, or skin rubbing against skin, especially in warm or moist areas of the body, can cause this itchy or burning rash known as intertrigo, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
It can appear red-to-violet in color or even just hyperpigmented, according to Dr. McMichael. “We typically see it most commonly under the breast, but you could get it in the underarms too,” Dr. McMichael said. Intertrigo affects the outer layers of skin, says MedlinePlus. These so-called intertriginous areas can ooze, crack, or bleed, the AAFP explains, and as the skin breaks down, it becomes vulnerable to infection.
Keeping skin folds cool and dry can help with healing and prevent recurrences, says the AAFP. As for treatment, MedlinePlus says options include antibiotic or antifungal creams, topical steroid cream, and drying agents (such as antiperspirant or absorbent powder).
- This is a type of rash that affects the body’s skin folds, says the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).
- One study published in 2016 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology found that it affects 24% to 30% of people with psoriasis.
- Unlike the white, scaly patches that psoriasis usually produces, inverse psoriasis (aka intertriginous psoriasis) can be smooth and shiny, the foundation notes.
Additionally, the rash can be sore, itchy, and irritated from sweating, according to a 2018 study published in Dermatology Therapy, “A lot of times people think they have intertrigo or yeast,” said Dr. McMichael. But the key to treatment is getting a proper diagnosis: “You could put all the anti-yeast medicine you want on that, and if you don’t biopsy it and find out that it’s psoriasis, then you’ll miss the boat,” Dr.
McMichael said. Topical steroids are usually the first choice of treatment, per the NPF, although more severe cases may require oral medication or biologic therapy. Ringworm is an itchy, scaly rash that forms a ring-like pattern on the skin. It belongs to a group of diseases called tinea, which is caused by fungi, per MedlinePlus.
“Just like people get athlete’s foot or jock itch, sometimes they can get a fungal infection in the armpit from moisture and heat,” explained Dr. Chipps. Ringworm spreads via contact with an infected person or animal or by touching a surface where the fungi like to live, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While anyone can get ringworm, athletes are more vulnerable—particularly those involved in contact sports. Wrestlers might get it under their arms from skin-to-skin contact, for example. You can also get ringworm by sharing towels or other personal items with someone who has the infection, the CDC explains.
Ringworm is typically treated topically with an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication, the CDC notes. Yeast thrives in warm, moist creases of the body, per MedlinePlus, and that includes your armpits. Candidiasis is simply a yeast infection of the skin.
- The same fungus that causes most vaginal yeast infections, Candida albicans, is often responsible for skin infections too.
- These infections are the result of an overgrowth of yeast normally found on your skin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Sometimes they’re a complication of intertrigo, says the AAFP.
This type of rash may be pimply and can itch, burn, or ooze, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. The go-to treatment? Antifungal powders. Yes, you can get a pimply underarm rash from being overheated. But unlike a fungal infection, which can take some time to clear up, a heat rash is fleeting.
It’s more of an inflammatory process that goes away when you cool the skin,” said Dr. Chipps. “It doesn’t linger around.” Per the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this type of rash (also called miliaria) occurs when sweat glands and ducts become obstructed by bacteria, skin cells, oil, or other debris.
Clusters of pimples or small blisters can make your skin feel itchy or irritated—causing prickly, tingling pain, according to the AAFP. If you keep your skin cool and dry, the rash should clear up on its own, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sometimes healthcare providers prescribe a corticosteroid lotion.
Cutaneous lymphoma, or lymphoma of the skin, is an uncommon type of cancer, says the American Cancer Society (ACS). It begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. Skin lymphomas may appear as pimples, flat patches, thick plaques, or nodules, says the ACS,
They may be itchy and range in color from red to purple. If cancer reaches the lymph nodes, you may feel a lump in your armpit area. Most skin lymphomas have no known cause. According to the ACS, having a weakened immune system can boost your risk of developing skin lymphoma, although it’s not clear why.
Does lymphoma cause armpit rash?
Where Does a Lymphoma Rash Appear? – For those concerned with where does a lymphoma rash appear, rashes can appear almost anywhere on the body. The location typically will depend on where the lymphoma starts to develop in the body. Depending on where the rash is, it can lead to some different symptoms.
- Below are some of the most common locations for rashes in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Lymphoma Rash on Chest The chest and torso are some of the most common places for patients to first discover rashes due to the lack of direct sunlight in some patients.
- Especially in early stages, many patients will have some form of rash develop here in both MF and SS.
Lymphoma Rash on Face Although the face is common for patches of hardened skin that itches and ulcerates in both MF and SS, the face does not typically get red and dry patches of skin. Overtime, bumps may appear on top of the facial rash as it progresses. Rashes can occur in the armpit if MF is present since not much sunlight is directed to the armpits. This area of skin can also be affected by SS with red and itchy patches of skin on the arms and armpits. Lymphoma Rash on Neck Due to the amount of skin folds on the neck, many patches of irritated skin will look like eczema.