The armpit is a sensitive part of the body that will require specific care to keep the skin here from becoming agitated. Unfortunately, many deodorants or perfumes intended to be placed in the armpit can cause the skin to develop a rash. Shaving the hair in this area can only make this reaction worse because it will agitate already sensitive skin and leave small cuts that are susceptible to damage. Not only is a rash in the armpit uncomfortable, it can be embarrassing and unsightly as well. Determining what caused the rash in your armpit can help you provide adequate treatment to make it fade and prevent it from occurring again.
5 Common Causes and Treatments of Armpit Rash
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Improper Shaving | |
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Description |
Using a razor to remove hair in the armpits is a common practice in many parts of the country. Because the skin in this area is so sensitive, this practice can easily cause irritation to the skin. Shaving with an old razor can increase this risk. Older razors will be duller, forcing you to use more pressure to remove the hair. This can lead to additional cutting on the skin. |
Treatment：How to Shave Your Underarms to Prevent Armpit Rashes:
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Chemicals | |
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Description |
Because of the sweat glands located here, people will typically place chemical based deodorants or perfumes to mask the smell. Overusing these products can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. Some people may be allergic or excessively sensitive to products commonly used in deodorants, causing irritation to occur. Detergents or soaps that contain harsh chemicals can cause you to experience an allergic reaction that will leave a rash in the armpit. |
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Treatment |
Having your skin tested for allergies can help you find products that will not agitate your skin. Deodorants that do not contain aluminum are also less damaging on the skin, which can be helpful for those that have sensitive skin. |
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Tight and Synthetic Clothing | |
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Description |
Wearing clothes made of synthetic materials can cause an allergic reaction for some wearers. Clothing that hugs the armpit tightly can also cause the sweat to become trapped along the skin, causing the skin on the armpit to become irritated. |
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Treatment |
To avoid this problem, wear loose clothing that allows the skin in the armpit to breathe. Clothes made of cotton are particularly effective for this. |
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Poor Personal Hygiene | |
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Description |
Because of the sweat that collects here, the armpit is particularly susceptible to skin infections. This risk is increased because the underarm does not get much air, allowing bacteria to thrive in this area. |
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Treatment |
Carefully washing your armpits with antibacterial soap is essential to making sure that you do not develop an infection in the armpit that can lead to foul odors, inflammation or a rash. |
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Infections | |
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Description |
Poor hygiene can cause bacterial infections that can lead to rashes in the armpit. However, fungal infections in this area are a much more common cause of an underarm rash. Ringworm can infect the armpits, leading to a burning or itching sensation in this area. If you do not follow proper hygiene rituals or keep your armpit hair thick you will be much more susceptible to developing an armpit rash caused by ringworm. Sweating excessively can also make you more susceptible to developing an infection in the underarms. |
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Treatment |
If you develop a fungal infection in the underarms you will need to wash the area thoroughly and make a point of keeping it dry. Apply an antifungal cream that has clotrimazole in it to help kill off the spores. Your doctor can also provide you with a prescription antifungal cream to clear up your infection. |
Other Causes
- Excessive Heat. A rash on the underarm may actually be a heat rash. This can cause painless, red bumps to appear in this area when the atmosphere is hot and wet. Dusting the armpits with talcum powder when these weather conditions occur can help you avoid this rash. Once these rashes occur, you can apply topical corticosteroids to help relieve your discomfort.
- Friction. When the skin on the armpit rubs together it can cause a type of burn on the skin. This is a particular problem for those that are overweight. If you constantly experience friction in the underarms it can cause the follicles to become infected. Wearing lose clothing can help avoid this problem, as can maintaining a healthy weight.
- Folliculitis. This condition is caused by friction between the skin in the underarm rubbing against your clothing.
- Hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for excessive sweating.
- Dermatitis. Dermatitis may refer to a large number of skin issues. Any condition that would commonly cause a rash to appear on other parts of the body can affect the underarms as well.
- Ichthyosi. Ichthyosis is caused by the skin becoming excessively dry and flaking off, leading to a rash that it itchy and uncomfortable.
7 Easy Home Remedies for Armpit Rash
If you have already developed a rash in the armpits there are a few home remedies you can take to get relief. These include:
- Applying ice to the rash can help relieve itching.
- Applying Aloe Vera, vitamin E oil and tea tree oil can also help soothe rashes in the underarms.
- Increasing your intake of vitamin C can help you avoid infections that can agitate the skin.
- Lemon. Citric acid in lemon juice kills the bacteria underneath your arms. Take a slice of lemon and swipe it under your pits as a natural deodorant. Remember you should never use lemon juice right after you shave.
- Tea tree oil mixed with water can stop the itchiness and kill the fungus. Use a cotton ball when applying this mixture on the armpit.
- Fresh Strawberries and Heavy Cream. Amixture these two can reduce the visibility of a rash and soothe the irritation. Crush two fresh strawberries in a bowl and add 1 Tbsp. heavy cream. Gently massage onto the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then wash away.
- Lavender Essential Oil and Coconut Oil. A mixture of lavender essential oil and coconut oil can help to get rid of the irritation caused by an underarm rash. Combine 1 tsp. lavender essential oil and 10 tsp. coconut oil. Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean cotton ball and then dab the cotton on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid has dried. Rinse the skin using cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
If you experience a rash fairly regularly or it does not appear to be going away it is important to visit a dermatologist to determine what is causing your problem. They will be able to provide you a more accurate plan for relieving your symptoms.