What causes underarm itching? Get insights on the reason for itchy armpits, rash, during the night, best home remedies for itchy underarms.
Why is my Underarm Itchy
In major occasion armpit is a favorite spot for irritation. You may not be able to see an underarm itching right away, but the itch and irritation or underarm itching can be unbearable in some cases. Armpit itching can be bumpy and red or scaly and white.
Many things can trigger or stimulate underarm itching, and likewise, many treatments can address them. Determining the cause of the itching makes it easier to find relief underarm itching.
Underarm itching can take from a few hours to a few months. Most underarm itching can be easily cured with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.
Underarm Itching Causes
The following are main underarm itching causes:
- Atopic dermatitis
Eczema is commonly in the folds of the body, like behind the knees, the insides elbows, or in your armpits. It’s usually red, itchy, and can crust over.
Because of the unbearable itch, eczema bumps can bleed after a prolonged scratching. Sometimes, eczema bumps seep clear fluid. Majority of persons with eczema experience flare-ups at certain times of the year.
- Seborrheic dermatitis
It is an irritation on skin caused partly by the overproduction of sebum, or skin oils affecting mostly in the body folds especially armpits causing underarm itching.
Some young offspring’s experience a form of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap. This condition usually appears on the scalp, ears, face, and armpits.
- Contact dermatitis
It occurs when you comes into close contact with an allergen or irritant substances such that when they comes in contact with your armpit where there is more of sweat production will lead to occurrence of underarm itching.
- Candidiasis infection
It develops most frequently on moist areas of skin, like the underarms causing underarm itching. It can also lead to swelling, itching, scaling, and red rashes. Candida can get worse especially during hot weather, under tight clothing, or because of poor hygiene.
- Improper Hygiene.
Micro-bacteria appear mostly in areas with sweat and dirt, so those who are very sweaty or dirty may experience a great deal of underarm itching. People should always take shower after exercise to avoid this annoyance problem.
- Washing Detergents
In most cases, underarm itching is due to washing detergent that we mostly use at home. These itching will affect any part of the body that touches clothing. Simply switching detergents should help.
- Lack proper shaving equipment
If you use a blunt razor or don’t use shaving cream, your underarms may become itchy, dry, and irritated. Try to change your razor regularly and use proper shaving cream before shaving.
- Use of bras that are allergens.
Some ladies will be allergic to the nickel, latex, rubber, or elastic in some bras. You can try to select bras that are made using natural materials instead since if your body is allergic to latex then sweating zone especially the armpit will experience underarm itching.
- Intertrigo skin condition
It affects areas where the skins have skin folds, mostly leading to underarm itching or itching in the groin or lower abdomen. It is characterized by redness and itching in most cases, but sometimes the skin may be crusty or cracked or even ooze a liquid that smells foul.
Quickest Methods of healing Underarm Itching
- Keep Good Hygiene. As sated earlier, underarm itching may be due to poor hygiene. To avoid this cause, simply practice good hygiene.
- Keep off from Irritants. In many cases, deodorants will contain parabens, alcohol, fragrances, or aluminum, which can trigger a negative reaction. Test various products to see which ones will cause irritation or opt for a natural method, such as baking soda, potassium alum or lemon juice.
- Stop Shaving. Shaving may lead to ingrown and infected hair follicles. Instead of shaving, try to use a depilatory agent or waxing.
- Apply Hot Compress. A hot, moist compress promotes drainage, but always changes the compress between uses.
- Use Soothing Lotions. Try applying oils with vitamin E, aloe Vera or tea tree oil. You can also try calamine lotion or taking an oatmeal bath.
Itchy armpit Rash
Itchy Armpit rashes can be prolonged from several hours to several months. Most rashes can be easily medicated with home cures or over-the-counter treatments. However, it’s beneficial to know what’s stimulating the appearances rash before taking precaution to eliminate them and even prevent future rashes appearance.
Here are the possible causes of itchy armpit rash:
- Ingrown hair
If an individual shave underarms, he or she may inadvertently cause an ingrown hair, which means that a strand of broken hair has been bent sideways and is growing back into the skin. This presents itself with a raised, red bump similar to a pimple and can cause itchiness and rash.
- Deodorant
Antiperspirants and deodorants can be responsible for itching or painful armpits. Some of these products can clog sweat glands, trigger dermatitis reactions, or otherwise irritate the skin.
- Swollen lymph nodes
If a person body is fighting off an infection, the lymph nodes can swell to the point that they present irritation and itching.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
It is a rare condition that is best imagined as a “inverse pimple”. It is characterized by hair follicles becoming blocked and inflamed, creating painful cysts under the skin that can open into abscesses or sores and leak pus even without bacteria being present. These wounds do not always heal and can actually form “tunnels” under the skin in extreme cases.
- Overgrowth of skin cells
It is an autoimmune condition characterized by the overgrowth of skin cells and the formation of abnormal patches of skin or lesions. One variant of the condition, inverse psoriasis, almost exclusively affects the folds of the skin. It can cause painful and/or itchy, dry, scaly, red, or white patches to form on the body.
- Eczema
This is inflammation of the skin causes redness, itching, scaling, and blisters. These patches of affected skin can burn, sting, or itch. Dermatitis is categorized based on the cause, but generally it happens because something is irritating the skin (contact or allergic dermatitis) or because the skin is overproducing oils (seborrheic dermatitis). Another common cause is when skin becomes extremely dry and cracked, often in the winter.
- heat rash
This is a condition is caused by blocked sweat glands and typically presents itself with itchy underarms and red bumps. The affected area may “prickle” as well and the rash can spread over other parts of the body.
- Hygiene issues
The armpit is a warm, damp environment and the sort of place bacteria love to grow in. If you have poor personal hygiene, bacteria will multiply and irritate the skin.
What can Cause a Rash under the Armpit
Major causes:
- Poor hygiene
If individuals maintain poor personal hygiene, bacteria will multiply and irritate the skin causing appearance of rashes since the armpit is a warm, damp environment and the sort of place bacteria love to grow in.
- Yeast infection
In cases where you experienced decreased immune function, the yeast can get out of hand and cause an overgrowth and rash.
A candida outbreak is most common in moist areas like the mouth, groin, and armpits. The red rash can cause the skin to peel and is aggravated by tight clothing and warm temperatures.
- Miliaria rubra
It is a condition caused by blocked sweat glands and typically characterized by itchy underarms and red bumps. The affected area may “prickle” as well and the rash can spread over other parts of the body.
- Shaving rash
If a person suffer from appearance of rashes in armpits after shaving, immediately or a day after, the reasons could be the use of dull razors that break or irritate your skin, wrong shaving techniques, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) due to shaving and infections i.e. broken skin, sweating, dirty razors, poor personal hygiene, can cause underarm infection.
- Accumulation of excess skin cells
This condition usually stimulates cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful thus causing development of rashes.
- Accumulation of excess keratin
It is resulted due to excess keratin formation that causes appearance of pimple-like bumps or rough sandpaper like patches on your skin including button, face, leg, and armpit areas. Other symptoms include dry rough skin, irritated armpits, as well as inflamed or itchy underarms.
- Allergic reaction
This happens when an individual comes in contact with some allergens such as poison ivy, laundry detergents, some soaps, household chemicals, among other allergens can cause inflamed or itchy underarms accompanied with development of rashes that are soreness among other symptoms.
Itchy Armpits after Shaving
Itchy, irritated underarms are really an embarrassment, since during the hot months when individuals are eager to go sleeveless and their sensitive armpits may protest against shaving, but that doesn’t mean individuals need to give up the razor to get relief. They can stop the irritation by shaving properly and by curing their skin with some soothing creams afterward.
Tips to control itchy armpits
- Stop shaving your armpits temporarily if they’re itchy or inflamed. Give the skin time to heal.
- Wet your underarms before shaving to help prevent cuts and rashes from developing. Avoid shaving armpits when they’re dry. Always use shaving cream or gel.
- Use a sharp, clean razor each time you shave. Dull razors are more likely to cause skin irritation. In general, it’s best to replace a razor after two weeks of use.
- Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the irritated skin. It will soothe itching, redness and rashes. Use the cream for up to five days or until the rash disappears.
- Use a fragrance- and alcohol-free antiperspirant to avoid causing further irritation. If your antiperspirant makes the itching worse, switch to another one that contains different active ingredients. Alternatively, try using antiperspirant-free deodorant or crystal deodorant. When you’re at home, try to skip the antiperspirant unless you really need it.
- Apply a dab of moisturizer to each underarm after shaving. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe for best results.
- Wear breathable garments, such as cotton T-shirts, to allow fresh air to reach your skin. Constricting clothes may cause you to sweat, leading to more skin irritation. Breathable fabrics help prevent skin from sweating as much.
Itchy armpits at Night
Causes and treatment:
- Shaving effect
If a person suffer from itchy armpits after shaving, immediately or a day after, the reasons could be the use of dull razors that break or irritate the skin, wrong shaving techniques, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) due to shaving and infections i.e. broken skin, sweating, dirty razors, poor personal hygiene, can cause underarm infection.
Treatment: To stop or prevent itchy underarm after shaving, don’t shave armpits if they are already inflamed or itchy, use a moisturizer 15 minutes after shaving, use a shaving gel, change your shaving razors regularly, do not use an antiperspirant or deodorant immediately after shaving, and try other shaving methods such as waxing or shaving creams, laser hair removal if you suffer from really bad itchy armpits after shaving.
- Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
Although uncommon, some women suffer from itchy armpits during pregnancy during early pregnancy, late pregnancy or even after pregnancy and this research has been undertaken by medical specialist.
Conditions such as impetigo and eczema can lead to itchy underarms during pregnancy. Furthermore, most women are vulnerable to yeast infections which can also cause armpit itch.
- Itchy armpits cancer
Breast cancers such as the inflammatory breast cancer can trigger not only an itchy breast but also an itchy underarm area or an itchy patch near the armpit.
If inflammatory breast cancer is behind armpit itching, you might be having itchy armpits cancer symptoms such as swollen, sore, red and warm breasts.
- Psoriasis
Going on with what causes itchy underarms, psoriasis is possible because it causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Although it can affect your legs, arms, back, scalp, etc. it is commonly affects underarms.
- Keratosis Pilaris
This is a condition that is caused by excess keratin formation that results to pimple-like bumps or rough sandpaper like patches on your skin including button, face, leg, and armpit areas. Other symptoms include dry rough skin, irritated armpits, as well as inflamed or itchy underarms.
The problem resolves on its own but home remedies and some over the counter medications can minimize symptoms and speed up recovery.
- Connection with allergens
Coming in contact with some allergens such as poison ivy, laundry detergents, some soap, household chemicals, among other allergens can cause inflamed or itchy underarms accompanied with redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and soreness among other symptoms.
Avoid contact with allergens, use antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms or hydrocortisone cream.
- Fungal infection
It is more common in people who have compromised immunity such as those with HIV STD, cancer, blood disorders, diabetic or undergoing some treatments such as corticosteroid therapy or chemotherapy.
- Fox-Fordyce Disease
It is characterized by small itchy bumps due to clogged sweat glands especially on underarm and groin areas. It can be treated as hidradenitis suppurativa.
Armpit Yeast Infection
Candida is a strain of fungus that can cause an infection under the armpit since the place appears in most occasion dam due to sweating and also among other locations. In normal conditions, the armpit may host small amounts of this fungus. Problems arise when it begins to multiply and creates an overgrowth.
Candida skin infections can occur on almost any area of the body, but they are more commonly found in intertriginous regions. This is where two skin areas touch or rub together.
Such areas include the armpits, groin, and skin folds, as well as the area between your fingers and toes. The fungus thrives in warm, moist, and sweaty conditions.
Candida becomes pathogenic, or capable of causing disease, when conditions are favorable for it to multiply. Hot and humid weather, poor hygiene, or restrictive clothing may produce these conditions.
Certain medications may also increase the risk for this type of fungal infection. Topical corticosteroid medications are the most problematic, but birth control pills and antibiotics are other possible causes.
Symptoms include:
- rashes
- red or purple patches
- white, flaky substance over affected areas
- scaling, or shedding of the skin with flakes
- cracks in the skin
- soreness
- erythema, which results in areas of redness
- maceration, or the appearance of soft white skin
- creamy satellite pustules at margins of affected areas
Treatment of candida infection primarily relies on appearance of armpit. Once a candida infection is diagnosed, the first step is to address the underlying cause. This may include changing your lifestyle to be more cleanly, losing weight if you are overweight, or managing your diabetes.
Treatment from a demertologist may be prescribing drying agents with antifungal creams, ointments, or lotions that are applied to your armpit. Suppositories and oral medications are also available.
There are simple steps you may take to reduce your risk of developing candida infections:
- Wear “dri-fit” clothing that helps wick away moisture from your skin.
- Keep your armpits, groin area, and other areas that are prone to infection clean and dry.
- Always shower and dry yourself thoroughly after activities where you sweat.
- If you are overweight or obese, properly dry your skin folds.
Underarm Itching Home Remedy
There are many causes of armpit rash and different diagnosis for each cause. Armpit rash can be the result of a perfume or deodorant you are wearing, a soap product you are using, or even the clothes that you wear. If you experience armpit rash, learn how to recognize and heal the condition.
Home remedies include:
- Lemon
The citric acid in lemon juice also kills the bacteria underneath your arms. Take a slice of lemon and swipe it under your pits for a nice natural deodorant. Just be sure not to use lemon juice immediately after you shave.
- Cornmeal
Cornmeal can come to your rescue when you want to quickly get rid of itching underarm. The absorptive properties present in cornmeal help treat itchy bumps.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Another easy home treatment for underarm itching is to apply apple cider vinegar. It acts as a natural antiseptic and has antimicrobial properties that help fight skin infections.
- Use of Castor Oil
It contains the properties that are extremely efficient to heal up the injuries and to become dull the scars either dark or deep that resulted due to underarm itching. Castor oil is exceptionally proficient in recuperating the injuries and profoundly valuable in disposing of flaws and moles
- Apply Honey
It has antibacterial and antifungal nature that is important in the treatment of a wide range of skin issues particularly pimples. It treats it by nourishing the skin.
Further Tips control underarm itching:
- Avoid infection of the underarm region caused by clogged or irritated hair follicles.
This condition is also known as folliculitis. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles get damaged for whatever reason, becoming infected. Luckily, this irritating condition can be avoided and treated by putting on clothing that isn’t too tight in the armpit area.
- Avoid shaving under arms daily since it might lead to irritation.
Shaving can cause hair follicles to become ingrown and even infected. Try waxing or use a depilatory (hair removal agent) instead until the condition has cleared up.
- Neglect using deodorants, soaps or powders that irritate underarms.
Deodorants often contain aluminum, fragrances, alcohol and parabens all of which can trigger a rash. This is one of the easiest causes of itching or redness to eliminate.
- Adopt good hygiene to avoid an underarm fungal infection
The underarm area is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus because it is dark and moist. Armpit rash can be attributable to poor hygiene, but it’s far more likely that the rash is a direct result of heat, friction or contact with allergens.
- Consider other causes of armpit rash.
These may include allergies to food and medication, poison ivy or poison oak, insect bites, or an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis. Viruses such as flu or chicken pox can also cause rashes.
- Avoid scratching at the affected area
Skin abrasions caused by scratching can lead to fungal or bacterial infection. Use a topical ointment, such as hydrocortisone, if the itching becomes unbearable.
Itchy armpits Deodorant
There’s a thicker-than-usual amount of antiperspirant/deodorant on freshly-shaven skin to avoid sweat marks and odor. As you go rushing about your day, damp armpit skin rubs together along with some sweat, oil and your clothing.
Itchy armpit usually occurs as a result of shaving and use of antiperspirant or deodorant my also encourage cysts growth of bump under armpit. Proper shaving techniques are often advised.
But underarm skin is sensitive from the shaving too and sweat glands are mostly blocked by irritating chemicals and deodorant in addition to the fabric, laundry detergent (and possibly chlorine bleach) from your shirt.
Underarm odor is not caused by the watery sweat that wets your shirt which is secreted by your eccrine sweat glands to lower your temperature through evaporation. The odor is caused by bacteria that break down fats secreted by your apocrine sweat glands.
An antiperspirant contains an aluminum salt chemical to block the watery secretion from the eccrine glands which can be a primary irritant, especially when skin is more vulnerable in the summer or freshly shaven. But, it’s deodorant that controls the odor with perfumes and sometimes an antibacterial chemical to inhibit bacterial growth such as triclosan, also a common skin irritant.
Steps to avoid itchy armpits when using deodorant:
- Read labels and switch underarm products, formulas.
- Shave armpits at night and don’t apply deodorant.
- Go naturel at the beach.
- Switch laundry detergent, too.
- See your dermatologist if rash doesn’t clear.
References
- How to Treat an Armpit Rash: http://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-an-armpit-rash
- How to Heal Armpit Rash: http://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Armpit-Rash