The irritation underarm is a very common condition caused by many factors that cause pruritus. Its main symptoms indicate excessive itching, rash, peeling or redness of the skin, it is a very annoying situation and alleviating it can be very difficult, especially if the indicated remedies are not known, since the affected skin can easily become infected and worsen.
Causes of armpit irritation
Faced with this condition, it is essential to avoid scratching and let the relief arise naturally, this in case other more delicate conditions do not appear. For this, it is important to know the causes and these are the most common:
Improper shaving
Frequent use of razors or waxes can leave your armpits dry, irritated and itchy. Using a suitable shaving cream or constantly maintaining / changing the razor can help avoid this.
Hygiene
The armpit is an area susceptible to the growth of bacteria, so poor hygiene can cause irritation.
Bra use in women
Some women may have an allergic reaction to certain materials, such as latex or the elastic of the bra, which can generate this annoying condition.
Detergent and laundry
It is usually a frequent cause of itching in the armpits and other parts of the body.
Medical conditions that cause underarm irritation
Multiple medical conditions can cause irritation in this area, the most common of which are:
- Armpit dermatitis : it can be allergic or contact dermatitis, generally they can cause strong, sudden and painful reactions by certain allergens that come into contact with the skin.
- Rash : it is one of the most common rashes in areas where there are skin folds. This condition can cause severe itching, even the skin can crack. Rashes are often susceptible to bacterial infections so it is a sensitive topic.
- Psoriasis : it is an autoimmune disorder, characterized by the appearance of red plaques on the skin. They can be scaly or mild irritations and cause swelling in the area.
- Axillary folliculitis : it is an infection of a hair follicle in the armpit, this condition causes itching and if it is deep, it can leave scars.
- Axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating : it is a disorder suffered by the sweat gland. Excessive moisture is a frequent cause of itchy armpits , irritation, and infections.
- Axillary lymphadenopathy: it is a relatively benign disease, which affects the lymph nodes located under the armpits. It usually presents excessive itching as a frequent symptom, although it can sometimes appear asymptomatic.
- Candidiasis : One of the most common causes of underarm irritation is a yeast infection, called candidiasis . This fungus grows favorably in warm and humid environments, so the armpits are an optimal place. Given this condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor for topical treatment.
How to relieve irritation in the armpits
After determining the cause of the irritation, a method can be defined to alleviate the discomfort. Some tips are:
- Avoid scratching the affected area, since although it provides temporary relief, this can promote the infection of bacteria or fungi.
- Opting for another hair removal method if this is the cause. Shaving can lead to folliculitis and lead to irritation.
- Avoid deodorants and products that are irritating as much as possible . When armpit itching occurs, it is necessary to refrain from the use of soaps, powders or deodorants that irritate the skin. In this case, you can go for a natural option, such as baking soda and lemon.
- Maintain good hygiene to avoid a fungal infection.
- In certain cases, applying a warm, moist compress to the area can lessen the discomfort.
Remedies to relieve itchy armpits
Many soothing lotions or natural oils are available and applied to the affected area to lessen discomfort. The most popular remedies are:
Natural oils rich in Vitamin E
The oils rich in vitamin E may help reduce discomfort and soothe irritation in the armpits , as long as the person does not present any allergic reaction to topical application of this vitamin. Other natural oils that can be considered are those of emu, tea tree and aloe vera.
Hydrocortisone cream
This type of cream is applied gently to the affected area to reduce irritation, speeds up the healing process, reducing itching and swelling.
Oatmeal bath
This option is one of the most practical, since you can try a commercial product or make a homemade oatmeal bath . A simple remedy to perform is to wrap a cup of oatmeal in a cloth, put it to boil for a while and then wait for it to rest. The oatmeal poultice is used as a bath sponge.