Rashes are both embarrassing and inconvenient. While a rash in, under, or on your armpit may not be visible to others, you know it’s there, it’s unsightly, and the itching is probably driving you insane.
It’s one thing to have a medical issue like an armpit rash; it’s quite another to realize when it’s time to seek medical help.
Understanding some of the possible causes of your rash will help you determine whether or not telling a health professional about your itchy little secret could bring some relief.
Spoiler Alert: It Most Likely Would.
If you’ve ever had a rash on your armpit, you know how unpleasant it can be and how self-conscious it can make you feel. Continue reading to learn more about the causes and treatments for this uncommon condition.
5 Most Common Causes of Armpit Rashes
An armpit rash can be caused by a variety of factors. The recommended treatment will be determined by the cause. The duration of a rash also varies depending on the cause: short-term rashes may resolve in hours or days, whereas others may remain for weeks and even months.
Although many armpit rashes can be effectively treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medications from your local drugstore or pharmacy, it is still important to seek the advice of a trusted healthcare professional. They will be the most qualified to diagnose and treat your particular rash.
The following are some of the most common causes of armpit rash:
Contact Dermatitis:
When the skin or body comes into touch with an allergen or irritant, an immunological reaction is triggered. This allergic reaction often occurs within a few hours after being exposed to allergens or irritants.
Rashes caused by contact dermatitis are typically:
- Itchy
- Red
- Blistered
- Dry
Contact dermatitis can be caused by a variety of factors. Among the most frequent are:
- cleaning detergents and personal care products include chemicals
- allergens in food or the environment
- medications
- stings or bites from insects
Eczema:
Eczema is a recurring, non-contagious skin disease marked by inflammation. It most often develops in regions of the body with folds in the skin.
Eczema affects around 30% of the American population, primarily young children and teenagers.
Patches of eczema are typically:
- Red
- Itchy
- Dry
- Cracked
- When scratched, it tends to release a clear liquid
Eczema rashes usually remain for a week or longer. Similar patches on other parts of the body, such as the elbows, back of the knees, and neck, may follow an armpit rash.
Eczema flare-ups can happen at any time of year, as well as when people are sick or stressed.
Candida
Candida is a kind of yeast that often causes fungal illnesses. Candida generally causes a rash that looks like this:
- Itchy
- Swollen
- Scaly
- red
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that creates a ring-like rash on the skin.
Ringworm rashes can also be caused by:
- Swollen
- Dry
- Scally
- Itchy
- Blistered or scabbed
Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Eczema that develops around oil glands is known as seborrheic dermatitis. It produces symptoms that are not the same as eczema.
Rashes caused by seborrheic dermatitis are typically:
- Red
- Greasy looking
- Swollen
- Itchy and burning
White or yellow flakes may also appear on the skin.
Ways to Get Rid of an Armpit Rash
Armpit rashes are more frequent in the summer since your armpits are likely to be warm and wet. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for treating your irritating armpit rash. Relax and be patient with yourself to take your attention off the rash and below are 7 best ways to get rid of an Armpit Rash.
- Taking Immediate Action: Soap and water should be used to wash the affected region. Armpit rashes are commonly caused by bacterial or fungal diseases. Using soap and water to clean your armpit can help prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse.
- Apply a Cool Compress: Apply an ice pack or a wet cloth to the rash in your armpits. You may also use a plastic bag to keep a handful of ice cubes on the rash. This will help to decrease skin inflammation and irritation.
- This method is very effective for heat rashes and lichen planus rashes, which are caused by an inflammatory skin disease.
- Apply a cold compress to your armpit as needed, but do so for at least 10 to 15 minutes each day. Use an ice pack for no more than 20 minutes on your skin.
- This method may be used to treat any form of rash.
- Apply a medicated anti-itch cream or ointment to the affected area: No matter what causes your armpit rash, anti-itch creams with soothing components like aloe vera, vitamin E, and menthol will relieve the itching and discomfort. While precise usage instructions differ depending on the product, you may usually apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected region.
Avoid using petroleum or mineral oil-based creams or ointments, since they can clog your pores and make the rash worse.
- Do not scratch the rash: Scratching the rash may irritate your armpit, which is already sensitive. Scratching too much may allow germs from your fingernails to enter any blisters that are present, resulting in an infection.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine such Claritin or Allegra to help control your scratching and lessen the itching of your armpit rash.
- Excessive physical activity should be avoided: Exercising or straining oneself in severe heat can cause (or worsen) a heat rash in your underarm area. While regular exercise is vital, a heat rash might indicate that your exercise routine is too severe.
Regardless of the reason for your armpit rash, relaxing and avoiding physical activity is a good decision. If your rash is caused by heat, though, you should avoid physical activity even more.
- Consult your physician about other medicines or supplements: If your armpit rash occurred after you started using a new medicine or supplement, it’s possible that the prescription or supplement is really to blame. Consult your doctor about your medicine and see whether armpit rashes are a common adverse effect. If required, they will be able to assist you in finding alternatives to your medicine.
Stopping your medicine or supplement without visiting your doctor is not a good idea.
- Avoid meals and items that might trigger allergies: Allergies to certain foods and products can cause itching, eczema, and skin rashes. If you find that you get a rash on your underarms or elsewhere after eating a specific meal or using a certain product on a frequent basis, stop eating or using that food or product.
- Milk, eggs, soy, shellfish, nuts, wheat, and fish are the most frequent food allergies.
- Soaps and detergents can irritate the skin and create armpit rashes.
- Allergies can create life-threatening rashes. See your doctor right away if you have any other symptoms than the rash (such as swelling of the face or neck or difficulty in breathing).
Trying Home Remedies to get rid of an Armpit rash
- Use colloidal oatmeal in a warm (but not hot) bath: Colloidal oatmeal is made out of finely ground oats floating in a liquid. It can help heal your armpit rash and soothe the skin.
Using your food processor, grind six cups of unflavored rolled oats into a fine powder. Fill a bath with warm water and 2 to 3 cups of this oatmeal powder as the water fills the tub. Soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure your armpit is submerged in water. When you’re done with the bath, pat yourself dry with a towel.
- Try some relaxation techniques: Yoga or meditation may help you relax more and divert your attention away from the rash’s discomfort. Listening to soothing music, talking to a friend, or taking a relaxing nature trip may also be beneficial. Any of your hobbies or interests could be able to help you redirect your attention and relax.
- Eat more Vitamin C: Vitamin C is good for your skin since it nourishes and repairs it. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli. Include them into your diet by drinking orange juice or eating a broccoli salad, for example.
Several of the diseases that produce armpit rashes can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.
- For a few days, use OTC hydrocortisone creams (0.5–1.0 percent) many times a day.
- Antihistamines are being taken. Some of them contain drowsiness-inducing substances, which may make sleeping easier and so reduce itching.
- Using over-the-counter (OTC) calamine lotions or creams.
- When Candida or ringworm infections are the source of the rash, apply OTC antifungal creams, gels, or sprays to the affected region twice daily for two weeks.
Conclusion
Armpit rashes can be caused by a variety of factors, but the majority of them can be properly treated with a mix of medicines and lifestyle modifications.
Good cleanliness is one of the most effective methods to avoid skin rashes. Instead of using a towel, take frequent showers and air-dry your body.
Avoid irritant-containing skincare and cosmetics, and dress in loose-fitting cotton clothes that helps your skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate.