There might be various reason why you must be experiencing itchy armpit. It is an embarrassing situation when you need to itch in your armpit at public places. You might avoid it for a little time but when irritation doesn’t stop you are forced to itch it.
You don’t have to worry as it is not a serious medical situation.You can easily get rid of itchy arm pit rash by following the home remedies in this article.
Before following the home remedies you should know the causes behind getting itchy armpit so that you can take precautionary measure to avoid it.
Itchy armpit rash is common in men and women both. The cause and condition may differ from person to person. Scratching may give you temporary relief but can cause infection and increase the irritation.
You might neglect armpit itching, but it can be some infection. It can become rash or blisters.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Itchy Armpit Rash
i. Rash
Small dots erupt in armpit which changes skin texture. It can be of several types, sizes, and color.
ii. Itching
Intense itching is considered in infected armpit symptoms.
iii. Scaling
Most of the time skin flake out and give rough and scaly texture.
iv. Redness
Affected area looks blotchy and red due to infection.
v. Fluid-Filled Blisters
If an infection in the armpit is not cured for an extended period can cause blisters.
vi. Cracking
Infected armpits can develop fissures and cause pain.
Causes Of Itchy Armpits & Rash
Armpit is a prime spot for infection due to skin folds. You can’t see the rash, but due to irritation and itchiness, you feel discomfort. For treatment, you need to diagnosis the exact cause of irritation and rashes.
1. Lack Of Hygiene
If you don’t take a bath daily, you are at more risk of itchiness or rashes. Due to sweat and dirt building up, itchiness and infection are susceptible.
2. Auxiliary Hyperhidrosis
It is one of natural reason of itching. The sweat gland of the body produces more sweat than usual. It can create an embarrassing situation and may cause sweat stain on clothes and odor.
Due to over sweating bacteria builds up in the armpit and irritate. Use of Anti-Perspirant can help to rid from excessive sweat. If it doesn’t help one need to take Botox injections to manage the hormonal disorder.
3. Axillary Folliculitis
It occurs when one hair follicle in armpit get infected by bacteria “Staphylococcus aureus.” Folliculitis can heal by itself in some time. It may cause small white pimples which itchy, and if there is deep folliculitis infection, it can cause scarring.
4. Axillary Lymphadenopathy
Lymph nodes located under the armpits become enlarged. Axillary Lymphadenopathy will be due to a disease called benign, which cause abnormal number or size lymph nodes.
It causes mild itchiness with no many symptoms. In some cases when lymph nodes become too large it needs to be monitored or removed.
5. Hidradenitis Suppurativa
It is also known acne inversa. It is a chronic skin disease characterized by clusters of abscesses or subcutaneous boil-like infections. When the groups of abscesses burst, it may heal slowly or may leave a scar.
It causes much pain, itchiness, and tenderness to armpits.
6. Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is also known as flexural psoriasis. It happens in folds of the body like armpits and skin folds. It causes overgrowth of skin cells and makes the skin scaly, smooth but thick. This is common in obese people.
It causes excessive pain and itching. It can’t be cured entirely because of its natural occurring. Its treatment option can include topical medications, biologic drugs, and light therapy.
7. Miliaria Rubra
Miliaria Rubra is also known as heat rash. It is summer armpit infection. Due to harsh and hot climate rash appear on the skin. It can affect people of all ages. This affects children more as they have underdeveloped sweat glands. It can be treated with calamine lotions and hydrocortisone cream.
8. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal rash and caused by fungi name dermatophyte. It causes Dry, scaly skin with circular lesions around. The center of the rash has broken hair shifts with clear and inflamed skin.
9. Deodorant Rash
To avoid sweat and sweat’s smell, people use deodorants; it clogs sweat glands pores. Sometime deodorant can work against your skin and cause rash. Deodorants may contain some allergic elements and cause skin red, itchy and bumpy. It can also make the skin sticky and cause friction between armpits skin folds.
10. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a term used for inflamed skin. It is also known as eczema. Skin lesion, itching, and redness are symptoms of dermatitis. It is caused by hypersensitivity of skin, and it can run in families. It occurs due to many reasons. There are different types of dermatitis. Have a look!!
Types Of Dermatitis (Eczema) Rashes
a. Atopic Dermatitis
One of a common type of rash. It occurs more in people suffering from asthma or hay fever. It can be hereditary. Atopic dermatitis is usually red, itchy and peels off the skin. It occurs when there is a defect in skin barrier which allows germs in. Excessive scratch can make the skin thick and red. It doesn’t require emergency treatment. You need to rehydrate the skin with a moisturizer. An antihistamine can be helpful for itchiness.
b. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis has two types- Allergic contact and Irritant contact. It occurs when some substance damage the skin. Irritant dermatitis occurs when strong irritant comes in with a contact with skin regularly.
Allergic dermatitis occurs when skin comes in contact with some allergic substance. One needs to avoid substances which can cause allergy or irritation to their skin.
You can apply creams or calamine lotions to an affected area. The itchiness disappears after the substance is removed away from the skin.
c. Candida Yeast Infection
Candida yeast is a type of fungus that remains present in the body. Due to moist condition and decreased immunity, it grows rapidly especially in places like armpit.
It causes armpit skin peel and uncontrollable itch and redness. It can be treated by anti-fungal in forms of tablet or ointments.
d. Seborrhoea Dermatitis
It can occur because of overproduction of skin sebum and the hair dandruff. It appears like oily patches. Its flakes look like yellow or white.
Some infants experience it as they have underdeveloped oil glands. Sometimes clear by in few days naturally but if not, use anti-fungal products to get rid of it.
Difference In Ringworm And Candida Dermatitis
Both rashes are the cause of fungal infection and can be treated by anti-fungi creams. The ringworm can cause due to one species of fungi named dermatophyte.
Candida dermatitis is a yeast infection occurs due to a group of fungi from the species of Candida. Ringworm form lesions around the rash. Treatments of both the infection are same. In some cases of ringworm over the counter, remedies are a must.
Difference In Inverse Psoriasis And Dermatitis
Eczema (dermatitis) is a cause of hypersensitivity. Inverse psoriasis occurs naturally and causes overgrowth of skin cells.
In eczema skin looks red, peeling, cracked and having blisters. In psoriasis skin develop a patch covered by white dead skin cells over it and cause severe itching.
Itchy Armpit Rash In Children
Just like adults rash in the armpit can occur in children too. The rash can be symptoms of some disease, should be taken seriously and need the immediate diagnosis.
Children are more susceptible to armpit infection because of playing in the dirt, being in contact with ill children and due to an underdeveloped immune system. The common underarms infection in children is heat rash, Intertrigo, eczema, fungal or yeast infections, dermatitis, psoriasis, ringworms, and others.
Other Cause Of Itchiness And Rashes
- Food Poisonings such as ivy and poison oak.
- Allergies and medicines that cause reactions as side effects.
- Severe insect bites
- viral diseases like chicken pox
- A compromised immunity due to STDs (HIV) and drugs.
- Resistant staph infections
- Stress factors
Are The Rashes Painful?
Armpits can be red, itchy, and bumpy and cause pain or burning sensation. Some of the common cause of painful rash under armpit includes hidradenitis suppurativa, ringworms, shingles (are very painful), eczema, folliculitis, some allergic reactions among others. The pain can be a mild, severe or a sharp depends on the infection. If the pain is severe, you need to contact the doctor immediately.
Home Remedies For Itchy Armpit And Rash
One must know the cause of rash before applying any home remedy on the affected area
1. Cold Compresses
Cold compresses can help you to reduce itchiness and burning sensation. You can also wash your underarms with cloth water once in a day. Take few ice cubes in a clean cloth. Hold it on your itchy armpit for few minutes. Take some break and repeat it. Make sure to pat it dry completely. Never apply ice directly on rashes.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is most efficient and organic gel to ease the pain. If you own an aloe Vera plant just cut it one leaf. Keep it in a fridge for few minute to cool it down. Squeeze it and apply its gel on the affected area under the arms.This gives a soothing effect on your itchy armpit rash.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil
If you have a fungal infection like Candida dermatitis or ringworm, treat it with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties.
Take 4-5 drops of tea tree oil and mix with 1 tbsp of virgin olive oil. Clean the infected area with water and pat it dry. Use this mixture with the help of cotton balls on an affected area. Apply it for a week until the skin become healthy again.This is the best remedy to get rid of itchy armpit rash.
4. Neem
Indian lilac is old Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of many skin problems. It has properties like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
Take 12-15 leaves of neem and put it in hot water. Let it shimmers for 5 minutes and strains it. Use the remaining water on the affected area.This natural remedy cure itchy armit rash effectly.
5. Coconut Oil
There are many benefits of coconut oil and among its hydrating property. It reached in the skin and helped in the healing of the skin. The fats and vitamin E help in the control of itching and soothes the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents friction of skin that can cause further infection.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar both are helpful in treating armpit rash and itching. It is the antifungal and antibacterial agent. Its acetic acid prevents further infection.
Take 1 cup of cold water adds 1 cup of vinegar of your choice in it. Dip a soft towel in it and use it on an affected area. It will absorb pain and relieve pain. Never use undiluted vinegar on the skin.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an alkaline in nature, so it balances pH of the skin. It helps in the treatment of dermatitis rash and heals the blisters faster by drying it out. Take 2 tablespoon baking soda and mix it with icy water. Apply on rash twice a day. It also helps in prevention of sweat odor from armpits.
8. Shea Butter
Shea butter has antioxidants, antifungal and anti-inflammation properties. It helps in healing of skin and moisturizes it. Use Shea butter on the affected area after washing it. Use it daily twice.
9. Lemon
Lemon has anti-oxidant properties which help in the healing of the skin. It contains citric acid with preventing infection caused by rashes. It prevents odor and lightens the underarm skin. Never apply lemon if you have wound or cut due to shaving.
Take juice of 1 lemon and add it with 1 tablespoon honey. Apply on the affected area and later wash it off.
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has anti-irritant property and balance ph of skin. It also softens the skin and moisture it. Take a cup full of oatmeal and soak in it warm water with few drops of oil. Add it in your warm, filled bathtub and soaked yourself in it. Do it for a week.
Precautionary Measures
• Bath daily and use antiseptic soaps.
• Never scratch vigorously it can cause infection and pain.
• Don’t use petroleum jelly or mineral water on a rash. It can block the skin pores.
• Try to wear loss clothes so that air can reach armpit.
• Try to avoid deodorants or chemical fragrance.
• Use fragrance-free soaps and be careful of what you use on at armpits.
• Avoid shaving at times of rash; it can prevent skin healing.
• Consume vitamins C from fruits and vegetables like oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. Vitamins C fight against skin problems.
Medications Used By Doctors For Armpit Rashes
Before using any medicine or cream, you need to consult your doctor. Every rash can deal with different approaches.
- Hydrocortisone treatment – this cream is beneficial to suppress inflammation and irritation. Calamine lotion comes under the category of steroid or hydrocortisone creams. Steroid can worsen the situation for fungal rashes like Candida rash.
- Anti-Fungal treatment – Creams which contain clotrimazole, nystatin or ketoconazole are antifungal. It is useful for Candida rash or ringworm. You can apply anti-fungal creams, gel or powder.
- Anti-chafing powders – it doesn’t help in the healing of rash. It provides some relief from irritation and itchiness. One can’t be dependent on anti-chafing powder for the treatment of rashes.
