Armpit Rashes: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Specialty: Dermatology and Cosmetology

Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Lepr... more

  • Armpit Rashes: Types And Causes
  • Tips To Treat Armpit Rashes
  • Potential Home Remedies To Treat Armpit Rashes
  • Preventing Armpit Rashes

Armpit Rashes: Types And Causes

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If your armpits are itchy and appear reddish for hours or days, you may have a rash. It could be caused by an allergic reaction (to deodorant chemicals or others) or an underlying infection. Sometimes, even the skin surfaces around your armpits rubbing against each other can cause the rash.

Armpit rashes are of different types.

1. Chafing

This is the rash that occurs wherever you have skin folds, including the armpits. It is caused as a result of the skin rubbing against itself. Chafing is characterized by the following signs:

  • Redness
  • Stinging and burning sensation
  • Swelling (in severe cases, skin may crack and bleed)
  • The top layer of the skin appears rubbed off.

This is more common in summers or when you wear tight clothes.

2. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

This is a chronic condition in which your skin is inflamed. It occurs mostly in the skin folds, including the armpits, areas behind the knees, and inner elbows (where the skin folds). The signs include:

  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Crusting
  • Bleeding (only if it is severe)
  • Oozing fluid when scratched

Eczema can also cause flare-ups several times during the year, and the rashes may last for a week or more if untreated.

3. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This is your skin reacting to antiperspirants or deodorants or other external allergens. The chemicals may irritate your armpits, causing redness, itchiness, small bumps, and a stinging sensation. In severe cases, you may even get blisters.

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is when the excess sebum your skin produces causes patches and rashes. These usually appear oily and flaky. These rashes are more common in infants and can appear in their armpits, ears, scalp, or the face.

5. Candida

Candida is a skin infection that is most commonly caused by Candida albicans, a species of yeast. These breed in moist and warm parts of your body, including the armpits. The signs of candida include:

  • Itching
  • Scaling
  • Swelling
  • Redness and rashes

Tight clothes, hot/humid weather, or poor skin hygiene can be the contributing factors. Certain steroid creams can also exacerbate the infection.

6. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)

Tinea corporis is a fungal infection affecting the topmost layer of your skin, causing a red rash with raised borders.

7. Erythrasma

Erythrasma is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium minutissimum. It can affect your armpits, the groin area, and the area under your breasts. The rash looks reddish and is accompanied by a change in the skin texture. Usually, doctors treat this rash with fusidic acid or clindamycin.

The skin folds are the most common spots for an infection. But these are treatable with dermatological medications and some mild cases with effective home remedies.

Tips To Treat Armpit Rashes

When you spot a rash, visit the dermatologist first and understand the type of infection you have. The doctor may suggest medications and topical ointments (based on the type of rashes) like:

  • Hydrocortisone creams (0.5-1.0%)
  • Antihistamine medications
  • OTC calamine lotions and creams
  • Antifungal gels, creams, lotions, and spray
  • Antibacterial cream

If your armpit rash is a result of a chronic condition, like eczema, the doctor may suggest certain prescription medications including:

  • Mild steroid creams
  • Phototherapy
  • PDE4 inhibitors

Apart from these medications, you may also try certain home remedies for relief. Do keep in mind that these remedies do not have direct scientific research backing them up. We do not have enough studies to prove their effectiveness in treating armpit rashes.

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil has a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin and is said to improve symptoms of skin disorders (1).

Massage a few drops of the oil on the affected area. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.

2. Topical Vitamin B12

Topical Vitamin B12 cream was found to help reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis (2). Though it is not known if it can have similar therapeutic effects on armpit rashes, it can be worth a try.

Remember to check with your doctor, though.

3. Ice Cubes

Placing ice cubes on the skin can have a numbing effect. You can also relieve itchy rashes by applying ice cubes to them. The resultant relief can also keep you from scratching the rashes and aggravating them.

4. Citrus Extracts

Citrus extracts or pomace (whatever remains after pressing and extracting the juice and pulp) are shown to have antibacterial and antimicrobial activities (3). You may apply citrus (orange or lemon or any citrus fruit) juice or extracts on the affected area.

To use citrus extract, extract the pulp or juice of any citrus fruit and mix it with water. Apply to the affected area. You may rub the leftover pulp on the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash with plain water.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

People usually use apple cider vinegar on the skin for its pore-tightening and skin-soothing effects. You may use it to soothe itchy and irritating armpit rashes as well.

Dilute a tablespoon of ACV in half a cup of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the rash. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then wash with plain water.

6. Sunflower Oil

According to the National Eczema Association, sunflower oil can help treat eczema by improving the skin barrier and reducing inflammation (4). You may try using sunflower oil for soothing and calming your armpit rash.

Take a few drops of the oil and gently massage on the affected area. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes and then wash with plain water.

7. Shea Butter

Shea butter is known for its moisturizing ability. It soothes flakiness and itchiness and calms your skin. You may apply shea butter to on the affected area for relief.

Massage a little of the butter on the affected area. You can leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash with plain water.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties (5). It can help soothe your rash and reduce irritation.

Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage the mixture gently on the affected area. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes and then wash with plain water.

9. Chamomile Tea Bag

Chamomile tea bags feel soothing on the skin. They can help minimize itching and irritation.

Boil the tea bags in water for a few minutes. Leave them to cool down a bit. Apply the cold tea bags to the affected area as a compress.

You dont have to take all this trouble if you know how to prevent armpit rashes in the first place. Lets now take a look at the preventive measures.

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Take a bath regularly using a mild shower gel. After bathing, dry yourself thoroughly. Even if you are using a towel, try to air dry the body folds before you dress up.

2. Know What Irritates Your Skin

It can be a particular deodorant or a roll-on antiperspirant or any other personal care product. If you notice that a specific product or ingredient (such as products containing alcohol) is giving you rashes, stop using it right away.

3. Avoid Tight Clothes

Wearing tight clothes made of synthetic fabric may often cause armpit rashes. Such clothes cannot allow sweat to escape, making it accumulate in the armpits. Wear soft fabrics made of cotton. They let your skin and armpits breathe.

4. Use Anti-Chafing Powder

The rashes you develop in your armpits are more often just heat rashes. They occur when the weather is hot and humid. Applying anti-chafing powder to your armpits keeps your skin from rubbing against itself. You can also try staying in a cool, air-conditioned place more often.

Proper care can keep rashes from worsening and also prevent them. If not, they may develop into a chronic rash. Please visit your doctor if you experience the following:

  • Rashes accompanied by high fever
  • Blisters on the affected area
  • Rashes spreading to other parts of the body
  • Swelling and pain in the affected area
  • Rashes that ooze pus, blood, and fluid
  • Rashes that do not respond to home remedies and OTC medicines
  • Rashes that are tender, swollen, and red
  • Rashes accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and dizziness

Armpit rash may occur due to several causes and identifying it is the first step to healing. If the rash is caused by minor issues like chafing or a reaction to deodorants, stop using the products and follow the remedies discussed in the article to soothe the skin. However, if the rsh is due to an underlying issue, consult a dermatologist and follow the prescribed treatment. Also, keep the area clean and avoid anything that irritates the skin. This will help prevent armpit rashes to a great extent.

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