Armpit Rash Treatment

Although armpit rash may not be conspicuous, it may be discomforting and annoying if it itches or makes the area dry and flaky. Know how armpit rash is treated depending on its underlying causes, and a few self-care measures that can be followed at home.

If you notice itchiness, pain, changes in skin color, increased odor in your underarm area, then you might have an armpit rash. Most of the time we don't pay much attention to our armpits, only when we're shaving or applying a deodorant, we realize that there's a skin rash appearing. This can lead to irritation, itchiness, bumps and reddish or black spots.

The causes are varied and the treatment options numerous, right from applying natural ointments extracted from herbs and plants, such as the aloe vera plant, to talcum powders that are clinically prepared, they all help to suppress the symptoms and cure the problem. The most common armpit rash causes and treatments are as follows:

An allergic reaction is the most common cause of an itching armpit rash. This might be due to something that you've used on your underarm skin, like a deodorant, soap, powder or perfume. Some fabrics or even the detergents used to wash your clothing may also cause an armpit rash.

✚ Isolate the allergy causing objects and restrict their use to get rid of rash.

Another possible cause of an armpit rash is folliculitis. It is infection of the hair follicles which can occur in your armpits and lead to a rash. An armpit rash that looks like pimples is probably due to folliculitis. This rash is bumpy, red, and painful. Treatment in this case includes avoiding any type of hair removal method until the rash is cleared up.

Also, if you realize that your regular hair removal method is causing the rash, you can opt for an alternative and observe the effects.

✚ To treat this kind of folliculitis, your doctor will need to prescribe a few topical creams that will help the inflamed follicle calm down, thus reducing your discomfort.

A fungal infection may cause the rash, if your armpit area is harboring ideal conditions for a fungal infection to thrive, just like your feet and groin area. This area is often moist and has very less exposure to light, which can allow yeast and other fungi to overproduce. Armpit rash caused due to a fungal infection appears patchy, flaky, red, and itchy.

Its treatment depends on the kind of fungus that is causing the rash. One of the primary ways a person can contract a fungal infection in the armpit is through following an unhygienic way of living. Dirt, muck, sweat, and dust that's not cleaned on a regular basis is bound to create an armpit rash.

✚ Application of antifungal creams and reduction of milk and milk-products will help treat this rash.

Heat is a very common cause of an armpit rash, as this area experiences a lot of heat build-up. As your armpits are sensitive to feel, any change in temperature too can affect it. The symptoms of an armpit affected due to a lot of heat may vary from rashes to flaking.

✚ The best way to treat it is to keep the area cool and aired out.

In your attempt to make your armpits look clean and nice, you may be shaving them in an incorrect way which is probably making the skin weak. A very sharp blade will burn the delicate skin on your armpits which may actually be quite painful to bear. Same is the case with hair removal creams that are too strong.

✚ Upon the first hint of discomfort, change your razor and replace it with a milder alternative.

When a person walks, the arms also move in order to provide balance. This action may cause the skin of your arm and the side of chest to rub against each other resulting in a kind of burn, this is mostly seen in overweight people, anyone may experience this. Friction of this kind on a daily basis can damage the under-arm's follicles and cause an infection.

✚ Avoid nylon and body-hugging clothes, instead go in for loose pure cotton garments that will help your body to breathe and reduce the friction created.

☞ Clothing: Observe the kind of clothing that may trigger off a rash and avoid it. At the same time try to figure out if the clothes that you're wearing are loose enough to allow ventilation, or are tight body-hugging clothes.

☞ Cleanliness: Keep your armpits clean and dry by cleansing them at least twice a day. Apply aloe vera gel over the rash for healthy skin regeneration.

☞ Vitamin-e Oil: Using vitamin-e oil will help heal the rash and keep your skin healthy. This also helps reduce armpit discoloration. Add more Vitamin C in your diet, as it is an essential nutrient when it comes to skin health.

☞ Cosmetics: Try and restrict the use of deodorants and perfumes during that time. For the moment you can probably use a dermatological prescribed talcum powder that will help keep your armpit dry and at the same time not aggravate the armpit rash.

☞ Sweating: Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or intense activities, as these lead to excessive armpit sweating which further aggravates a preexisting rash or may lead to a rash. Remember, don't exclude your armpits from daily skin care routine. So do cleanse them and apply a light moisturizer before going to bed.

☞ Ice Cubes: Keeping the underarm area cool by applying ice cubes is the best heat rash treatment for better feeling and looking armpits.

Your doctor can help determine the kind of rash and then prescribe an appropriate antifungal medication to treat it. You must keep the underarm skin cool and dry to prevent a future fungal skin infection. Also, proper and regular cleansing of this area is very important to stay away from this rash.

If the treatments don't reduce the rash or if the skin continues to bleed, you must consult a dermatologist to know the exact cause and get the best treatment possible. Remember that clean and dry underarms are sure to stay problem-free!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.