Armpit rashes are a common condition among people of all skin types. Our armpits can get irritated due to several reasons. Some rashes may not be severe and vanish on their own without being noticed. However, a severe armpit rash can cause unbearable itching and irritation.
An underarm rash is usually bumpy and red, but it can also be scaly and white. There are a number of reasons that can cause underarm rashes. Similarly, many treatments are available for treating these rashes. Although treating an armpit rash is not impossible, knowing the underlying cause can make the process easier and quicker.
The most common way of treating an armpit rash is by using different home remedies. Apart from that, over-the-counter treatments or medications are also available for treating underarm rashes.
Below we have shared different types of armpit rashes and their treatments. Continue reading to learn more about these irritants and how to get rid of them.
Types of Underarm Rashes
Some common types of rash under the armpit include the following:
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Candida
Let’s discuss each type of armpit rash in detail.
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Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis, also known as Eczema, is a rash in armpit that appears during childhood. However, it doesn’t only affect the armpits; it can also be found inside the elbows or back of the knees.
Eczema can be identified as red, itchy, and crusted skin. It can be extremely itchy that even blood comes out of the rash if scratched continuously.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis
The overproduction of sebum or skin oils causes skin irritation, known as Seborrheic Dermatitis. While Eczema produces dry and crusted patches, Seborrheic Dermatitis produces oily patches in the form of flakes or scales. Depending on how excessive the oils are, these flakes can be white or yellow.
A form of Seborrheic Dermatitis is also found in infants, known as cradle cap. In this condition, infants experience flakes on the ears, face, armpits, and scalp.
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Contact Dermatitis
This type of armpit rashes appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen. Usually, deodorant and body lotions can cause this condition if the patient is allergic to their ingredients. Moreover, some laundry detergents can also lead to this condition.
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Candida
Candida is a fungus or yeast infection that causes a rash on armpit. It can cause swelling, itching, scaling, and rashes. Typically, it appears during hot weather, due to tight clothing, and because of poor hygiene.
Getting Rid of an Armpit Rash
An underarm rash can cause extreme irritation and discomfort. We have already discussed different types of armpit rashes. Now, let’s discuss different remedies for treating underarm rashes.
Before getting into remedies, we should discuss how we can prevent or eliminate them without using any treatment.
Removing Armpit Rashes without Medications
Patients should try to eliminate the rash under armpit by doing the following before consulting a specialist or using any medication.
Identify the Irritant
If your armpits have rashes, the first step is to narrow down the causes. Sometimes a deodorant, piece of clothing, or hot weather can be causing rashes. So, try to pinpoint the exact irritant and then eliminate it. Once the cause is eliminated, rashes will subside, too.
Improve Personal Hygiene
Sometimes the rash under armpit may be caused by poor personal hygiene. In that case, patients should focus on their hygiene, and the rash will be gone in no time. Patients should take warm (not hot) baths with colloidal oatmeal. They should also use good-quality unscented moisturizers if they have dry patches.
Avoid Scratching the Armpit Rash
The only way to worsen a rash in armpit is to scratch it. By scratching, you can transform a simple rash into a bigger complication like infections. So, patients must avoid scratching the affected area at all costs.
Home Remedies
A number of home remedies can help on how to treat armpit rash. Most of the ingredients used in these remedies can be easily found around the house. Some common home remedies for armpit rashes are mentioned below:
Ice Cubes
Some underarm rashes are easily treated with the help of a few ice cubes. You only need to place ice cubes against the rash a few times a day. It will help with the itching and make the recovery quicker.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has healing properties, and it helps fight against infections. So, by consuming more vitamin C, you can recover quicker. Oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Lemon
Lemon is full of citric acid and antibacterial properties. It can help kill the bacteria present on the rash in your armpit. You need to cut a lemon in half and slide it across the armpit. It can also act as a DIY deodorant.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a wonder ingredient used in a number of things. Using Essential Oils to Enhance Your Home is a common practice. Moreover, we can also use them to treat underarm rashes.
The following essential oils can fight against itching, irritation, and fungal infections
- Lavender oil
- Coconut oil
- Tea tree oil
These oils can be applied to the affected area with a cotton swab. You must spread the mixture evenly on the entire area to soothe irritation and stop itchiness.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Some over-the-counter or OTC medication can also help eliminate an underarm rash. Below, we have shared some effective OTC medications for rashes under the armpits.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is perfect for an inflamed armpit rash. It soothes the area and gets rid of the rash entirely in no time.
Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is an effective home treatment for an irritated rash under armpit. It can reduce irritation and discomfort caused by the rash.
Antifungal Treatments
In the case of fungal rashes in the armpit, like a candida rash, antifungal treatments are required. Steroid creams, like hydrocortisone creams, can make the rash worse. So, only apply those creams that contain clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole.
Anti-Chafing Powders
Anti-chafing powders can reduce the discomfort caused by rashes underarms. These powders are not ideal for completely removing rashes, but they can help reduce the pain and irritation.
The Bottom Line
Although an armpit rash is not deadly, it can cause irritation and discomfort. In some cases, it can become severe and lead to pain and bleeding, too. So, to avoid any complications, it is better to treat it immediately. The home remedies and medications mentioned above have proved to be useful for armpit rashes. However, if your problem persists, consult with an expert practitioner. He/she will prescribe you some medication or suggest another treatment.
