Underarm (Armpit) Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Scratching your underarm in public is nothing short of an embarrassment. But you cannot really help it if you are suffering from an underarm rash. Read on to know all about Underarm Rashes – their symptoms, causes and treatment.

What is an Underarm Rash?

Picture 1 – Underarm Rash
Source – sparkpeople

An Underarm Rash, as the name suggests, is a rash that develops on the skin of the armpit. The condition is also known as Armpit rash. It is an eruption that causes irritation and itchiness. It is a very common condition that appears in many people in the US.

Underarm Rash Symptoms and Signs

Underarm skin rashes are characterized by a number of symptoms. These include :

Eruptions

As aforementioned, a lot of bumps arise on the skin of the armpits. The presence of these lumps are normally felt when the sufferer tries to shave the hairs of the underarm or wears tight fitting clothes. Tight apparels cause a friction between clothes and Underarm Rash and pain arises as a result.

Itching

There is itching in the affected area of the armpit. Sufferers experience a constant itching sensation which makes them scratch the underarm region for relief. Scratching provides temporary relief from itchy Underarm Rash. But it can aggravate the underarm rash pain.

Irritation

Sufferers also feel an irritating, uncomfortable sensation in the affected skin region. Due to constant itching of Underarm Rash burning sensation may also be experienced.

Underarm Rash Causes

Some of the main causes behind the appearance of Underarm Rash lumps include :

Allergies

Armpit rashes can arise due to some product that causes skin allergy in the suffering person. Deodorants are one of the biggest factors behind underarm allergies. In many people with Underarm Rash deodorant is found to be the causative agent.

Heat

The armpit is one of the warmest regions of the human body that remains covered between the trunk and the arm. This causes underarm heat rashes.

Weather

As heat build-up gives rise to rashes, people have more rashes during summer conditions. People in hot and even humid countries are, naturally, more prone to underarm rashes than those living in cold nations.

Shaving

Underarm Rash after shaving is a common complaint. Shaving the underarm region is one of the most common reasons behind armpit rashes. The underarm remains hidden for the most part of the day. This is why the skin of the region is very sensitive. Shaving the area with a dull razor can cause skin irritation and give rise to rashes. Other problems like razor bumps and ingrown hair can also crop up due to this.

Friction

Wearing tight dresses can also bring on these rashes. Constant brushing of armpit against the dresses is often seen as a reason behind this condition.

Fungal Infection

A lot of sweat accumulates in the armpit in the summer season. Fungus can inhabit in moist areas of the human body. Naturally, the underarm area is very conducive to fungal infection. In Underarm Rash fungus infection gives the skin a patchy, inflamed appearance.

Yeast Infection

In a few people with Underarm Rash yeast infection is found as the cause. The affected part of the skin turns red in such cases. Suffering people also experience an itching sensation in the skin region. Overproduction of yeast, as in diabetes, is frequently seen to give rise to these rashes. In many sufferers of Underarm Rash diabetes is seen as a prime factor.

Pregnancy

One can also find cases of underarm rash in early pregnancy stages. It is not uncommon to find Underarm Rash during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Most of these are of mild variety and does not cause complications. But in some cases they may be a symptom of some other dreadful condition which may even result in death. Immediate treatment is very necessary in such cases.

Underarm Rash Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Underarm Rashes is usually done through observation. Mere observation is generally enough for an experienced physician to detect the condition. In some cases, the patient is also asked about his or her lifestyle, use of any allergen or the clothes that he or she wears. Questioning the patient helps the doctor form an idea about the possible causes of the appearance of the rashes. The treatment is done accordingly.

Underarm Rash Treatment

In some cases, the rashes may be a sign of other conditions like diabetes, skin infections, venereal diseases and AIDS. Underarm Rash cure is done by treating the causative factor in such cases.

Medical treatment of the condition is usually done with the help of over-the-counter medicines, ointments and creams. Vitamin E capsules are found to be effective in facilitating quick recovery from the rashes.

The cure of this condition mainly depends on the cause of the rashes. If the rashes are found to be caused by fungal infection, doctors may prescribe an anti-fungal cream. Anti-itching creams and underarm rash ointments are used to give patients relief from itching sensation. Antibiotics are also used in case of severe rashes. For treatment of underarm rash creams and ointments are generally used more than oral medicines.

Underarm Rash Home Remedy

Underarm Rash remedy can also be done at home. If you are suffering from annoying armpit rashes, you can use these methods to get relief.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera extract works as a wonderful Underarm Rash natural remedy, especially to reduce itchiness arising from the eruptions.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply this to the affected skin region. Wash it off after about 15 minutes. It is one the most effective Underarm Rash remedies.

Basil oil, Tree tea oil and garlic paste are some other substances that work well as Underarm Rash natural remedies. These have been found to be effective underarm rash natural cures. These reduce swelling of underarm rash and itching.

Antiperspirant

Underarm Rash from deodorant use can be avoided by changing the brand you use. If you feel a particular deodorant is causing rashes in your armpit, you should stop using it. You may try an antiperspirant as an alternative.

Underarm Rash Prevention

Using antibacterial powders like Candula can prevent a bacterial infection in the skin region and help you avoid the outbreak of rashes.

Applying prickly heat powders in the sweat regions like armpits, neck and groin can keep rashes at bay.

A dull razor causes skin irritation and leads to rashes. Using a sharp razor for shaving the armpit can help avert the condition. Shaving in the direction of hair growth is also important. Use shaving cream to soften the area before using the razors.

Wear loose dresses helps keep the area dry and proper ventilation of the skin region. This will reduce sweat to a large extent and prevent Underarm Rash bumps.

Underarm Rash Pictures

Want to know how underarm rashes look like? Here are some Underarm Rash photos that will help you understand about the appearance of these armpit eruptions.

Picture 2 – Underarm Rash Picture
Source – flickr

Picture 3 – Underarm Rash Photo
Source – manukahoneyusa

Like any other condition, armpit rashes get aggravated with time. With passing time, the rashes worsen causing further discomfort to the affected person. This makes quick recovery more difficult. If you or anyone in your family is having underarm rashes, it is best to get medical treatment as early as possible. Treatment of the rash in early stages ensures fast, effective and easy recovery.