Fact Checked
Itching armpits is a common problem among men and women that can cause discomfort and irritation. This condition is known as pruritus and the symptoms caused by itchy armpits vary and depends on any underlying condition. Scratching the itch temporarily lessens the symptoms, but it can cause an infection through lacerations due to scratching. An underarm itching that happens for more than a week requires medical care immediately.
Causes of itchy armpits
- Itchy armpits can be due to infections, allergy, heat rashes and other dermatological conditions.
- Lack of proper hygiene since armpits are susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria that causes sweat and dirt.
- Candida albicans is yeast that is common in the body. An individual whose immunity is low have a high risk of yeast overgrowth especially in the moist areas of the body. Yeast infections can be found in the groin, mouth and the armpit and can cause the skin found in the armpit to peel and cause itchiness and a red rash.
- It can be caused by a condition where there is excessive sweating with no apparent reason known as axillary hyperhidrosis and this happens due to the overstimulation of the sweat glands.
- Miliaria rubra is a heat rash that develops after exposure to hot and humid environment and causes red-colored bumps on the armpit.
- A condition that causes an overgrowth of skin cells and have symptoms such as thick, smooth, scaly skin, red and dry patches that can develop under the armpit.
- A condition that causes inflammation and itching of the skin under the arms known as dermatitis can occur due to allergic reactions to perfume, antibiotics, laundry soap and detergents.
- Items for hygienic purposes can also cause itching under the arms such as deodorants and antiperspirants. These can clog the sweat glands known as hidradenitis suppurativa and also causes itchiness, blackheads and abscesses.
Treatment and home remedies of itching on armpits
- Take a bath at least twice every day and change clothes regularly. Immediately change the clothes if it is wet with perspiration especially in the underarm area.
- Avoid hot and humid conditions and wear clothes made out of cotton.
- Use a prescribed mild antibacterial soap when washing the body.
- If itchiness of the armpits is caused by Candida yeast, take the prescribed oral or topical anti-fungal medication.
- Dab cornstarch on the underarm after taking a shower in order to help dry the armpits and ensure that they are free from body odor.
- Prepare half of a cup of flour and make it brown in the oven. Apply the brown flour in the armpits since it helps make the armpits dry and minimize the itchiness.
- Slice a lemon and scrub it on the underarm and leave it on. This helps in keeping the armpits free from bacteria and germs
- When shaving the armpits, use mild shaving creams. Take note that the hair in the armpits allows accumulation of sweat and can cause itching.
- Dab unscented prickly heat powder on the armpits after taking a bath in order to make the underarm dry.