Oh my, this armpit itching is a big problem, isn't it? Sometimes it's so embarrassing that you can't even tell anyone, let alone in front of four people. Although this is very common, sometimes we don't know the exact reason behind it. So today, let's talk about why armpit itching is like this, what you can do at home, and when you should see a doctor.
So why do armpits itch like this? What are the common causes?
Most of the time, itchy armpits are nothing to worry about. There are a few common things in our daily lives that can cause them.
- Sweating: Did you know that our armpits are the place where the most sweat glands are located on the body? So sweating is very normal. But when this sweat mixes with dead skin cells, the moisture and heat create an environment that is perfect for bacteria and fungi to grow . These microorganisms are what often cause itching.
- Hair Growth: As we age, we start to grow hair in our armpits. As these new hairs grow, they can sometimes cause mild irritation and itching.
- Frequent Contact: Think about it, when we keep our arms down, the skin under our armpits often rubs against the side of our body. Also, the clothes we wear, especially tight clothes, often rub against our armpits. This frequent rubbing can also cause minor irritation to the skin and cause itching.
Other symptoms that accompany armpit itching
Sometimes it's just the armpits that itch, but sometimes other symptoms may appear along with this itching. These symptoms vary depending on the cause.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Rash or Dermatitis | Skin redness, peeling, or blistering. |
| Bumps or blisters (Bumps on skin) | Small bumps or blisters on the skin surface. |
| Skin Discoloration | Depending on your skin tone, it may turn pink, red, or purple. |
| Pain or Burning Sensation | Feeling of burning or pain along with itching. |
| Open Wounds | Frequent scratching can cause skin injuries, and sometimes those injuries can even become infected. |
Very important: If you feel a lump in your armpit, it could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an infection or cancer. So if you notice something like that , see a doctor immediately. Be sure to keep this in mind.
Do our daily habits and belongings also affect this?
Yes, definitely. Often, things we don't think about cause this itching.
Shaving
After shaving the armpits, some people experience a red, itchy rash as if the razor has burned their skin. We call this `Razor burn`. Also, when the hairs grow back, they can sometimes grow back into the skin. This is called `Ingrown hairs`. This is also a major cause of itching and small bumps.
Deodorant, soap and washing powder
Some of the chemicals in your deodorant, antiperspirant, soap, body lotion, or laundry detergent may not be good for your skin. We call this contact dermatitis. Common causes of problems include:
- Aluminum
- Fragrances
- Lanolin
- Parabens
- Propylene glycol
Check if your products have these things.
Other medical conditions that may be behind itchy armpits
If you keep scratching your armpits for no apparent reason, there may be some underlying medical condition behind it.
| Medical Condition | A brief explanation |
|---|---|
| Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) | The skin is constantly moist due to sweating more than normal. |
| Heat Rash | Small, red blisters caused by blocked sweat glands. |
| Pregnancy | Itching can be caused by hormonal changes and skin stretching. |
| Allergies | As a symptom of an allergy to food or something else. |
| Skin diseases (Eczema, Psoriasis) | These can occur anywhere on the body and can also occur in the armpits. |
| Yeast Infection (Yeast Infection / Intertrigo) | Fungal infections in skin folds. |
| Hair follicle infection (Folliculitis) | Bacteria entering and infecting hair follicles. |
A word about diabetes and cancer
Dry skin is common in people with diabetes . This dry skin can cause itchy armpits. This itching can be exacerbated when blood sugar levels are high.
Itchy armpits are rarely caused by cancer . However, it can be a symptom of conditions such as inflammatory breast cancer and lymphoma. Dry, itchy skin can also be a side effect of cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation therapy).
What can you do to get rid of this annoying itch?
The best thing is to find the cause and treat it.
Things you can do at home
- Stay clean: Shower thoroughly every day, especially after sweating. Apply soap under your armpits and wash them thoroughly.
- Moisturize your skin: Drink plenty of water and apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type daily.
- Try switching your products: Try switching your deodorant, soap, and lotion to products labeled "for sensitive skin," "fragrance-free," or "hypoallergenic."
- Stop shaving for a while: Stop shaving until the itching subsides. Or use a new, sharp razor blade.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Avoid wearing clothes made from fabrics that irritate the skin, such as wool. Wear clothes that absorb sweat and are kind to the skin, such as cotton.
If you need medical attention...
Your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the cause. These may include:
- Antihistamines (allergy pills)
- Antifungal or antibiotic creams or pills `(Antifungal or Antibiotic medications)`
- Topical steroids
- Treating an underlying medical condition.
The most important thing is that your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you. So, seek medical advice before doing anything you feel like doing.
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
Although this is usually not serious, you should definitely see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
| Get Medical Advice Immediately |
|---|
| If you have any of the following symptoms... |
| If the itching does not subside with home treatments or if it gets worse . |
| If the rash in the armpit spreads to other parts of the body . |
| If you can't sleep at night because of the itching. |
| If you have a lump in your armpit or swollen lymph nodes. |
| If you have severe pain or fever . |
| If you notice a new growth on your skin or a spot that looks different. |
Take-Home Message
- Itchy armpits are a very common and annoying problem, but most of the time, the cause is something as simple as sweat, friction, or the products you use.
- This condition can often be controlled by good hygiene, choosing products that are suitable for the skin, and wearing comfortable clothing.
- If you notice a lump in your armpit, never ignore it. It could be a sign of a serious condition, so see a doctor immediately.
- If the itching does not subside with home remedies, is getting worse, or has other worrisome symptoms, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
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