After a long day of work, you come back home to relax. But suddenly you feel an itch in your armpits. At that moment have you ever thought to yourself why your armpits seem to be itchy? If yes, read on for some tips to help manage the condition.
1. Causes for Itchy Armpits
1.1 Sweat
One of the prime and common answers to your question is sweat. Your underarms contain sweat glands that release sweat that can help to control your body temperature. So when you sweat, it gets trapped in your underarms, which is also one of the warmest places in your body.
While being there it combines with dead skin cells, making it a suitable area for the growth of bacterial or fungal infection. This can also lead to heat rash in hot climates. Thus causing you to experience itchy armpits.
By the way, did you know that if you don’t have these sweat glands then you are prone to die from hyperthermia or overheating? In some rare cases, people don’t have such sweat glands, this condition is called Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
1.2 Hair Growth
If you are a teenager who has just hit puberty, then you will notice certain changes in your body including the growth of hair in your armpits. Such hair is also called axillary hair. When this hair starts to grow out, it tends to have an itching sensation under your armpits.
It is also advised that you shouldn’t shave your underarms too often, as doing so will only irritate your sensitive skin more. Thus, instead of resolving the issue from the roots, it would again lead to itchy underarms.
1.3 Folliculitis
It is a common skin condition where bacteria enter into the tiny spores of our skin. As our itchy armpits are a wet area that produces a lot of sweat. It becomes relatively easier for you to get folliculitis. They can even enter your skin through an old or dull razor blade, so makes sure you always use a clean and sharp razor.
Initially, they appear as red pimples and can be very painful. Most of the time it does go away on its own. But if the infection arises again and again, then you should consult your doctor, who may prescribe you oral antibiotics for better healing.
1.4 Hygiene
If you don’t maintain a proper hygiene routine, then that can trigger itchiness on your skin. You need to bathe regularly and scrub your skin properly. So that you can scrub off the germs on your skin.
While doing so, you also eliminate oils and dead skin cells. If you fail to bathe for a long period and keep your underarms clean. It can lead you to often ponder ‘Why do my armpits itch?’. Besides, it can even cause dermatitis; a medical term for common skin irritation. It causes swelling and itching on your skin.
1.5 Deodorant
In today’s market, each deodorant out there is trying to make its scent last longer than the others. To ace this race, these deodorant companies tend to make their product stronger. The stronger the scent, the more the ingredient added to it. Some of the common ingredients found in deodorants are aluminium, parabens, propylene glycol, etc.
The user may have an allergic reaction to it. Also, these ingredients can be found in laundry detergent products, soaps, and even lotions. So it’s better to change your deodorant, to find the one that doesn’t react with your skin.
2. Helpful Tips to Tackle Itchy Armpits
2.1 Warm Water
If the itching in your armpits is not stopping. Then there are chances for you to develop boils in that area. So to get rid of those boils, you can apply warm water. Doing so will help to increase the blood circulation in that area, this will bring in more white blood cells. Such antibodies will fight that infection.
The boil would eventually burst open and drain fully. It is advised, that you shouldn’t try squeezing or cutting the boil open, as it can spread the infection to unaffected areas.
2.2 Ice Cube
Ice Cube is another home remedy for you to try to relieve symptoms and soothe this skin irritation. It can help to release Endorphins, it is one of the happiness hormones. It is considered our body’s natural painkillers.
Endorphins can help you to relieve the pain around the applied area. But it is advised, that you wrap that ice cube in a clean towel, instead of directly applying it to your bare skin.
2.3 Vitamin C
If you consume fruits and vegetables that are enriched with Vitamin C, then you can effectively deal with the itchiness in your underarms. That’s because it is an effective antioxidant. Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting your cells from free radicals that can cause serious diseases like breast cancer. You can find Vitamin C in tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, etc.
FAQs
1. How to know if my itchy armpits need medical attention?
There are several reasons for your itchy armpits to turn out as a symptom of a serious disease. But such chances are very rare too. If you are facing shortness of breath, fever, unexplained weight loss, along with itchy skin then it can be a symptom of Lymphoma.
If you have dry skin around your armpits and it’s constantly itching, then it can be a symptom of Diabetes. But all these symptoms should be taken into consideration when your itching stays longer than an unusual time.
2. Are there home remedies to prevent itchy armpits?
There are many home remedies that you can apply to your skin for effective results.
The very first thing to do is to maintain a proper hygiene routine. After your workout or in hot weather conditions there can be excessive sweating in your body. During those days, you need to make sure that you bathe properly, or else the oil and dead skin on your face and body remains there.
This can lead to the accumulation of germs and then infection. Drink enough water, so that your skin remains hydrated. Also to avoid dry skin, use moisturizers, you can even use Aloe vera. Don’t shave your auxiliary hair until the itchiness is gone. Lastly, use ice to reduce inflammation.
But make sure you use these remedies only for mild itchiness. If by any chance the skin is still irritating you, then you should consult a medical professional.
Last Updated on December 22, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com
