Why are my armpits itchy?
7 ways to get rid of itchy armpits
What are
itchy armpits?
An itchy armpit refers to that prickly sensation when your underarms feel irritated or uncomfortable and you get the urge to scratch or rub the area.
Itchy armpits can be caused by a range of things such as poor hygiene, excessive heat or dry skin patches. Itchiness in your underarms can be really uncomfortable, so keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of it and help prevent it coming back.
What are
the symptoms of itchy armpits?
Sometimes you might notice an itchy armpit without redness, where the skin feels irritated but looks normal. This could be due to dry skin or sensitivity to the products you use under your arms.
Get medical help if the itchiness hangs around or comes with severe pain or other general symptoms, as it could point to an infection or other illnesses, sometimes serious.
- Itchiness or irritation in the underarm, ranging from mild to severe.
- Red patches under the armpits.
- Swelling, bumps, or armpit pimples.
- Rashes in the underarm area.
- Itchy armpit without redness, where the skin feels irritated but shows no visible signs (often due to dry skin or sensitivity to products).
9 reasons
why your armpits are itchy
Itchy armpits can be caused by a variety of factors such as:
When you're exposed to too much heat, your sweat glands can clog up and can’t release sweat properly. This can cause them to swell and lead to itchy, painful bumps under your arms.
Keeping your underarms clean is vital if you want to help prevent itchy armpits. Underarms harbour lots of different bacteria. Sweat and dirt building up on your skin can encourage these bacteria to multiply, which could cause itchy skin. It’s important to use a suitable, gentle cleanser to remove dirt without irritating your skin.
This typically happens when an area isn’t shaved correctly, which can lead to irritation or itchiness. If you get razor burn or a rash, take a break from shaving for a few days and let your skin heal.
This occurs when your skin is exposed to an irritant or an allergen, leading to redness and irritation. These substances can include soaps, laundry detergents or certain deodorants. Reactions under the arms are common and can be triggered by ingredients like alcohol, fragrances or certain preservatives found in personal care products. A skin rash caused by deodorant may show up as redness or a burning sensation under your armpits after you apply it. This may be an allergic or irritant reaction. Wash the area thoroughly to remove any leftover deodorant and help stop the situation from getting worse. Talk to a specialist to work out which ingredients to avoid if you have an allergy.
This is a rash that occurs in moist areas of skin folds. It appears as a red or brown rash that can cause itchiness and burning sensations. It is often infectious in origin, but can also be linked to other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
This happens when a hair follicle grows sideways under the skin. This can lead to boils or pimples under your armpits, which are often red and painful to touch.
If you have sensitive skin, you may be more prone to itchy armpits. Some deodorants can cause irritation, especially if your skin is already reactive. Use gentle, alcohol-free products with a fragrance designed for sensitive skin to help prevent itchiness.
Underarm pain together with a small lump may indicate an inflamed lymph node. This is often a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection, so you should have a chat with your doctor.
Some cancers, such as lymphoma or rare breast cancers, can cause itching. If you notice any other symptoms or have any doubts at all, always check with your doctor.
If you're experiencing extreme symptoms, it's recommended that you seek medical attention.
Why do
my armpits itch at night?
A burning or itchy sensation that pops up in your armpits at night could be due to a few different reasons. Most itchy skin conditions can be made worse at night by heat and excessive sweating. If this sounds familiar, make sure your bedroom is well ventilated and use light bed linen and clothing that lets your skin breathe. If you experience itching, pain or excessive sweating for no obvious reason, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to check for any potentially serious illnesses.
care for armpits prone to itching
Here are some simple methods you can use to help treat itchy underarms and symptoms such as armpit pimples:
- Anti-itch creams or lotions:
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams that contain ingredients such as calamine can help get rid of itchy armpits. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They’ll be able to help you choose the most appropriate treatment for you and let you know about any precautions to take.
- Moisturiser:
Applying a moisturiser such as the NIVEA Repair & Care Lotion can help soothe itchy armpits, particularly if the skin there is dry.
- Anti-chafing powders:
Anti-chafing powders can help reduce bacteria and lessen the discomfort caused by skin rashes by reducing friction in your armpits.
Home remedies:
Warning: Certain home remedies are sometimes recommended to soothe itching. However, you should always take care before using them. Even natural substances can have side effects, and many of them can cause allergies or contact dermatitis, particularly essential oils. Always seek advice from a health professional if you're not sure. - Cooling:
Ice cubes can help soothe and relieve your skin from irritation and itching. Just make sure you don’t apply them directly onto bare skin – wrap them in a clean towel or kitchen roll first, then apply to the skin.
- Aloe vera:
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can help soothe and relieve itchy armpits. Follow the advice of a specialist to find out how best to apply it and what precautions to take.
6 ways to
help avoid itchy armpits
Here are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent itchy armpits:
Avoid scratching or rubbing your skin, as that may make the condition worse.
Wear loose cotton clothing and avoid materials like wool that can irritate sensitive skin.
Practise good hygiene, such as showering regularly and making sure you wash your armpits thoroughly with a skin-friendly product.
Wash clothes and towels regularly, using fragrance-free detergents where you can.
- Keep your skin moisturised to avoid dry skin that can lead to itchiness.
Use a deodorant or antiperspirant that’s designed to be gentle on the skin, such as the NIVEA Sensitive deodorants, to help limit the risk of sensations of irritation and itchiness.
Which NIVEA deodorant range
is right for itchy skin?
NIVEA's deodorant ranges include simple deodorants, which protect against odour, and antiperspirant deodorants, which protect against both odour and perspiration. Because of their high efficacy, antiperspirants are generally the most popular and include a wide range of products, some of which are specially designed for dry skin, sensitive skin or skin prone to itching. The Sensitive range, formulated without alcohol (ethyl alcohol), is ideal for helping to soothe itchy, sensitive skin.
Summary
Itchy armpits can be caused by things like poor hygiene, allergic reactions, dry skin or irritation from shaving. To help relieve discomfort, use soothing products, keep up good hygiene and avoid harsh chemicals. If the itching sticks around or gets worse, seek medical advice to rule out infections or any underlying conditions.
