Armpit Rashes: What Causes Them And How To Treat And Prevent Them

Ever gotten an armpit rash? Ouch, not the best feeling in the world, right? Armpit rashes may result from several reasons, including irritation, yeast infections, chafing, allergic reaction, and chronic health issues. All genders are prone to armpit rashes, regardless of age. Because the armpit areas are susceptible to rashes due to folded, thin skin and hairiness. Then add other contributing factors such as heat, sweat, and friction; the armpit is the perfect environment for developing rashes and skin irritations. Just as there are several common causes of armpit rashes, many remedies exist to treat and prevent them. Here are some of these possible causes and effective treatments.

Armpit Rashes Causes

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reaction - is one of the most common causes of armpit rashes. You must identify the irritant, which may be an ingredient or more from products in your personal care, such as body wash, antiperspirants, lotions, deodorants, detergents, and perspirants. These personal care items that may result in these rashes under the armpits often contain allergens such as synthetic chemicals, parabens (or preservatives), and perfumes.

Infections

Infections - when it comes to infections, there are two main factors: fungal and bacterial. One common cause is folliculitis, a bacterial infection that looks like a pimply rash. Folliculitis can occur in any body part where hair grows because the hair follicles get infected and inflamed. Yeast, a type of fungus, can cause armpit rashes due to the warm and moist environment in this area. Other infections include erythrasma (bacterial), ringworm (fungal), and intertrigo (bacterial, fungal, or yeast).

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Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions - such as psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that is not an infection. Inverse psoriasis appears on the body where skin folds and rubs together, such as the armpits, groins, or under breasts. This psoriasis may lead to a skin rash, redness or brownness (on darker skin tones), and peeling. Various types of eczema can also lead to inflamed and irritated rashes all over the body or the armpit, such as contact dermatitis. With irritant contact dermatitis, you may have come into repeated contact with an irritant that triggers the reaction, such as soaps, deodorants, or perfumes.

Some people may have allergic contact dermatitis, where their skins come into contact with an allergen in product preservatives or poisonous plants, which results in red, scaly under-armpit rashes. Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa) is another chronic condition that causes rashes because hair follicles near the sweat glands get clogged and cause skin irritation. The resultant rash breakout from acne inversa are painful bumps filled with pus that may emit an odor when popped.

Armpit Chafing

Armpit chafing - We all have areas where skin rubs together or against the fabric. Problems start when sweat and friction meet. The rubbing and friction lead to chafing that can result in uncomfortable armpit rashes that are sore, tender, and red due to the skin rubbing against the skin. It can also cause intense stinging pain.

Armpit Rashes Treatment & Relief

• Avoid the allergen or irritant - Once you know what is causing the rash, you can stop using it. The rash will clear up when you discontinue what is causing it, such as products with fragrances or parabens. 
• Use anti-inflammatory creams - doctors may prescribe a cream to help with painful rashes. 
• Use prescribed steroids - doctors may recommend prednisone to treat severe allergic reactions. 
• Hygiene - keep the armpits clean using gentle, hypoallergenic washes without fragrance, parabens, or other common allergens. Then dry off them after cleansing so the armpit area is not moist.
• Exercise caution when shaving - Make sure your razors are sharp to minimize irritation and maximize clean cuts. Dull razors can pull on your armpit hairs and irritate the skin. Shave in the direction of your hair growth to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, and Always apply soothing shaving gels or creams for a smooth shave and to reduce friction. Only apply enough pressure to remove your hair to avoid cutting yourself. 
• Wear loose clothing -  Tight synthetic clothing can reduce air circulation and lock in sweat leading to armpit rashes. Opt for loose, cotton clothes so your armpits can breathe and reduce friction. 
• Moisturize - With our Kushae Protective Feminine Skin Balm to end chafing and skin rubbing once and for all – everywhere. This natural skin balm heals and protects your most delicate skin. It wicks away moisture, creating a natural skin barrier for maximum protection. We’ve leveraged “Mother Nature”-approved ingredients to deliver the balm that ends all chafing, sweat irritation, and rubbing burns: 
• Natural olive fruit oil (reduces friction and wicks away sweat) 
• Anti-inflammatory Goldenseal (heals skin)
• Anti-bacterial Calendula (soothes and protects)