Rashes in the armpits can be painful, embarrassing, and even scary at times. Because it is warm and wet and gets a lot of friction from moving arms and clothes, the underarm area is especially prone to skin irritation. Knowing the different causes can help you figure out what’s wrong and get the right treatment.
1. Dermatitis from contact
When your skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, you get contact dermatitis. Deodorants, antiperspirants, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and some types of clothing can all cause problems. The reaction usually happens a few hours to a few days after exposure and shows up as redness, itching, and sometimes blisters. The problem is often fixed by switching to hypoallergenic products or natural alternatives.
2. Infections from fungi
Fungal infections do best in warm, moist places, so the underarm area is perfect for them to grow. Tinea corporis (ringworm) is a common fungal infection that makes a red, round rash with a slightly raised border. Candida is another cause. It makes a bright red rash with small bumps that look like pustules. Antifungal creams or, in serious cases, oral medications prescribed by a doctor are needed to treat fungal infections.
3. Infections caused by bacteria
Bacteria can cause rashes in the armpits, especially where skin folds rub against each other and get wet. Erythrasma, which is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium, makes a rash that is pink to brown and is more common in warm, humid places. Folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles, shows up as small red bumps or pustules. Most bacterial infections need antibiotics that you put on your skin or take by mouth.
4. Prickly Heat (Heat Rash)
When it’s hot and humid or when you wear tight clothes, sweat can get stuck in your pores and cause heat rash. This condition causes small red bumps and a feeling of itching or prickling. With good airflow, loose clothing, and keeping the area dry, heat rash usually goes away on its own.
5. Intertrigo
Intertrigo is a common skin condition that happens in skin folds where moisture and friction meet. The rash looks like red, swollen, and sometimes macerated (softened or broken down) skin. Secondary bacterial or fungal infections may arise in the affected region. To treat it, you should keep the area dry, wear clothes that let air flow through, and use antifungal creams or powders that soak up moisture.
6. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Eczema is a long-term inflammatory skin disease that can affect the armpits, making them itchy, red, and sometimes cracking or oozing. People with eczema have skin that is sensitive and reacts badly to things that irritate it or cause allergies. To manage eczema, you need to keep your skin moist, stay away from things that make it worse, and use topical steroids or other medications that your doctor prescribes when you have a flare-up.
7. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that speeds up the growth of skin cells, which leads to thick, scaly plaques. When it affects the underarms, it makes red patches with silver-white scales that can be itchy or painful. Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, systemic medications, or phototherapy are all possible treatments.
8. Hidradenitis Suppurativa
This long-term skin condition causes inflammation in places where sweat and oil glands are, like the underarms. Hidradenitis suppurativa makes painful lumps, abscesses, and sinus tracts that can get infected. Antibiotics, retinoids, and sometimes surgery are needed to treat the condition.
9. Erythema Multiforme
Erythema multiforme is an inflammatory condition that is frequently induced by infections (notably the herpes simplex virus), pharmacological agents, or various other factors. It shows up as red, sometimes blistering rashes that can show up in the armpits. The severity of the condition varies, and a doctor usually needs to look at it and possibly treat it with systemic treatment.
10. Reactions to Allergies
Underarm rashes can also be caused by allergic reactions to foods, medicines, or things in the environment, in addition to contact dermatitis. These reactions can happen along with other symptoms, such as swelling, itching, or hives on other parts of the body. Finding and staying away from the allergen is very important, but antihistamines or steroids may be needed for stronger reactions.
When to Get Medical Help
Many underarm rashes go away on their own with home care, but some cases need to be looked at by a doctor. If your rash is getting worse and you have signs of infection like pus, swelling, or lymph node enlargement, call a doctor. If your rash lasts longer than two weeks, spreads, makes it hard to do everyday things, or comes with a fever or other systemic symptoms, you should also see a doctor.
Tips for Avoiding
To lower your chances of getting rashes in your armpits, keep the area clean and dry, wear clothes that let air flow, use personal care products that are gentle and don’t have a scent, stay away from tight clothes that rub against your skin, and practice good hygiene. If you tend to get rashes, you might want to try hypoallergenic or natural deodorants and change out of sweaty clothes right away.
In conclusion
There are many things that can cause rashes in the armpits. Some need to see a doctor, while others can be fixed with simple changes to your daily life. You can protect your skin and your health by knowing what might cause an infection and what warning signs to look for. If you’re not sure, seeing a dermatologist will help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
