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Underarm Rash

We will talk about a very irritating and uncomfortable problem called underarm rash, which causes itching, odor, and pain. This issue can be developed due to several reasons, such as fungus, poison, disease, tight clothes, sweat, heat, and allergies.

Treatment of this problem will depend on the proper diagnosis of the problem and its causes. If you are certain of the cause, the problem can be cured at home, but doctors must be consulted if you are not sure of the cause.

Causes and Treatment

The most common cause of the problem is an allergic reaction due to the use of fragrant oil, soap, deodorant, or some similar item, which has come in contact with the underarm skin. Rubbing the skin and clothes can also lead to the problem at hand.

Deodorants and antiperspirants are two of the most commonly used cosmetic products, with millions of consumers applying these products to their axilla everyday. Deodorants are used to mask odor; whereas, antiperspirants are used to reduce the amount of sweat produced. These two activities are often combined into single products.
  • Antiperspirants and deodorants are generally very safe products. However, these products have received much attention as the possible cause of increasing rates of breast cancer, with most hypotheses indicating the estrogenic properties of parabens as the main contributing factor.
  • A recent review of 46 studies looking at aluminum exposure and risk of developing AD concluded that aluminum is, in fact, a risk factor for the development of disease.
  • Cosmetic allergy is a common and frustrating problem. A recent survey in the United Kingdom found that 23 percent of female subjects and 13.8 percent of male subjects will experience an adverse reaction to a personal-care product in the course of a year. Although not all of these reactions are allergic in nature, approximately 10 percent of patients patch tested will test positive for allergy to cosmetics.
  • One hundred seven deodorants and antiperspirants were included in the database. Of the 107 products, 97 contained fragrance, making it the most commonly present allergen. Of the 10 products that did not contain fragrance, two contained potential allergens that are fragrance related—essential oils and biological additives.
  • The second most commonly present allergen was propylene glycol (PG), a water-soluble vehicle ingredient, with 51 of the 107 deodorants or antiperspirants containing the solvent. The third most common allergens were essential oils and biological derivatives, which were found in 11 of the 107 products.
✓ Fact confirmed: Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Matthew J. Zirwas, and Jessica Moennich; 2008 Sep

The skin can be aggravated by clothes that have detergent on them and that have stayed on the clothes for a certain period. The rash is caused by allergic reactions developed due to contact with allergens, and this contact has to be avoided to cure the problem, although medication will be needed as well. You will also find relief in the Hydrocortisone creams.

Next possible cause is heat rash, which develops red, painless, and tiny bumps as a result of wet and hot conditions. This area of the body needs to be cool and dry to eliminate this problem. Some medications can be used as well, along with talcum powder.

Folliculitis is also a possible cause, and this is a hair follicles infection. If you shave the armpit with an unclean shaving instrument, this area can become infected because of the bruises created in this region of the body. This can also occur due to skin friction in this area. Do not shave if you have this problem, and after some time, you will have to introduce antibiotic ointment, which will cure the infection.

Fungal infection can lead to inflamed, flaky, and patchy skin. Fungal infection usually develops in this area due to the good conditions, no light and damp conditions, and it leads to an itchy and red rash. Use Lotrim or another anti-fungal clotrimazole-based cream on the clean underarm skin and see a doctor if this does not eliminate the underarm rash.

One of the rare causes of underarm rash is ichthyosis treatment, which is done for the elimination of the scales and dry skin of the armpit. These scales can flake off and cause a rash, but this is prevented with this treatment. This problem, called ichthyosis, is associated with some types of cancer, AIDS, and hypothyroidism.

Final Recommendations

Propylene glycol and salicylic acid are used for the treatment of this problem, and this will prevent the underarm rash or treat it if it appears. The armpit needs to be clean and dry, and remember to always see a professional who will make a proper diagnosis of the problem.

Never use deodorants, harsh soaps, perfumes, and cosmetic products during the healing period. Make the skin "breathe" by wearing loose clothes with soft and natural fibers. Use medicated powders to pat the armpits dry after a bath or a shower.

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