Causes of Itching Armpits and How to Overcome It

Generally the itchy armpit can subside by itself. But itchy underarms caused by certain causes such as fungal or bacterial infections, if left unchecked can be difficult to overcome. To handle this condition, proper detection of the underlying causes is needed.

Armpits are parts of the body that are easily irritated. Among other things, because the armpit is one of the most warm and moist areas of the body. In this section there are lymph nodes, many sweat glands, and hair follicles.

Itchy armpits can be accompanied by a rash that makes the skin look white and scaly or wavy and reddish. The rash which is one of the causes of this itchy armpit can last up to several months or only a few hours. A long-lost rash is usually caused by a skin condition or lifestyle whereas those caused by hot weather can disappear quickly.

Possible Causes of Itching Armpits

In order to get the right treatment, it is important to know the cause of the itchy armpit by checking with a dermatologist. Check out some of the possible causes of itchy underarms.

Atopic dermatitis or eczema

Eczema easily appears on the folds of the skin, like the armpits, and causes itching and redness. Itchy armpits due to eczema that are often hard scratched can cause skin to bleed and sometimes clear liquids appear.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is skin irritation due to excessive production of skin oil or sebum. This excess oil makes the skin flakes white or yellow. Seborrheic dermatitis can be caused by a combination of various factors, such as dry and cold air, health problems, certain drug use, and stress.

Contact dermatitis

One type of eczema appears because it is triggered by contact with certain ingredients that cause redness, blistering, dryness, and cracking. The reaction can occur immediately, a few hours later, or it can be several days after the skin is exposed to substances that trigger allergies or irritation. Armpit contact dermatitis can be caused by the use of lotions, deodorants, perfume, certain materials from the clothes worn, to the use of detergents used to wash clothes.

Fungal infections

Itchy armpits can be caused by candidiasis which gives rise to a reddish and swelling rash. Ringworm on the armpit can also cause itching. Both are fungal infections, which can easily grow in moist areas of the body, including the armpits. The risk of fungal infections increases in people with poor personal hygiene, often wearing tight clothing, or doing activities in hot weather. Avoid using corticosteroids in handling, because it will make the fungus worse.

Psoriasis

Itchy armpits can also be caused by psoriasis. This autoimmune disease is characterized by redness and glossiness that appears on the skin.

Intertrigo

Irritation and infection of the armpit skin which results in itching, redness, until the skin feels sore.
How to Relieve Itchy Armpits
If the itchy armpit is caused by allergies or irritation with certain ingredients, then this complaint can be overcome by avoiding these ingredients. If it is caused by a fungal infection, you need to use an antifungal cream.

Meanwhile, the itching can be relieved in several ways, such as cold compresses using ice cubes, bathing in warm water, applying moisturizers that do not contain fragrances, or applying antigatal creams that are sold freely. Coconut or lavender oil can also be applied to reduce itching and irritation. In addition, as much as possible avoid scratching the itchy armpit to avoid infection.

To avoid itchy armpits, avoid using tight clothing made of synthetic material and the use of deodorants and other skin products that are at risk of causing a rash. Keeping your body clean is also important to prevent itchy armpits.

If complaints of itchy armpits often recur or do not improve after the use of over-the-counter drugs, you should consult a dermatologist.

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