10 Armpit Rash Causes from a Dermatologist
It’s certainly not the most exciting topic, but armpit rashes and armpit irritation are very real—very real, very annoying, and very uncomfortable. There are several possible causes (which we’ll get to in a bit), but certain biological traits don’t help. “The skin in this area is thinner than on most other parts of the body, making it more sensitive and more susceptible to environmental irritation,” explains board-certified dermatologist Teresa Song, MD. It’s also a fold of skin—where skin sits on top of and rubs against other skin—and an area of chronic moisture and friction, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, she adds.
All of these factors make the area more susceptible to irritation (or intertrigo, a rash in the skin folds, or inflammation). But several different medical conditions can cause armpit rashes. We asked Dr. Song and nationally certified dermatologist Hayley Goldbach to explain the most common causes of armpit rashes. Read on to find out what they told us.
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Dermatitis
“Dermatitis simply means that the skin is irritated or inflamed,” Goldbach says. It’s an umbrella term for several types, including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.
The first two of these are relatively rare in the armpits, Goldbach notes. Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, isn’t common in the armpits because it’s a naturally moist environment, she explains, and atopic dermatitis is associated with dry skin. Seborrheic dermatitis typically occurs in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, not the armpits, Song adds.
The most likely is allergic contact dermatitis, which is essentially a fancy way of saying you’re truly allergic to an ingredient that came in contact with your skin. It presents as a red, scaly or dotted rash with itching, Song notes, and is usually treated with prescription anti-inflammatory creams. However, she adds, irritant contact dermatitis is more common than a true allergy. So far…
02 of 10
Deodorant rash
According to Song, a deodorant rash is more of an irritant contact dermatitis than a true allergy. In other words, something in the deodorant you use is irritating your skin, but you’re not actually allergic to it. “Ingredients in the deodorant may irritate the sensitive skin in the area, which, combined with the occlusion of the skin folds, can increase permeability and lead to a red, dotted, itchy rash,” she explains.
The first step is to stop using deodorant, then use a topical anti-inflammatory cream. Once the rash clears, it’s best to switch to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic deodorant, Goldbach says.
03 of 10
Milk Rash
“Milk rash is caused by sweat and heat irritating the affected area, causing the hair follicles and sweat glands to become clogged,” Song says. So it’s understandable that it’s more likely to occur in the summer or in hot, humid conditions.
It usually appears as small, red, clear bumps; the best treatment and prevention options are to ventilate the area and keep the area as dry as possible. (Applying talcum powder can help, Song adds.) It’s also a good idea to change out of sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible.
04 of 10
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles due to an overgrowth of bacteria, Song explains, adding that it can look like red bumps and white pustules. These can also be painful, Goldbach notes, and the condition often requires antibiotics (oral and/or topical, depending on the severity). A visit to a dermatologist is definitely necessary.
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Inverse psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease; inverse psoriasis is just a form that usually appears in the folds of the skin, Song says. But it also looks a little different than normal psoriasis. “Because of the moist environment, it looks like well-defined red patches without the surface scaling that occurs with psoriasis elsewhere on the body,” she explains.
Goldbach adds that this is another condition where you absolutely need to see a dermatologist, as treatment options range from topical therapies to biologic medications.
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Tingles
Tingles is a fungal infection that can develop from moisture retention in the armpits, Goldbach explains. Song tells us that it presents very specifically—namely, well-defined, ring-shaped patches with red edges. Treatment usually involves the use of a topical antifungal.
07 of 10
Candida
This is a different type of fungal infection, but it’s caused by Candida. (AKA: It’s the yeast infection in your armpits.) It looks like red patches with small red lesions nearby, Song says.
“However, sometimes it can look like a severe rash that doesn’t respond to typical treatments. In that case, you should see a doctor,” Goldbach adds. She notes that topical antifungals are usually used, along with powders or tablets, but it also helps to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.
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Cancer Treatments
“Cancer treatments can sometimes cause a rash called erythema chemotoxicum,” Song explains. It can affect the hands, feet, and skin folds (including the armpits) and appear as red, tender patches and blisters. Anti-inflammatory creams are a common treatment, and in severe cases, oral steroids may be needed, she adds.
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Acne inversa
Also known as hidradenitis, acne inversa is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects hair follicles. It can occur in all folds of the skin and manifests as recurring boils, scars, and the formation of subcutaneous sinuses, Song said. Both dermatologists we spoke to said it is a very difficult condition to treat and definitely requires the help of a dermatologist.
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Erythrasma
According to Goldbach, erythrasma is “a bacterial infection that specifically affects the armpits,” Song adds, and it manifests as red patches of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation that are accompanied by mild itching, noting that it can be treated with topical antibacterial washes and creams.
Many medical conditions can cause armpit rashes. So if you experience discomfort in this area, it’s best to make an appointment with your dermatologist to find out the exact cause and the best treatment. Beyond that, keeping your underarms clean and dry, as well as using fragrance-free deodorant, are good tips that help on all fronts.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
