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.

01 of 10

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.

05 of 10

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.

06 of 10

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.

08 of 10

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.

Total 10

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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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