Due to a yeast infection, a too strong shave or eczema, the armpits can be irritated. How to soothe this feeling? Advice from Dr. Felicia Bonneric, dermatologist.
What are the symptoms of armpit irritation?
You armpits you itch ? They may be irritated. How to recognize irritation? “In the armpits, it is characterized by redness and itching. Sometimes there are also small dandruff and a little rough skin“, says Dr. Bonneric about the symptoms. It can also manifest as a burning sensation causing discomfort.
What causes irritated armpits?
The irritating factors are multiple. Armpit irritation is favored by heat and friction. In summer, for example, increased volume of sweat and friction with clothing promote the appearance of redness. Irritation is also caused by the use of products such as unsuitable deodorants as Dr. Bonneric explains. “Anything antiperspirant can be irritating. They contain irritating agents like alcohol or aluminum salts“, details the specialist before continuing. “There are also allergenic substances in the components of depilatory creams. Their use causes contact eczema in some people, which is characterized by red patches.“.
The razor promotes ingrown hairs that cause itching
When it comes to hair removal, the use of the razor in the armpits also promotes the appearance of ingrown hairs. These hairs that grow under the skin cause itching and irritation. Certain pathologies such as reverse psoriasis, an inflammatory disease favored by a dysfunction of the immune system is also to be taken into account. “Normally psoriasis affects the convex areas of the body such as elbows, knees. Inverse psoriasis will affect the folds of the elbow, the armpits. That’s why it’s called inverted, but it’s less common. It can also manifest itself at the level of the folds of the groin, the navel, the inter-gluteal fold“, describes Felicia Bonneric. The so-called favoring factors of this type of psoriasis are overweight, certain ENT infections or even stress. Finally, in the event of irritation, the search for mycoses – microscopic fungi particularly favored by humidity and maceration – is another track. According to the specialist, however, this remains rare at the level of “large pleats“such as the armpits.
What treatment to calm armpit irritation?
Proper hydration is key. “If the irritation is caused by the use of a deodorant or a product that is applied, try to leave the skin alone and to hydrate it with some healing creams that will give a protective film“, advises the dermatologist. The establishment of a good routine is also essential. “Washing, drying and not using irritating soaps is essential. It’s necessary favor “soap-free” soaps, surgras. For dry skin, I advise to bring hydration. For those who will sweat a lot, we will rather dry“, continues the specialist. According to her, as a last resort, “We can sometimes be put under corticosteroid cream, under medical advice“. She advises for this to turn to a general practitioner.
Armpit irritation after shaving: what to do?
After shaving, hydration is once again the best way to soothe irritated armpits. However, it is possible to adopt good actions upstream in order to limit the inconvenience. “It’s necessary avoid shaving without anything. You have to use shaving cream.” warns Dr. Bonneric before adding ““Mechanical” shaving with wax or hair removal can be aggressive, because the hair is pulled out, which will irritate the skin. It is therefore preferable to use a trimmer and keep a small millimeter so as not to irritate the skin. You don’t have to shave“. For the specialist, permanent hair removal can be another solution to treat ingrown hairs and irritation from other shaving styles.
Dr. Felicia Bonnericdermatologist.