What’s Causing Your Armpit Rash

An armpit rash may be painful, bumpy, or just unsightly. Understanding what is causing the symptoms is the first step to solving the problem. If this has been an ongoing issue then it is likely that you have been continually irritating the area causing the armpit rash to continue thriving and being tender and sore.

A rash is often associated with redness and swelling of the outer skin. The appearance may be bumpy, flaky or even filled with a liquid under the skin (often pus). It’s important to understand what is causing the rash under your arm because it may be an underlying condition that can get worse if not treated properly.

Armpit Rash Caused by Contact Dermatitis

One of the most common causes of an armpit rash is skin irritation and inflammation from a product touching your skin. Your first culprit is going to be evaluating the hygiene products you use including laundry detergents, soap and body wash, a body spray, or your deodorant. If a chemical is causing the rash you should refrain from its use and see if the rash clears up. Some other common causes of an armpit rash are reactions to metal (ie: jewelry), contact with rash inducing plants like poison ivy, an insect bite, or an ingrown hair caused during shaving of the armpit.

If the armpit rash comes on suddenly each time you consume a certain food or medication then you are likely allergic to a certain ingredient and should stop ingestion immediately and consult a physician for testing. Allergies are a common cause for rashes and have the potential to lead to other life threatening reactions associated with swelling and trouble breathing.

Removing the Irritant is the Easiest Armpit Rash Treatment

Most rashes will clear up once the causes or irritations are relieved from the infected area. If you have an ongoing skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis you may see the armpit rash come and go. It’s important to see a physician if you think you have eczema so you can be diagnosed and treated properly. While rashes are visible on the skin, they also may be telling you something is not right inside your body. Autoimmune disorders can generate a rash on the epidermis signaling a problem with the immune system.

Most simple rashes are caused by contact dermatitis from chemicals on the surface of the skin. If you recently started using a new lotion, deodorant, or fragrance, detergent, or even dryer sheet it could be the cause of your armpit rash. Discontinuing the use of these for a few days will often lead to the area clearing up, and you may find that your armpit is sensitive requiring unscented deodorant and other products used in this region.

An armpit rash may also be caused by poor hygiene habits leading to a fungal infection because of the dark moist habitat that these infections thrive in. Try to keep the area dry and cool as increased body heat may also cause a reaction resulting in a rash under the arm. Many rashes can be treated with over the counter creams or removing the irritant from the affected area. If the problem persists over time, gets worse, or spreads to other areas of the body you should seek immediate medical attention through a doctor or dermatologist so you can be prescribed the proper medication to treat your armpit rash.

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