Itchy Underarms? Treat and Prevent Them With These Simple Home Remedies

Itchy underarms are a common discomfort that can disrupt your day and affect your confidence. While the relief from scratching may feel satisfying, persistent itchiness can quickly turn into a source of frustration and a cause for concern.

Repeated scratching can cause micro-tears and inflammation. It may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a condition where the skin darkens as it heals. Over time, this can result in dark underarms.

The good news? Most causes are manageable with the proper hygiene practices and simple adjustments to your routine. In this article, we’ll look at common triggers, prevention tips, and remedies for itchy underarms. 

10 Common Causes of Itchy Underarms

Dry and itchy underarms happen because of various reasons. It can be due to certain medical conditions or simply because of your daily lifestyle.

Itchy armpits come with irritation, redness, and sometimes a burning sensation. In medical terms, the skin condition is known as pruritus. While you may be tempted to scratch your skin for temporary relief, this will just worsen the situation. It’s important to know what causes itchy underarms so you know how to prevent them.

Why is my underarm itchy? Here are some of the common culprits.

1. Heat Rash

Extreme weather conditions can cause itchy underarms, especially during the summer. When your body sweats, it mixes with the dirt that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day. This can cause itchy armpits.

2. Deodorant

Using deodorant after a refreshing shower is a basic hygiene routine, but applying deodorant can cause itchy underarms and redness if you’re allergic to certain ingredients. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the four ingredients commonly found in deodorants that trigger allergies include fragrances, aluminum, dyes, and preservatives.

3. Bacteria

Why does my armpit itch even after showering or grooming? While it may seem like you’re doing everything right, wet skin can actually create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, especially in warm, enclosed areas like the underarms. This can lead to yeast infections and, eventually, cause persistent itching and irritation.

4. Shaving

There are several faux pas that can be committed when shaving that will eventually lead to razor rash and itchy armpits. For instance, dry shaving, using a razor more than 7 times, and not using a moisturizer after shaving. To help prevent irritation, consider using a soothing gel for underarm that hydrates and calms the skin after shaving.

5. Soap

Many soaps are harsh in nature and contain strong chemicals. These will make your armpits dry and flaky, resulting in rashes and itchy underarms.

6. Allergies

Allergic reactions often cause your skin to itch. This includes your underarms. So, be careful with the deodorant, laundry detergent, and fabrics you use or wear.

7. Weather

Extreme heat or cold can also cause rashes to form on your underarms. The summer heat can cause you to sweat, which can mix with the dirt that accumulates on your skin throughout the day. Meanwhile, extreme cold can lead to dryness, which also leads to itchiness.

8. Poor Hygiene

Neglecting proper hygiene is also one of the overlooked reasons behind what causes dark underarms. Not taking care of your armpits properly can cause itchiness and rashes in the area. You should avoid wearing dirty clothes and make sure to shower regularly and keep the area clean. 

9. Stress

Stress can affect your nervous system and manifest in physical ways, such as itchiness. This itch often affects the sensitive parts of your skin, including your underarms.

10. Fabric Irritants

Certain fabrics like polyester or tight-fitting synthetic blends can trap heat and moisture or rub harshly against your skin, causing irritation. Opt for breathable, soft materials like cotton when possible.

How to Fix Itchy Armpits?

Luckily, treating dry and itchy underarms is usually as simple as switching soaps or applying coconut oil to your skin. Try one of these at-home treatments with items you can easily find lying in your kitchen or bathroom.

Cold Compress

The cold temperature and anti-inflammatory properties of an ice pack will help in calming down mild rashes or itchy underarms. Simply take an ice pack from your freezer and apply it to your armpits for a few minutes. You can do this each time you experience itchy underarms to get quick relief.

Aloe Vera

If the ice pack doesn’t work, do you have some aloe vera in your garden? The plant possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient for skincare products intended to soothe and heal and naturally whiten the underarm. It’s also a great source of Vitamin E which helps prevent dry and itchy skin.

For itchy underarms, take two tablespoons of all-natural aloe vera gel and apply it directly to the area. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before washing off the gel with water.

Honey

Think honey is just for tea or sauces? Think again! Honey prevents your skin from drying due to its natural humectant properties. In other words, it’s naturally moisturizing. This, in turn, helps in treating dry and itchy underarms. 

Take some honey from your kitchen pantry and lightly heat it. Apply the warm honey on your itchy armpits and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with water.  It’s a simple yet effective underarm itching home remedy you can try anytime.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains fatty acids with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe itchy underarms. The oil is also highly moisturizing which helps fight a major cause of pruritus – dry skin.

After taking a bath or a shower, pat yourself dry and apply coconut oil to your itchy armpits. You can do this before you go to sleep or if you’re just going to lounge in the house all day.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil are useful in treating itchy underarms as they will reduce inflammation and irritation.

Simply add two to three drops of your preferred essential oil to a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture directly to your itchy armpits and allow it to be absorbed.

Vitamin C

Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C will help relieve itchy underarms. Fruits and vegetables enriched with Vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and broccoli will fight against the infection that causes underarm itching.

Additionally, you can also use an underarm exfoliating gel that’s rich in Vitamin C, like the Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Skin Whitening Gel. It has a powerful and effective combo of natural Vitamin C extracts and antioxidants that help reduce skin bacterial infections that can lead to itchy underarms. 

As it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, and fragrances, you can be sure that it won’t cause dryness or irritation — just the Vitamin C your armpits need!

Over-the-Counter Remedies

You can also opt for over-the-counter medications to help ease underarm itchiness:

• Hydrocortisone Cream
• Calamine Lotion
• Anti-Chafing Powder
• Anti-Fungal Ointment

Before using these medications, make sure to consult a dermatologist first. In addition to these treatments, you may also want to explore some of the best underarm whitening products available in the market. These products often contain soothing and brightening ingredients that help restore your skin’s tone while calming irritation.

Tips on How to Prevent Itchy Underarms

Beyond treating the symptoms, prevention starts with everyday care and mindful product choices. Here are five tips to help you maintain healthy, itch-free underarms:

• Keep Underarms Clean and Dry: Shower regularly and dry your underarms thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth. Moist environments encourage itch-causing microbes

• Shave Carefully: Always use a clean, sharp razor and shave with a moisturizing gel. This prevents razor burns and reduces skin irritation

• Exfoliate Regularly: Gently exfoliate your underarms once a week to remove dead skin buildup. Avoid over-exfoliating as it may cause microdamage and worsen the itch

• Wear Breathable Clothing: Choose loose, cotton fabrics to reduce friction and heat buildup. Tight synthetic clothes can trap sweat and cause irritation

• Choose Gentle, Hypoallergenic Products: Use fragrance-free, alcohol-free soaps and deodorants to avoid irritation. Harsh chemicals can trigger allergies and dryness in sensitive underarm skin

Switch Out Your Soap and Deodorant

If your soap or deodorant is causing your underarms to itch, it’s never too late to make the switch.

For your deodorant, make sure the one you use is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and free from harsh chemicals, like the Gluta-C Intense Whitening Deodorant. Your skin will be less prone to irritation. It’s also important to use body soap with powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C and glutathione. For instance, the Gluta-C Dual Anti-oxidant Soap is not only an effective anti-aging soap, but it’s also anti-bacterial and non-drying. This helps prevent itchy underarms after your shower or bath.

If you’re looking for soap and deodorant that won’t result in you having itchy armpits, give our products a try today!

Get more expert info and advice on how to treat itchy underarms by having a chat with our derma! You can also read up on what causes dry skin that eventually leads to itchy underarms.