by Ashley Cummings

We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable feeling - you know, that red, itchy, bumpy underarm rash that leaves you skulking away to a corner to scratch. Not to mention, the discomfort adds insult to injury by making it impossible to wear the sleeveless shirt you’ve been dying to wear. That’s a bummer nobody needs.

Armpit rash is bad news and occurs when the skin in your pits looks bumpy and red or feels uncomfortable for longer than a few hours.

The good news is most armpit rashes are temporary and treatable with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The even better news is common armpit rashes are preventable when you treat your skin like royalty and commit to using the right products, like skin-safe deodorants.

This article will look at the causes, treatment, and prevention of armpit rash.

What are the Causes of Armpit Rash?

Are you wondering what causes armpit rash in the first place? Let’s take a quick look at the top culprits that cause redness, dryness, and itchiness under the arm.

Culprit #1: Chafing

Have you ever been out and about on a long walk and start to notice the skin between your legs or under your arms feels raw and painful? When your skin rubs against itself, or against clothing for too long, it can cause redness, dryness, and discomfort known as chafing.


Culprit #2: Heat Rash

There’s nothing quite like a day of fun in the sun. That is until the heat starts mixing with sweat on the skin, causing unbearable irritation. This irritation is called heat rash and can leave your armpits feeling like they are on fire.


Culprit #3: Shaving

In some areas of the world, hairy armpits are as popular as the recent influx of adorable top-handle bags. For the rest of the world, women shaving under the arms is still the norm. Unfortunately, if you don’t use the right shaving cream and a sharp razor, you may develop patches of tiny, painful bumps known as razor burn. Learn more about how to treat and prevent razor bumps here.

Did you know you can also use Lume Natural Soap for Face & Body as a great replacement for shaving cream, as well as for cleansing your whole body? That's because it's super moisturizing and sudsy, plant-based, and it doesn't contain any irritating ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, or dyes.

Be good to your skin with the right shaving tools.


Culprit #4: Allergens or Irritants in Certain Products

You may have tried out new laundry detergent, soaps or deodorants that smell nice, but don’t jive with your skin type. Deodorant rashes (along with detergents and soaps) can happen to anyone. When you come in contact with an irritant or allergen, you can experience contact dermatitis. The consequences of your bold new product experiment are itchy, red, blistered skin, and a night of trying to find the right home remedy or OTC medicine to get some relief.


Culprit #5: Candida

Candida is just a fancy word for fungus. If you experience a rash caused by this type of fungus and feel the need to share, it’s probably best if you refer to it by its scientific name in group settings. #IDon’tHaveAFungusRashIPromise


Culprit #6: Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It develops around oil-producing glands and manifests as red, swollen, greasy-looking, itchy and burning skin.

What are the Treatments of Armpit Rash?

If you have experienced any of the previous symptoms of armpit rash, then you’re more than ready to find relief and find it fast.


Below are some of the best treatments, OTC medications, and home remedies you can try.


Helpful actions to take at home include:

  • Drying off the armpit area, keeping your armpits cool, and wearing loose clothing.
  • Staying out of conditions where you will sweat.
  • Reduce the amount of time you shower, swim, and bathe.
  • Taking a lukewarm (not hot) bath with oatmeal.
  • Apply a natural moisturizer if your rash is dry.
  • If you believe it is contact dermatitis, find the allergen (a new soap, deodorant, detergent, fabric softener, etc.), and discontinue use.

 

If you are still experiencing discomfort after following the tips outlined above, try some of the following home remedies:

    • Hydrocortisone creams for eczema or contact dermatitis
    • Coconut oil
    • A drop of lavender essential oil mixed with a carrier oil
    • Topical vitamin B-12
    • Sunflower oil
    • Tea tree oil diluted in water to kill fungus
    • Cardiospernum ointment

If none of these home remedies work, it’s wise to consult a doctor. Your dermatologist will determine whether you have a common armpit rash, candida, seborrheic dermatitis, or another underlying medical condition.

 

Based on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend any of the following OTC medications:

    • Hydrocortisone creams
    • Antihistamines
    • Antifungal creams or gels
    • Calamine lotions or creams

If you have a more serious condition, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream, topical PDE4 inhibitors or calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, or another helpful treatment.


How Do You Prevent Armpit Rash?

If you have an armpit rash, you need to find a treatment and give your skin time to heal. Figure out the culprit that is causing your rash, and try your best to avoid any triggers, allergens, and harsh products.

Make a promise to your skin that you learned your lesson. Throw out all your irritating skin products, and start using the right ones now!

Deodorants and antiperspirants are a common irritant to armpits. While there are a plethora of deodorant options you can buy at grocery stores, drugstores, and online, it’s critical to remember that not all of them are created equal.

Some popular antiperspirants will keep your pits dry. Some deodorants will capture the perfect smell in a tiny goopy stick. But, not all of these common products will promote healthy skin, and may even cause rashes. Both antiperspirants containing aluminum and natural deodorants alike can cause rashes, especially ones with baking soda.

What you need to prevent armpit rash is a natural, skin-safe, great-smelling deodorant like Lume Natural Deodorant for Pits & Private Parts.

Lume Deodorant promotes healthy skin because it is:

    • Doctor-developed
    • Naturally-derived
    • Naturally-scented
    • Aluminum-free
    • Baking soda-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Water-based
    • Made with skin-safe synthetics
    • Safe for external use (on any part of your body)
    • Clinically-proven to control odor

Not only will Lume protect your skin, but Lume has been clinically-proven to control odor for up to 72 hours. Lume was developed by an OBGYN, Dr. Shannon Klingman, and is safe to use ANYWHERE on your external body. You can use it on your pits, privates, feet, and anywhere in between.

Lume Deodorant prevents odor from occurring in the first place by stopping bacteria from feasting on your sweat and producing foul odors. Plus, Lume is water-based, meaning it washes cleanly out of clothes. No yellow stains on your favorite white shirts!

Treat your skin right and order your first stick of Lume Deodorant today.

Lume Deodorant Wipes make a highly convenient companion to Lume Deodorant because they also are free from harsh ingredients, and you can use them whenever you need quick odor protection or you're on-the-go. Try a Lume Wipes soft-pack or Lume Wipes individually-wrapped singles and see for yourself just how easy and painless smelling fresh can be.

Note: Do not use Lume Deodorant or Lume Deodorant Wipes on broken or irritated skin. Wait until your skin has healed before trying Lume.

Try Lume today: Your life beyond odor–and unhappy skin–awaits.

Ashley Cummings
Ashley Cummings