Itchy armpits are common because they are one of the warmest and most humid areas of the body. Itchy armpits are generally caused by lack of cleanliness in the armpits and usually subside on their own.
However, some conditions such as fungal or bacterial infections can also trigger itchy armpits and require treatment with medication. Apart from itching, this condition can cause other symptoms, such as rashes and swelling.
Possible Causes of Itchy Underarms
If you often experience itchy armpits, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist because the causes of itchy armpits are not always simple and need to be examined carefully. The following are some conditions that can cause itchy armpits:
1. Atopic dermatitis or eczema
Eczema is most often found in skin folds, such as the armpits. Eczema in the armpits is characterized by the appearance of itching, redness, and dry or crusty underarm skin.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis
Itchy underarms can also be caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is usually triggered by excess skin oil production. In addition, seborrheic dermatitis can also be caused by a combination of various factors, such as dry and cold air, health problems and the use of certain drugs, and stress.
Seborrheic dermatitis in the armpits is not only marked by the appearance of itching, but also causes scaly underarm skin, the appearance of white or yellow flakes like dandruff, to redness of the skin.
3. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can also be a cause of itchy armpits. This condition is usually triggered by direct underarm skin contact with certain ingredients, causing itchy skin, redness, blisters, dryness, and cracks.
Contact dermatitis in the armpits can be caused by the use of lotions, deodorants, perfumes, certain ingredients from the clothes you wear, to the use of detergents used to wash clothes.
4. Fungal Infection
Itchy underarms can be caused by candidiasis or a yeast infection. Apart from triggering itching, this condition can also cause a red rash and swelling to appear.
A person's risk of experiencing itchy underarms due to a fungal infection can increase if the person does not maintain good hygiene, often wears tight clothing, or is active in hot weather.
5. Psoriasis
Itchy underarms can also be caused by psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can cause complaints on the skin. This autoimmune disease is characterized by thickening of the reddish skin with clean white scales that peel off easily.
6. Intertrigo
Intertrigo is characterized by a rash in the folds of the body caused by inflammation, either due to infection or irritation. Intertrigo in the armpits can cause itchy, red, and sore underarms.
Who can this condition happen to? However, people who are obese, suffer from diabetes, and smoke are more at risk for intertrigo, including intertrigo in the armpits.
7. Hidradenitis supppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa can be a cause of itchy underarms. In addition to triggering the appearance of itching, this condition also causes lumps to appear where the armpit hair grows. Lumps that are similar to boils and blackheads can disappear, break or ooze pus.
How to Relieve and Overcome Itchy Armpits
Even though it is very uncomfortable, itchy armpits should not be scratched because it can trigger an infection. Instead of scratching it, it's better to do the following:
- Tap or pinch the itchy area gently and slowly, to reduce the itchiness that is unbearable.
- Compress itchy armpits with cold compresses, about 5–10 minutes or until the itching subsides.
- Take a shower using warm water.
- Apply an over-the-counter moisturizer or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.
- Avoid shaving the armpit area as long as there are complaints of itchy armpits, unless advised by a doctor.
If this method has been done but the itchy armpits are still felt or don't go away, consult your condition to the doctor. The doctor will examine and treat your complaint according to the cause of itchy armpits.
In cases of itchy armpits caused by allergies, irritation to certain ingredients, you will be advised to avoid using these itching triggers. In addition, you will also be given an anti-inflammatory and anti-itch cream.
In cases of itchy armpits caused by fungal or bacterial infections, antifungal ointments or antibiotics will be given, according to the cause. However, if the infection is severe, oral medication can also be given.
For itchy armpits caused by psoriasis, a topical cream containing salicylic acid or steroids may be given by a doctor. As for cases of itchy armpits caused by hidradenitis suppurativa, corticosteroid creams and other supporting drugs, such as ibuprofen and antibiotics, may be given by a doctor.
Itchy underarms will generally subside on their own. However, if your complaints of itchy armpits often recur or don't improve after treatment or using over-the-counter anti-itch creams, consult your doctor.
