What Causes Itchy Armpits?
Some of the most common causes for itchy armpits include sweat, hair growth, and skin-to-skin contact, or contact between the skin and different fabrics of clothing. If these seem like natural causes, that’s because they are! Itchy underarms are common. Let’s break down each of these causes.
Itchy Underarms from Sweat
Sweat is one of the primary causes of itchy armpits. Why? Well, the armpits have one of the largest bodily concentrations of sweat glands, and the mixture of sweat with dead skin cells in your armpits can cause inflammation and, ultimately, itchiness. These sweat glands also produce more moisture in response to stimuli from heat, hormones, emotions, and exercise—which may ultimately cause itchiness.
Speaking of heat, our armpits are one of the warmer parts of the body and the truest indicators of internal temperatures—which is why you might use a thermometer on the underarms to see if you have a fever. The heat and sweat combined with bacteria on the skin can cause itchiness, and this may also be the reason why your underarms stink on occasion.
So, if you’re wondering why you have itchy armpits without any rash or redness, it might simply be because you’re sweating a lot!
How Hair Can Cause Itchy Armpits
Armpit hair growth begins during puberty and may result in itchy armpits. But if you’re wondering why you have itchy armpits after shaving, you may have razor burn and ingrown hairs to blame. Shaving hairs can cause itchiness all over the body. This can include the pubic area and facial hair, as well as your armpits.
Watch What You’re Wearing!
Skin-to-skin contact can cause itchiness if you are someone with fewer touch receptors in certain areas of your body, which may be more common for elderly people and people with dry or sensitive skin. It’s possible that consistent rubbing between your armpits and the sides of your body causes itchy underarms.
Additionally, the clothes you wear might contribute to your itchy armpits. Tight-fitting fabrics and sweat may result in itchy underarms if the clothing constantly rubs against the skin. Plus, you may have sensitivity to certain materials that could prompt itchiness. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant about the clothes you buy and wear, as well as the laundry products you use to clean your clothes.
Can Deodorant Cause Itchy Armpits?
Yes, it’s possible that your deodorant can cause armpit irritation. You might be allergic to one or several of the ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants. These might include things like aluminum, fragrances, and parabens.
If you use a scented deodorant, you might want to consider switching to a “natural” or aluminum-free deodorant to help limit itchiness in your armpits. Natural deodorants can help reduce armpit irritation while using other ingredients, like a pinch of baking soda and natural plant extracts, to help absorb and fight odor.
ARM & HAMMER™ Essentials™ line of deodorants is made with essential oils and 100 percent baking soda while also being free of aluminum, parabens, colorants, and animal-derived ingredients. Meanwhile, you can choose from an assortment of scents—like Rosemary Lavender, or Juniper Berry—or pick the Unscented option, which does not have any artificial fragrances.
How to Know if You Are Allergic to Your Deodorant
A rash on your armpits after using deodorant may be a sign of contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to your deodorant. In addition to redness, you might experience itching and flaky skin. Your underarms might also feel warm or tender shortly after application of your deodorant.
Reach out to your dermatologist or another healthcare professional if you believe you might be allergic to your deodorant.
Can Stress Cause Itchy Armpits?
Stress can lead to itchy underarms in some cases. We discussed how hormonal fluctuations can lead to sweatiness and other sensory overloads, which could include itchy armpits. Additionally, if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, stress can sometimes trigger these conditions and prompt itchiness.
Treatment for Itchy Armpits
It’s all but impossible to prevent itchy armpits outright. As we discussed, several natural processes can lead to occasionally itchy underarms. That said, there are some steps you can take to help stop or treat itchy armpits, including:
- Good hygiene: Take care to bathe or shower daily and use plenty of soap and water on your underarms. This is especially important after sweating because showering can also help to loosen and remove dead skin cells.
- Hydrate: Drinking water and staying hydrated can have a positive impact on your skin. It can help to reduce swelling and moisturize your skin from the inside out.
- Stay moisturized: Speaking of moisturizer, you should try to use lotions or moisturizers with sun protector factor (SPF), particlarly if you have dry or sensitive skin. While we’re on the subject, you should also consider using hypoallergenic or unscented skin care products.
- Switch deodorants: If you experience itchy armpits after using deodorant, it may be time to switch and find a deodorant that might help reduce the underarm itching. Consider using an unscented or “natural” deodorant, like ARM & HAMMER™ Essentials™ deodorants. And, if you use antiperspirant instead of deodorant, try ARM & HAMMER™ ULTRAMAX™ Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant!
- Avoid certain clothing materials: A simple wardrobe change might help to stop itchy underarms and itchy skin in general. Consider swapping out certain materials, like wool, for other skin-friendly fabrics.
In totality, taking good care of your skin by practicing good hygiene and hydrating while also being considerate of potential allergens and other sensitivities can help you stop constantly itchy armpits.
Find the Right Deodorant for Your Itchy Armpits
You want a deodorant or antiperspirant that can help combat sweat and stink, not a stick or spray that exacerbates itching! If you suffer from itchy underarms and want to try a natural deodorant, look for ARM & HAMMER™ Essentials™! Our deodorants have fewer ingredients but are still tough on sweat odors, so you can take care of those armpits while helping to limit that itchy underarm feeling.
