Here’s Why Your Armpits Are So Itchy—and When to See a Doctor
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There are few worse feelings than an itch you can’t scratch—especially when it’s unexplained and in an inconvenient place like your armpit. But alas, it happens—and while you might be eager to try out all of the itchy skin treatments available to you, it might help to begin by answering the question: “Why do my armpits itch?”
There are various itchy skin causes that can affect your underarms, ranging from a pesky contact rash to cancer. And since we know you’re itching for a cure, we’ve contacted the experts to help you determine the source of your discomfort. Here are some of the most common causes of itchy armpits, and when to see a doctor.
Why do armpits itch?
The combined area that is the armpit and axilla (the space below the underarm) is one of the body’s highest erogenous zones, meaning it’s full of nerve endings, explains Ava Shamban, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of SkinFive Medical Spas and The Box by Dr. Ava. “So even a minor disruption to the skin will be seen, felt, and noticed,” she adds.
Dr. Shamban says that in most cases, irritation is caused by a new deodorant or laundry detergent. On rare occasions, though, a more serious issue like cancer is at play.
Itchy armpits and cancer
Armpit itchiness can be a symptom of both inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and lymphoma. But don’t freak out the next time your skin crawls—other symptoms should also be present for the itch to indicate cancer.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
In cases of IBC, the armpit and breast experience itchiness, not just the armpit, explains Naoto Ueno, M.D., professor of Breast Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Cancer Center. He adds that the sensation is usually accompanied by a rash and swelling or warming of the breast, and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mastitis. If antibiotics don’t clear things up, he says testing for IBC is warranted.
Lymphoma
There are over 70 types of lymphoma, and itching can sometimes be a symptom, says Sairah Ahmed, M.D., associate professor of Lymphoma and Myeloma at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
In cutaneous lymphoma, a lymphoma of the skin, the itching can be caused by a rash, she explains, but in other types, chemicals known as cytokines are released by the body as an autoimmune response and can irritate nerve endings, causing persistent itching.
Other symptoms of lymphoma to be aware of, according to Dr. Ahmed, include:
Lymph node swelling, particularly in the neck, armpits, stomach, or groin
Low or high grade fever without evidence of infection
Severe night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Other common itchy armpit causes
More likely than not, when you’re hit with a random, overwhelming itch, it can be attributed to one of these conditions.
Contact dermatitis: The most common cause of itchy armpits, per Dr. Shamban, this happens when something touches your skin (i.e. a deodorant, fragrance, or detergent) and causes irritation. It will often result in redness, itching, and burning. And because the underarm is prone to chafing, the rash can easily be exacerbated and spread.
Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema and is often hereditary—it happens as a response to an overactive immune system, according to the National Eczema Association. Dr. Shamban adds that it can be worsened by stress and hormones. Often diagnosed during childhood, breakouts of scaly, itchy red patches can come and go for years.
Heat rash: When sweat ducts don’t have the opportunity to “breathe” (which often happens in warm environments), they trap perspiration beneath the skin and can create lumps, bumps, and blisters, Dr. Shamban explains. If the rash becomes infected, “you may notice groups of more uniform small bumps and pustules,” she adds, and it may begin to spread.
Intertrigo: Caused by friction between folds of touching skin, intertrigo is agitated by repeated rubbing, heat, and moisture, explains Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of KP Away. As a result, the skin becomes red, itchy, and sometimes infected.
Fungal or bacterial infection: The armpit’s naturally dark, damp environment encourages overgrowth of normal skin flora, creating an ideal setting for infectious yeasts to grow and, yes, cause an aggravating itch, says Dr. Shamban. It often presents in the form of a bright red rash with acne-like bumps. “Those who have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating are more likely to experience this,” she adds.
Ingrown hairs: Usually centralized to the hair follicle, ingrown hairs happen “when the tip of a hair grows sideways or curls back into the follicle, never breaking through the opening,” explains Shamban. They can arise in various sized lesions that are itchy, red, inflamed, and often painful.
How to treat itchy armpits
For eczema or atopic dermatitis, Dr. Shamban suggests using non-comedogenic, calming moisturizers, along with low-strength cortisone creams for flare-ups. Infections may call for topical antibiotics or anti-yeast creams but should be examined by a dermatologist. And if further intervention is necessary, Dr. Shamban recommends talking to your dermatologist about Botox injections or MiraDry treatments, which decrease sweat production.
How to prevent itchy armpits
Dampness and poor hygiene are the common denominators here, making prevention and treatment (in most cases) pretty simple: Keep your underarms clean and dry. Dr. Shamban recommends using non-talc powder, antiperspirant (applied morning and night), or even prescription underarm wipes if needed. You can also use an exfoliating toner to keep bacteria at bay.
When to see a doctor
If your underarm skin begins oozing, cracking, or thickening, Dr. Shamban says it’s a good idea to see your doctor or a derm. Intense pain, persistent redness, or strange color changes are also warning signs of a larger problem.
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