How to relieve itchy underarms

If you are reading this article there is a good chance you are frustrated by itchy armpits. Whether it's due to shaving your armpits, heat rash or even worse a pesky ingrown hair. Today we will discuss why you get itchy armpits and how to relieve them.  

Why do my armpits always itch? 

The most important question of all! Everyone has a different situation, but we know of some very common causes of itchy armpits. Some are more obvious than others, but regardless of the issue itchy armpits can soothe and relieved. Below are the top issues that lead to itchy armpits. 

Issue: Razor Burn & Ingrown Hairs

One of the most common ways to get itchy armpits is by getting razor burn or ingrown hairs. Both skin conditions lead to redness, irritation and a constant feeling of discomfort. As your razor burn begins to heal you'll a notice a reduction in itching and discomfort. The placement of your armpit makes this area receptive to skin on skin contact, which prolongs the recovery time. 

Tip - Use a razor burn & ingrown hair oil daily to moisturize the your armpit and reduce the appearance of razor burn. 

Issue: Heat Rash

Most common in the summer months heat rash can be a very frustrating skin condition. Since your armpits produce sweat and have skin folds they are more receptive to heat rash.

According to Mayo Clinic, "Heat rash develops when some of your sweat ducts clog. Instead of evaporating, perspiration gets trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and rash." 

With increased humidity during the summer months heat rash can persist for several weeks, even months. In the armpit heat rash takes time to heal, as the folds of your skin are constantly chafing. 

Tip - Use an unscented moisturizer day and night to heal the rash. If the problem persists look into a chaffing stick to carry with you on a daily basis. 

Issue: Hair Regrowth

As hair begins to grow back in your armpits you may experience some irritation or itch. The armpit is an especially difficult place for hair to grow back, as it's often rubbing back in forth with skin on skin contact. 

Tip - Ensure you use a razor burn or ingrown hair oil during and after you shave your armpits. Another common, but more expensive, option is to get laser hair removal. 

Issue: Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or material that leads to an allergic reaction. The rash isn't contagious and mostly benign, but it can be very frustrating and itchy. Many substances or materials can cause contact dermatitis such as; soaps, skincare, fragrances, metal jewelry or plants. 

Tip - If you experience contact dermatitis from a neckless or any sort of cream you'll need to be more cautious when it comes to your underarms. Be extra cautious and try to spot test all deodorants or other products that come in contact with your underarms. 

Issue: Eczema

According to the Cleveland Clinic over 15 Million Americans are effected by Eczema. Although Eczema isn't common in armpits many people experience it there. 

Tip - Consult your dermatologist for recommended treatments. 

Skincare Best Practices to Relieve Itchy Armpits

Some basic skincare best practices can make a big difference for your armpits and the health of the skin in and around your armpit. These tips will help relieve armpit itch and hopefully prevent it altogether. 

Relieving armpit itch starts with the following routine: 

• Exfoliating regularly 
• Using a sharp razor 
• Applying a razor burn treatment daily

Exfoliate your underarms regularly 

If your armpits aren't experience inflammation or itch you should work on preventative measures. One skincare best practice is to exfoliate. We recommend using a gentle exfoliating scrub that is filled with natural ingredients and nourishing oils.

Always use a sharp razor to shave your armpit hair 

Shaving your armpit is critical to preventing itch and irritation. When you are shaving your armpit make sure to use a sharp razor. If you are using a disposable razor to shave your armpits make sure you replace it on a regular cadence, typically every 7 shaves. This keeps the razor sharp, which is helpful to preventing irritation and the itchy post-shaving feeling. 

Another option is to use a close grooming trimmer for your armpits, as this won't cut the hair beneath the skin in your armpits. Trimming typically leads to less irritation, which in turn can cause less itch in your armpits. 

Use a razor burn or ingrown hair oil in your armpit 

It's important to moisturize your armpit regularly. We often have a moisturizing routine for our face, but rarely do we have one for our armpits. To reduce inflammation and armpit itch you should be using a moisturizing agent daily in your armpits. 

Conclusion

Although underarm and armpit skincare is a relatively new concept having itchy armpits, however, is not. If you are frustrating with itchy armpits we hope this article was able to give you an understanding of why it occurs and what you can do to treat it.