If your armpits are itchy, you have to deal with discomfort and distraction. Plus you might feel awkward scratching your armpit in front of other people.
Itchy, red or uncomfortable armpits are common. But why do your armpits get itchy? Your underarm area is warm, sensitive and full of sweat glands, so it’s an easy place for armpit rashes or irritation to pop up.
Most causes of itchy armpits are treatable and you can usually keep them from returning. Here’s what might be behind the itch and what you can do to feel better fast.
Common causes of itchy armpits and armpit rashes
Rose Macalister, an internal medicine nurse practitioner with Banner Health, explained that a few different causes could be triggering your armpit irritation.
1. Irritation from deodorant or antiperspirant
If you’ve recently switched brands or formulas, your deodorant could be to blame. Deodorants and antiperspirants can contain ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin, like:
- Fragrances
- Alcohol
- Essential oils
- Baking soda
Natural deodorant rashes are possible too. That’s because some people get baking soda burns or red, itchy patches from “clean” products.
How to stop the itch: Try switching to a fragrance-free, sensitive-skin formula. If the deodorant rash or itching continues, try to take a break from deodorant entirely for a few days to let your skin calm down.
2. Shaving or friction
Shaving your armpits can cause tiny nicks, razor burn or ingrown hairs, especially if you shave too often or without a sharp blade.
Wearing tight clothing or anything that rubs against the underarm area can also lead to armpit chafing, especially after shaving, which makes the skin feel sore and itchy.
How to stop the itch: Give your skin a break from shaving if it’s irritated. “Wear loose, breathable fabrics when you can,” Macalister said.
3. Allergic reaction (contact dermatitis)
Sometimes a product or material that touches your skin in that area causes an armpit allergic reaction. This is called contact dermatitis.
Common triggers include:
- Deodorants and body sprays
- Laundry detergents or fabric softeners
- Soaps or lotions
- Synthetic fabrics
How to stop the itch: If you notice a red, bumpy or itchy rash soon after using a new product, stop using it and see if your symptoms improve.
4. Heat and sweat buildup
You’ve almost certainly noticed that your underarms are naturally warm and moist, especially during hot weather or workouts. “Sweat can mix with bacteria and dead skin cells, leading to armpit heat rash, clogged pores or folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles),” Macalister said.
This often shows up as itchy armpits after sweating with tiny red bumps or a prickly, itchy feeling.
How to stop the itch: You can't avoid sweating altogether. However, you can prevent sweat-related irritation:
- Stay cool when possible
- Shower soon after workouts
- Wear moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics
5. Fungal or bacterial infection
Your armpits are a prime spot for yeast infections or bacterial overgrowth, especially if the skin there stays damp.
Signs of a bacterial or fungal armpit infection may include:
- Redness
- Burning or itching
- Peeling or cracking skin
- Unusual odor or oozing
How to stop the itch: “If your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, talk to a health care provider. These infections may need to be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal or antibiotic cream,” Macalister said.
How to treat an itchy armpit rash
The right treatment for armpit rash depends on the cause, but these steps can help relieve most types of irritation:
- Wash the area gently with mild soap and water.
- Keep your armpits dry.
- Stop using any new or irritating products, especially deodorants.
- Apply an OTC cream like hydrocortisone or an antifungal if your provider recommends it.
- Don’t shave until the rash clears up.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce irritation.
If you’re not sure what caused the rash, or if it’s painful, spreading or not getting better, it’s time to see a provider.
How can you prevent itchy armpits in the future?
You can’t always stop armpit irritation but these habits may help keep armpit itching or rashes away:
- Choose deodorants for sensitive skin that don’t have added fragrance or baking soda.
- Don’t shave broken or irritated skin.
- Avoid or go light on scented body products or sprays.
- Wear breathable fabrics and try to stay cool in hot weather.
- Change your clothes and shower after you’ve been sweating a lot.
- Test new products on a small patch of skin before using them on bigger areas.
When should you see a doctor for itchy armpits?
It’s a good idea to check in with a health care provider if:
- Your rash lasts more than a week
- Symptoms are getting worse or spreading
- You have pain, swelling, pus, oozing or other signs of infection
- You get rashes often
- Your rash doesn’t go away with OTC care
- You think you have an allergic reaction or infection
“What looks like a deodorant rash could actually be a fungal infection, allergic reaction or something more serious,” Macalister said. A provider can help figure out what’s causing it and get you the right treatment.
How Banner Health can help
If you’re dealing with armpit itching, rashes or skin irritation, Banner Health is here to help. Our primary care and dermatology providers can:
- Evaluate your symptoms
- Recommend safe treatments
- Guide you on how to keep your skin healthy with the right care and products
Schedule a visit with a Banner Health provider to find answers and relief.
