Underarm rashes are annoying, itchy and irritating, but luckily there are many ways to get rid of them. Try not to think about it by relaxing and pampering yourself a little; you can also take a soothing oatmeal bath or apply cold compresses to partially relieve inflammation. If you take some care of yourself, the outbreaks will disappear in no time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Take Immediate Steps
Step 1. Wash the affected area with soap and water
Most of the time armpit rashes are caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Cleaning the area with soap and water can help prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.
Step 2. Apply a cold pack
Place an ice pack or wet towel on sore underarms. alternatively, place a handful of ice cubes in a plastic bag and place it on the affected area to reduce swelling and skin inflammation.
- This remedy is particularly effective against rashes and rashes caused by lichen planus, an inflammatory dermatosis.
- Apply the cold compress to your armpits as often as possible, but dedicate at least 10 or 15 minutes to each session; in any case, do not keep the ice pack on the skin for more than 20 minutes.
- This remedy is useful for any type of outbreak.
Step 3. Move to a cooler area
Hot, humid, and stuffy weather can trigger a heat skin reaction in the armpits, but rashes that aren't caused by high temperatures can also subside thanks to cooler air. Turn on the air conditioner or a fan to lower the temperature; you can also open a window or go to a shopping mall or other cooler place until the weather starts to cool down a bit in the evening.
Heat rashes appear as small red dots that cause a stinging sensation or clear, fluid-filled wheals
Step 4. Drink moisturizing fluids to keep yourself cool
If the body overheats, you can develop skin inflammation in the armpits. Fresh water and teas are the best ways to keep you hydrated; avoid energy drinks, coffee, and other diuretic liquids that rob you of body fluids.
Regardless of the cause, make sure you stay hydrated to heal better
Step 5. Apply a medicated itch ointment or cream
These are products based on soothing substances, such as aloe vera, vitamin E and menthol, which relieve the itching and irritation that accompany the rash, whatever the cause. Although the methods of use differ depending on the type of product you have chosen, it is usually necessary to apply a thin layer over the affected skin.
- Do not use creams or ointments that contain mineral oils or petrolatum, as these can clog pores and aggravate the situation.
- Always read the instructions for use before spreading them on the skin.
Step 6. Don't scratch yourself
You may increase the irritation of the already sensitive armpits; If you overreach your skin, bacteria on your nails could get into the blisters and cause an infection.
If you need to control the urge to scratch, take some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Clarityn or Allegra, which help reduce itching
Step 7. Don't engage in strenuous physical activity
If you exercise or train during hot periods, you can cause (or even aggravate) a rash in the underarm area. While it is important to stick to a regular regimen of physical activity, if the skin is sore, it means that the exercise sessions are too intense.
A perfect way to help reduce discomfort is to relax and avoid physical activity, regardless of the cause of the problem. however, if the rash is due to excessive heat, it is even more important to avoid exercise
Step 8. Talk to your doctor to find alternative medications or supplements
If your armpit irritation started when you started a new drug or supplement therapy, its nature may be iatrogenic, meaning that it is due to the treatments. Check with your doctor to find out if the medications you are taking include rashes among the side effects; if necessary, he is able to find alternative solutions.
Do not stop taking any medications or supplements without first consulting your doctor
Step 9. Stop eating foods that cause allergies
Some foods can cause annoying itching, eczema and skin rashes; if you notice that you suffer from it in your armpits or in other areas of your body after eating certain foods, stop eating it and visit your doctor to get an allergy diagnosis.
- The most common allergenic substances are milk, eggs, soy, shellfish, nuts, wheat and fish.
- Certain soaps and detergents can cause irritation and rashes in the armpits.
- Skin rashes caused by allergies can be deadly; if you experience symptoms other than rashes (for example swelling of the face, throat or difficulty in breathing), go to the emergency room immediately.
Step 10. Treat possible exposures to poisonous plants
If you develop skin irritation 12 to 72 hours after direct contact with the leaves of certain plants, you may have rubbed yourself on a poisonous plant, such as poisonous oak, ivy, or sumac. In these cases, the breakouts can only be cured with medical treatment; contact your doctor to get a diagnosis and get a prescription for the correct medications.
Step 11. Get examined if your armpit irritation does not heal or if it recurs regularly
If the rashes continue to develop and disappear regularly, it could be due to some skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis (or eczema). Only the doctor is able to assess if the rashes are the consequence of some dermatological disorder and provide you with the ointments (or other treatments) appropriate for your specific case.
You must see your doctor even if the dermatological disorder does not go away within a day or two of treatment
Part 2 of 3: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Lightly coat the irritated area with talcum powder
Baby powder can absorb sweat and reduce friction, which causes and worsens rashes in the armpits. Using it daily, even if you don't have a rash, can prevent future irritation. Simply collect some powder on your fingertips and dab it gently on your armpit.
- Using a powder can be messy and leave white streaks on your clothes, so use it with caution and avoid wearing your finest shirts when applying baby powder.
- If you recently applied a medicated anti-itch cream to your armpits, wait for it to be absorbed into your skin before adding talcum powder.
Step 2. Take a warm (not hot) bath with colloidal oatmeal
Use the food processor to grind half a pound of plain oatmeal into a fine powder; fill the bathtub with hot water and when it is full add 150-250 g of this powder. Soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes, making sure to keep your armpits submerged; when finished, pat your skin dry with a cloth.
Colloidal oatmeal is chopped so finely that it remains suspended in the liquid; is perfect for soothing the skin and helping it heal from irritation
Step 3. Try some relaxation techniques
Yoga and meditation help to calm you down more by distracting thoughts from irritation and skin rashes. Listen to calming music, talk to friends or take a leisurely walk in nature; these are all activities that can prove useful. Any of your passions or interests can help refocus your attention and make you feel more comfortable.
Step 4. Get more vitamin C
This substance nourishes and regenerates the skin. Oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli are all excellent sources of vitamin C; find a way to incorporate them into your diet; for example, you can drink orange juice or eat a broccoli salad.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Skin Breakouts
Step 1. Wear lightweight clothing made from natural material
Those made of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, can irritate the armpits causing rashes; you should therefore try to wear cotton fabrics or other natural fibers. Tops that are too tight under the armpits can also create problems; therefore, choose clothes that do not generate friction and that do not rub on the armpits.
This is especially important if you live in a warm climate
Step 2. Wash clothes with mild detergent and don't use fabric softeners
Avoid products that contain dyes or perfumes, as they can irritate the skin and aggravate the discomfort. Also, rinse your clothes twice to make sure you get rid of all traces of detergent.
Step 3. Wash your armpits every day with a mild soap
Any hot, humid area with little exposure to air circulation is susceptible to bacterial growth; since the armpits correspond to this description, they are the first "candidates" for rashes. To limit the proliferation of bacteria, wash them daily with warm water and a neutral, non-perfumed soap; alternatively, you can decide not to use soap at all and wash them carefully using just a soft, damp towel.
If you are suffering from a heat rash, use cold water instead of hot water and allow your armpits to air dry
Step 4. Change brand of deodorant
Armpit rash can often be caused by a deodorant containing irritating substances. If you are just starting to use a new one, it is likely that it is responsible for your discomfort, although even the usual product could create problems if its composition has been changed.
If you do not find relief from irritation despite the change of brand, stop using the deodorant completely
Step 5. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer if you have dry skin or suffer from eczema
Moisturizing products can restore the natural moisture of skin that is irritated by eczema or dryness. However, those containing fragrances could aggravate the situation, so limit yourself to using the odorless products.
