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The delicacy of the skin in the armpit exposes it to inflammation due to incorrect use of cosmetics, inadequate hygiene and other reasons that we will discuss below. Don’t miss them!
One of the most common dermatological problems is underarm irritation. The sensitivity of this area increases the chances of suffering inflammation, either by aggression such as friction or the use of powerful hygiene products. The consequence is itching and an unsightly appearance.
Underarm itching can also be caused by improper grooming, waxing, and excessive sweating. Being located below the shoulder joint and being a cavity, the armpit represents a warm part of the body, in which there are a large number of lymph nodes, sweat glands and hair follicles.
Its folds are fine, so it tends to accumulate moisture. According to a publication of the Encyclopedia of health and safety at work, exposure to heat plus insufficient sweat evaporation leads to a rash. When one skin surface rubs against another, fungal or bacterial infections appear in the armpits.
What causes irritation in the armpits?
Flaking and redness are signs of irritation in the armpits. The discomfort caused by this condition transcends the fact that you shy away from wearing clothes with which you can raise your arms without being embarrassed. But why does it happen?
1. Hair removal methods
For some people, armpit hair is unpleasant, so they opt for hair removal. By removing the hairs, this area is left vulnerable to external factors, starting with the technique selected to start them.
Continuous use of the razor could injure the skin and lead to the appearance of red bumps in the hair follicles. The risk is lower if you shave in the shower and apply a body wash.
Depilatory wax is usually recommended so as not to stain the dermis. But if you don’t moisturize, there is also a chance of irritation.
2. Poor hygiene
Cleaning the armpits is a daily habit. When you skip this routine microorganisms proliferate that trigger bad odors and irritation.
In addition, the location of this body part, the permeability and the lack of sunlight sometimes result in itching. Use dermatologically tested soap and deodorant.
3. Rubbing
Playing sports or wearing tight clothing cause constant friction, due to skin-to-skin or skin-to-fabric rubbing. This could injure the armpits. Prefer loose clothing or breathable fabrics.
4. Some cosmetics
The chemical formulas of certain products do not go well with all dermis. Sometimes the composition of gels and deodorants, including soaps and perfumes, alters the balance of the skin.
5. Heat
Sweating is influenced by elevated temperatures. The Mayo Clinic points out that miliaria o Rashes are frequent in hot and humid climates. The pores become clogged and sweat is trapped. Loose clothing and airing the rooms limit the condition.
6. Do not exfoliate
For your armpits to breathe, perspire and hydrate, exfoliate. Is It is the way to remove dead skin and cosmetic residue. Preferably, do it at night, before going to sleep, since the body rests from physical activity and tissue regeneration occurs.
Are there diseases that irritate the armpits?
Definitely yes. There are dermatological complications that affect the armpits, to the point of irritating them.
Doctors will indicate the treatment according to the level of intensity. In mild cases, apart from hygiene, topical antimicrobials are often prescribed.
If they are incipient lesions, intralesional corticosteroids are prescribed. And for acute infections, oral antibiotics are used. Surgical incisions, on the other hand, take place when fluctuant abscesses form.
Here are some common armpit diseases:
- Irritant contact dermatitis: it is the consequence of a toxin or irritant touching the dermis. It is evidenced by a scaly, red or rough rash. It stings and its advance generates blisters. An article in the magazine Farmacia Profesional asserts that contact with fragrances or deodorant perfumes could affect the axillary area.
- Allergic dermatitis: is the effect to an allergen. It manifests itself with a delayed effect, once the immune system detects the foreign substance. It carries scabs or blisters. In addition to soaps and deodorants, detergents, fabrics, and medications induce the condition.
- Tub corporis: This infection occurs more in people who sweat too much. The lesion grows out of a circle and is sometimes scaly.
- folliculitis: hair follicles become inflamed after waxing or shaving and getting wet in poorly chlorinated water. Its symptoms are pain or itching and the formation of pustules with an erythematous border.
- hyperhidrosis: is excessive sweating caused by hyperactivity in the nerves of the sweat glands. As there is so much humidity, the tendency to irritation in the armpits increases. A text published by the Chilean Journal of Dermatology associates this condition with medical pathologies and drugs, emphasizing its impact on quality of life.
How to cure underarm irritation?
The main thing to recover the skin of the armpits is maintain a healthy hygiene routine. Also, select products that minimize the danger of irritability, preferably antiperspirants. It also helps to wear comfortable clothes that prevent friction and cool the skin.
Moisturizing and hydrating is essential after waxing. If possible, buy creams made with glycerol and without perfume. Avoid scratching, try natural underarm remedies, and seek dermatological care if lesions don’t heal.
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