Pimples and other skin problems are more common in the armpits. Pimples around the armpit can be caused by friction, ingrown hairs, and razor burn.
Many sweat glands and hair shafts are located under the arms. Clogging can lead to pimples or other skin problems.
Although red bumps and pimples can look similar, doctors will treat them differently.
Armpit pimples can be treated with home remedies and medical treatments.
Friction
Causes of a pimple in the armpit may include friction, razor burn, and folliculitis.
As the arms swing back and forward, friction can cause a lot of friction in the underarm area. It is possible for the skin to rub against the skin and cause irritation, injury, or even infection.
Skin can rub against tight clothing, the band of a bra, or the straps on a bag or backpack.
This friction can lead to irritation and irritation of the armpits. It can also cause clogged pores or pimples. Even after applying antiperspirant or deodorant, people often sweat in their armpits. This moisture can cause irritation.
Razor fire
Routinely using a razor under the armpit to remove hair causes irritation and friction to the delicate skin.
Sometimes, shaving the skin below the arms can cause itchy skin and a bumpy red rash. Although it can be itchy and uncomfortable, it usually disappears within a few days.
Ingrown hair
An ingrown-hair is hair that has grown from the hair follicle and then been coiled or curled to grow back into the skin.
Sometimes, ingrown hairs can curl back into the hair follicle and return to the scalp before it leaves the skin.
Ingrown hairs should be resolved on their own. Avoid picking at the skin or breaking it if you have ingrown hair. This can lead to bacteria that could cause folliculitis.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis refers to an infection of the hair follicle.
Folliculitis looks like a red bump in or near the hair strand, and it can contain pus or blood.
Folliculitis can be treated with antibiotics if bacteria is the problem. A benzoyl peroxide soap can also be used to kill bacteria. This can cause skin irritation in some people.
Before you use any over-the-counter antibiotics, consult a dermatologist. These can sometimes lead to allergic contact dermatitis.
Reinfection can be prevented by switching to a new razor and keeping your armpits clean. Folliculitis can be prevented by shaving in the direction of hair growth.
Folliculitis can also be caused by bacteria. A dermatologist may need to further examine the patient in order to diagnose.
Allergic contact dermatitis
A person can talk to a dermatologist to determine what is causing their allergic contact dermatitis.
Allergy contact dermatitis is when the skin comes in contact with an allergen or ingredient.
This could be an antiperspirant, deodorant, soap, or detergent that is used to clean the arms.
Allergy contact dermatitis is characterized by a red, itchy, bumpy rash. Fluid-filled blisters can appear in the early stages.
A dermatologist can help determine the cause of an allergic reaction. The allergen can be avoided to clear the rash. Sometimes patch testing may be necessary in order to confirm the allergen.
Some medications may be able to relieve allergic contact dermatitis. Itching can be relieved by topical steroids or over-the-counter antihistamines.
Boils
Boils (or furuncles) are red, painful bumps that result from a bacterial infection.
Boils are more common on skin that is exposed to moisture and friction (e.g., the armpits or groin).
Boils can grow bigger and more painful if they are not treated. They will eventually burst open and heal themselves. Avoid popping or squeezing a boil, as this could worsen the condition.
A moist heat pack can be applied to the affected area several times per day to speed up healing. After the boil has ruptured, you can apply petroleum jelly to it and cover it with sterile gauze.
A doctor should be consulted if a boil persists for more than a few weeks or becomes worse. Sometimes, the doctor may need to make a small cut to drain the boil and allow it to heal.
Yeast infection
The risk of developing a fungal or yeast infection in areas of the skin that are often moist is high. This is what an organism called Candida does.
Red bumps and pustules are common signs of yeast infections. These red bumps can lead to pustules (auspices), which can cause red blisters.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are often used to treat yeast infections. A yeast infection may look similar to other conditions and require different treatment. It is important to seek medical advice.
Hidradenitis suppurativa
A doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and quitting smoking, to help treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
Hidradenitis is a skin condition that affects the armpits and groin but can also affect other areas. The affected skin will develop red, pimple-like bumps.
It can become more severe if it is not treated. It can cause pain and make it difficult to move the arm. The bumps can cause severe scarring over time that may lead to drainage and formation of the sinuses.
Different methods can be used by doctors to treat hidradenitis. These could include:
- Antibiotics, for example, are medications.
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss or quitting smoking
- Operative resection of the affected area
- Antibacterial washes such as benzoyl peroxide 10% and chlorhexidine 44% wash
Sometimes, these treatments fail, and doctors will inject a biological medication called Adalimumab (Humira).
It doesn’t matter what treatment the dermatologist or doctor recommends, and it’s important to follow their instructions.
Summary
Pimples on the armpits are common. Pimples and bumps can occur because of the many sweat glands in the armpits. Pimples can also be caused by shaving the armpits.
It is possible to treat pimples around the armpits at home in some cases. If the pimples persist or worsen, the patient can visit their doctor.
