Itchy underarms can have many causes, including toiletries, laundry detergents, improper shaving, bras, and exposure to allergens like poison ivy. To determine the cause, stop using the offending product and switch to a sensitive skin formula or natural materials. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts when participating in outdoor activities to avoid exposure to allergens.
Many people experience the annoyance and discomfort of itchy armpits at some point in their lives. Since this unfortunate condition has many possible causes, it can sometimes be difficult to fix. Understanding the most common causes of itchy underarms may be the key to avoiding or quickly relieving the condition in the future. Toiletries like deodorants and body washes are common underarm irritants, as are laundry detergents. Shaving can also cause irritation in the underarm area, as can some bras and exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy.
Toiletries such as deodorants and body washes are perhaps the most common cause of itchy underarms. Sometimes these products contain a fragrance or other ingredient that your skin is allergic to. In other cases, particular product formulations may simply be too harsh, especially for users with sensitive skin. Either way, the offending product can cause intense itching that is often accompanied by redness.
The best way to determine if a toiletry item is causing itchy underarms is to stop using the product for several days. If the irritation subsides, it is likely caused by the product in question. The offending toiletries should be discarded and a product formulated for sensitive skin used instead.
Laundry detergents can also cause itchy underarms. In most cases, however, this itching won’t be limited to the underarm region, but rather will occur anywhere the clothes washed in the irritating detergent touch the skin. Those who feel itchy after switching to a new laundry detergent should switch to a different product.
Improper shaving technique can also lead to itchy underarms. Using a dull razor and not using shaving cream can cause your underarms to feel dry, irritated, and itchy. To avoid itchy underarms from shaving, change your razor often and always lather your skin with shaving cream before waxing. Also, avoid applying deodorant or antiperspirant to your underarms immediately after shaving.
For some women, bras can cause itchy underarms. Bras often contain certain materials that some people are allergic to, such as elastic, rubber, latex, or nickel. Those who suspect that their undergarments are causing their armpits to itch might try selecting bras made from natural materials.
Finally, exposure to an allergen like poison ivy can cause itchy underarms. This irritation can result from direct contact with the allergen or from touching an object that has been exposed to the allergen. To avoid this type of underarm irritation, avoid wearing sleeveless shirts when participating in outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash all clothing worn during these activities to remove lingering traces of allergens.
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