What Causes Dark Underarms?
Understanding the causes of dark underarms is essential for effective treatment. These causes include:
- Hormonal changes
- Shaving and waxing
- Deodorant and antiperspirant use
- Friction
- Tight fitted clothes
- Lax skin
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Acanthosis nigricans: seen in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity
Symptoms of Dark Underarms
- Discoloration
- Skin thickening
- Odor
- Hyperpigmentation
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Underarms
- Aloe Vera: scoop out the gel from an Aloe Vera Leaf into a cup, refrigerate the gel for an hour, apply the cool gel on your armpit area and let it sit for 15 minutes, wash off with water. Apply the gel directly to your underarms and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off with water.
- Tea Tree Oil: mix 5 tablespoons of Tea Tree Oil and 1/4th cup of Water, shake it well, spray the mixture on your underarms in generous amounts and allow it to dry naturally
- Baking Soda: mix 4 tablespoons of Baking Soda and 1 tablespoon of Rosewater, dip a cotton ball in the paste and apply this paste to your underarm area, after leaving it on for 10 minutes, wash it off with water
Home Remedies for Dark Underarms
- Exfoliating Agents: use items with natural bleaching properties, such as lemon juice, turmeric, and baking soda. These agents can help lighten your dark underarms over time.
- Soothing Agents: apply a natural and unscented moisturizing lotion to the area after shaving to reduce irritation and prevent changes in the skin
- Antimicrobial Agents: use tea tree oil to reduce bacterial growth and prevent infection
Medical Treatments for Dark Underarms
Topical Creams and Antibiotics
Dark underarms are often treated with prescription creams, ointments, and gels to lighten the skin. Prescription creams, ointments, and gels are available to lighten the skin under the arms, including hydroquinone and retinoids.
Oral Medications
For AN that is severe or does not respond to topical treatments, a dermatologist may prescribe retinoid pills.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can reduce the skin thickness that often occurs alongside skin darkening. Reducing the thickness of the skin may make it appear lighter in color.
How to Prevent Dark Underarms
- Moisturizing the Underarms: always use a soap or shaving foam before shaving, and choose one for sensitive skin, apply a natural and unscented moisturizing lotion to the area after shaving to reduce irritation and prevent changes in the skin
- Applying a Natural Remedy: some people claim that natural treatments can lighten dark skin, but there is little scientific research to support these claims, popular natural remedies for dark underarms include lemon juice, turmeric, and baking soda
When to Seek Medical Help for Dark Underarms
- Persistent Discoloration: if you have dark underarms that persist despite trying home remedies and lifestyle changes
- Skin Irritation: if you experience skin irritation, redness, or itching in the underarm area
- Infection: if you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus
Effective Solutions to Get Rid of Dark
- Combining Natural and Medical Treatments: combining natural remedies with medical treatments can provide effective solutions to get rid of dark underarms
- Lifestyle Changes: making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tight fitted clothes, can help prevent dark underarms
Conclusion
- Say Goodbye to Dark Underarms for Good: with the right combination of natural remedies, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes, you can say goodbye to dark underarms for good, and enjoy a more confident and carefree life.