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Armpit Rash Causes
1. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAllergic contact dermaitis in armpit.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
A common cause of an armpit rash is an allergic reaction. Allergiccontact dermatitisoccurs when an allergy-triggering substance (allergen) comes into contact with the skin. If a product like adeodorant, antiperspirant, or shaving cream gives you a rash, you might be sensitized to one or more fragrances or other ingredients.
Propylene glycol is a preservative and moisturizer that can also cause a rash.
Allergic contact dermatitis does not happen right away(delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction). It can take weeks of being sensitized for a reaction, like a rash, to show up. However, when you come in contact with the trigger again, the rash will show up sooner.
The rash will often form on the area of skin the allergen touched, making it look discolored, red on lighter skin tones, and brown or purple on darker skin. The rash can be raised and irregularly shaped. It can also causeblistersor crusting.The rash can also be itchy.
The first step to healing this type of rash (and keeping it from coming back) is to figure out what you’re sensitive to and avoid it. When you’re shopping for personal care products, look for ”fragrance-free" formulas to avoid common allergens.
Your provider can also prescribe treatments or recommend a product you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) to help with your symptoms.
2. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
If your symptoms are severe or not getting better, it’s important to let your provider know. In some cases, skin reactions may not clear up unless you take prescription medication (like a steroid) to help with the inflammation.
Can Eczema Cause Armpit Rashes?Contact dermatitis is a form of a chronic inflammatory skin condition calledeczema. You can get eczema rashes under your arms. The rashes can also leak fluid (weeping eczema) or look like scaly patches on your skin.In addition to atopic and contact dermatitis, there are also other kinds of eczema:DyshidroticeczemaNummular eczemaSeborrheicdermatitisStasis dermatitisPustular eczemaIf your provider diagnoses your underarm rash as eczema, they can recommendOTC products or prescription treatmentsfor your symptoms. Learning what youreczema triggersare and avoiding them is also helpful.
Can Eczema Cause Armpit Rashes?
Contact dermatitis is a form of a chronic inflammatory skin condition calledeczema. You can get eczema rashes under your arms. The rashes can also leak fluid (weeping eczema) or look like scaly patches on your skin.In addition to atopic and contact dermatitis, there are also other kinds of eczema:DyshidroticeczemaNummular eczemaSeborrheicdermatitisStasis dermatitisPustular eczemaIf your provider diagnoses your underarm rash as eczema, they can recommendOTC products or prescription treatmentsfor your symptoms. Learning what youreczema triggersare and avoiding them is also helpful.
Contact dermatitis is a form of a chronic inflammatory skin condition calledeczema. You can get eczema rashes under your arms. The rashes can also leak fluid (weeping eczema) or look like scaly patches on your skin.In addition to atopic and contact dermatitis, there are also other kinds of eczema:
If your provider diagnoses your underarm rash as eczema, they can recommendOTC products or prescription treatmentsfor your symptoms. Learning what youreczema triggersare and avoiding them is also helpful.
3. Folliculitis
Any part of your skin that has hair follicles can get irritated and infected, leading to a pimply rash calledfolliculitis.If you nick yourself shaving or have ingrown hairs in your armpit, you could getfolliculitis. You can also get folliculitis from contaminated water in hot tubs and pools—a condition known ashot tub rash.
If you just have a mild rash, taking a break from shaving and using any products under your arms (like deodorant) can help give it a chance to heal. If it doesn’t get better, you might need to try an OTC treatment or see your provider for a prescription (like antibiotics).
4. Intertrigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoIntertrigo in the armpit.Raimo Suhonen / DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
Since your armpit skin folds on itself, it can trap moisture.Intertrigois a rash that shows up in moist areas of skin folds. It’s common in the armpits, under the breasts, and in the folds of the groin and abdomen.
The symptoms of intertrigo include:
5. Yeast Infections
Since yeast likes to live in warm, wet places, the space under your arm is a common place to get ayeast infection(candidiasis).
You can also get a yeast infection after you’ve had intertrigo.
This type of infection can be treated withantifungals, which are available as creams, ointments, and tablets.
6. Erythrasma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoErythrasma in armpit.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Erythrasmais common in the armpits, under the breasts, in groin folds, and between the toes. Depending on the skin tone, the rash is reddish or darker colored and looks coral/red under a black light. The rash can cause slight skin wrinkling.
Erythrasma can be mildly itchy but usually does not have any other symptoms.
If you get erythrasma in your armpit, you’ll probably need to be treated with antibiotics like erythromycin.
7. Ringworm
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoTinea corporis in armpit.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
There are different types of fungi that can cause ringworm and the name of the infection changes depending on where it is.
For example, when it’s in the underarm or behind the knee, it’s called tinea corporis. If it’s on the foot, it’s calledtinea pedis(or “athlete’s foot”). When it shows up in the groin, it’s calledtinea cruris(or “jock itch”).
The rash from ringworm has raised borders which can have a thin layer of scales on them. On lighter skin tones, the rash usually looks red. It can be harder to detect if you have darker skin tones, as the rash looks brown or gray and may not be easily distinguished from unaffected skin. The key feature of a ringworm rash is that it grows outward in a circle. Ringworm can also be itchy and makes the hair on the affected area of the skin fall out.
Ringworm is treated with topical antifungal medications, many of which you can get OTC at the pharmacy.
8. Acanthosis Nigricans
Armpit rashes can also happen from causes that are not linked to an infection.Acanthosis nigricansis a condition that can make the skin have dark, “velvety,” raised patches. It appears in the skin folds of the armpits, groin, and around the neck. It’s not common, but an acanthosis nigricans rash can be itchy.
Acanthosis nigricans is linked to increasedinsulin levels in your blood.This can happen with conditions like:
Acanthosis nigricans is not treated directly. Instead, the condition that’s causing it needs to be treated. Once the underlying condition is under control, the rash should get better.
9. Inverse Psoriasis
Another cause of an armpit rash that’s not an infection is psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition. One form of psoriasis is especially likely to show up on skin folds, including under your arm.
Inverse psoriasis is seen in places where skin rubs together (intertriginous), including near the genitals.In addition to being in the armpit, you may have a rash in other parts of your body that bend (flexural) like behind your knees and elbows.
Unlike plaque psoriasis, the redrash from inverse psoriasisis usually smooth and shiny and doesn’t have scales. It may look brown or tan on darker skin tones.
The treatment for inverse psoriasis is a combination of lifestyle changes, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, and prescription medications. Since inverse psoriasis tends to be on sensitive parts of your body, your provider will discuss which psoriasis treatments will be the best option for you. Some of the standard psoriasis therapies can be too harsh for a rash on thin, fragile skin.
10. Hidradenitis Suppurativa/Acne Inversa
Another chronic health condition that can cause a rash in your armpit ishidradenitis suppurativa, also calledacne inversa.
In this condition, hair follicles near sweat glands get blocked up and cause skin irritation. The rash that forms is made of painful bumps that have pus in them (which you may smell if they break open). Over time, breakouts of the rash can lead to scarred skin.
If your provider diagnoses you with hidradenitis suppurativa, they may want you to start using OTC topical treatments to see if they help you manage it. If the condition is more severe, you may need prescription medications.
If you get really big bumps that are very painful and won’t heal, your provider may need to open them up so they can drain.
11. Heat Rash
You can actually getheat rashin your armpits, though it’s not as common as getting it on more exposed parts of your body.
You can get heat rash under your arms for a lot of the same reasons that you can get infections and irritation, especially blocked sweat glands.
A“prickly heat” rashin your armpits can be uncomfortable but usually isn’t serious. It should clear up on its own, and it’ll help if you keep the skin dry.If the rash is severe, your provider might recommend you try using a lotion that can calm inflammation.
Can You Get Cancer In Your Armpit?Cancer is not a common cause of armpit rashes, butitchy, irritated skin can be a signof some types of cancer includingHodgkin lymphoma,skin lymphoma, orbreast cancer.It is also common for cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation to cause a rash, which can sometimes affect the armpit.
Can You Get Cancer In Your Armpit?
Cancer is not a common cause of armpit rashes, butitchy, irritated skin can be a signof some types of cancer includingHodgkin lymphoma,skin lymphoma, orbreast cancer.It is also common for cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation to cause a rash, which can sometimes affect the armpit.
12. Syphilis
Syphilisis a sexually transmitted bacterial illness. The condition can cause a range of symptoms that can make it difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. Skin rashes may appear during the secondary stage of syphilis, along with other symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and headache.
A syphilis rash may present on many different parts of the body. It’s usually not itchy and may look like rough, discolored, reddish-brown bumps or patches.On darker skin, the rash may look lighter than the unaffected skin. Wart-like growths, known as condylomata lata, can also develop in the armpits and other warm, moist areas.
Penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis. If you have an allergy to penicillin, you may be treated with another antibiotic, such as doxycycline or tetracycline.
Preventing Armpit Rashes
Most armpit rashes can be prevented with self-care strategies. Some of the things you can do include the following:
If you aren’t sure what’s causing your rash, if these remedies don’t seem to help, or if your rash gets worse, see a healthcare provider.
Summary
You may not be able to figure out what’s causing an armpit rash on your own. While a mild armpit rash can probably be taken care of a home, see a provider if it’s not getting better. They can make a diagnosis and talk to you about treatment.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kim M-J, Tagele SB, Jo H, et al.Effect of a bioconverted product of Lotus corniculatus seed on the axillary microbiome and body odor.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):10138. doi:10.1038/2Fs41598-021-89606-5Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108Tramontana M, Hansel K, Bianchi L, Sensini C, Malatesta N, Stingeni L.Advancing the understanding of allergic contact dermatitis: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1184289. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1184289National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hot tub folliculitis.Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: A review.J Wound Care. 2023;32(7):411-420. doi:10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infections.Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: Challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/2FCCID.S127841MedlinePlus.Erythrasma.MedlinePlus.Ringworm.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.Micali G, Verzì AE, Giuffrida G, Panebianco E, Musumeci ML, Lacarrubba F.Inverse psoriasis: From diagnosis to current treatment options.Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2020;Volume 12:953-959. doi:10.2147/ccid.s189000American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Signs and symptoms.American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.Johns Hopkins.Prickly heat.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Cancer Society.About lymphoma of the skin.American Cancer Society.Skin rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Syphilis: Overview.Whiting C, Schwartzman G, Khachemoune A.Syphilis in dermatology: recognition and management.Am J Clin Dermatol.2023;24(2):287–297. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00755-3Yale Medicine.Syphilis: Symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kim M-J, Tagele SB, Jo H, et al.Effect of a bioconverted product of Lotus corniculatus seed on the axillary microbiome and body odor.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):10138. doi:10.1038/2Fs41598-021-89606-5Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108Tramontana M, Hansel K, Bianchi L, Sensini C, Malatesta N, Stingeni L.Advancing the understanding of allergic contact dermatitis: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1184289. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1184289National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hot tub folliculitis.Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: A review.J Wound Care. 2023;32(7):411-420. doi:10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infections.Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: Challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/2FCCID.S127841MedlinePlus.Erythrasma.MedlinePlus.Ringworm.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.Micali G, Verzì AE, Giuffrida G, Panebianco E, Musumeci ML, Lacarrubba F.Inverse psoriasis: From diagnosis to current treatment options.Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2020;Volume 12:953-959. doi:10.2147/ccid.s189000American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Signs and symptoms.American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.Johns Hopkins.Prickly heat.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Cancer Society.About lymphoma of the skin.American Cancer Society.Skin rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Syphilis: Overview.Whiting C, Schwartzman G, Khachemoune A.Syphilis in dermatology: recognition and management.Am J Clin Dermatol.2023;24(2):287–297. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00755-3Yale Medicine.Syphilis: Symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Kim M-J, Tagele SB, Jo H, et al.Effect of a bioconverted product of Lotus corniculatus seed on the axillary microbiome and body odor.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):10138. doi:10.1038/2Fs41598-021-89606-5
Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108
Tramontana M, Hansel K, Bianchi L, Sensini C, Malatesta N, Stingeni L.Advancing the understanding of allergic contact dermatitis: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches.Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1184289. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1184289
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.What is eczema?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hot tub folliculitis.
Romanelli M, Voegeli D, Colboc H, et al.The diagnosis, management and prevention of intertrigo in adults: A review.J Wound Care. 2023;32(7):411-420. doi:10.12968/jowc.2023.32.7.411
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infections.
Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: Challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/2FCCID.S127841
MedlinePlus.Erythrasma.
MedlinePlus.Ringworm.
Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: Overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Inverse psoriasis.
Micali G, Verzì AE, Giuffrida G, Panebianco E, Musumeci ML, Lacarrubba F.Inverse psoriasis: From diagnosis to current treatment options.Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2020;Volume 12:953-959. doi:10.2147/ccid.s189000
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I treat genital psoriasis?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.
Johns Hopkins.Prickly heat.
American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.About lymphoma of the skin.
American Cancer Society.Skin rash.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Syphilis: Overview.
Whiting C, Schwartzman G, Khachemoune A.Syphilis in dermatology: recognition and management.Am J Clin Dermatol.2023;24(2):287–297. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00755-3
Yale Medicine.Syphilis: Symptoms, causes, and treatments.
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