Why are my armpits itchy?
There could be several reasons why you have itchy armpits. Some of the most common causes of itchy armpits include:
- Razor burns after shaving.
- Ingrown hairs.
- Skin irritation to chemicals in your deodorant, soaps or laundry detergent.
- Reaction to a medication.
- An underlying medical condition.
Can deodorant cause itchy armpits?
Yes, deodorants and antiperspirants can cause itchy armpits. You may have an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients in the skincare products that you use regularly. Common ingredients in deodorant that cause itchiness include:
- Aluminum.
- Fragrances.
- Lanolin.
- Parabens.
- Propylene glycol.
In addition, these ingredients can be present in some of the soaps, lotions and laundry detergents in your home. Try changing some of the products you use at home or avoid using products with irritating ingredients to resolve itchy armpits.
What conditions cause itchy armpits?
There are several medical conditions that cause the symptom of itchy armpits. Some of the more common conditions that cause itchy armpits include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Cancer.
- Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.
- Heat rash.
- Pregnancy.
- Allergies.
- Contact dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis.
- Yeast infection or intertrigo.
- Folliculitis.
Treating or managing the underlying condition that causes itchy armpits will make the symptom reduce or go away.
Advertisem*nt
What types of cancer cause itchy armpits?
Certain types of cancer can cause itchy armpits, but it’s rare. Two common cancers that cause this symptom include:
Cancer treatments can also cause itchy armpits. This can happen if your body reacts negatively to a drug, your skin cells die off or the treatment causes dry skin. Cancer treatments that can cause itchy armpits include:
If you have itchy armpits as a result of cancer or cancer treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about your symptom and they may recommend a different treatment to alleviate your discomfort.
Are itchy armpits a sign of diabetes?
Diabetes can affect several parts of your body, including your skin. It’s common for people diagnosed with a type of diabetes to experience dry skin. Dry skin could affect your armpits and cause itchy skin. Having a high blood sugar (glucose) level may make the symptom more noticeable.
