Content

• Steps
• Warning

To heal an underarm rash, you first need to address the cause of the rash. Avoid shaving and don't use scented products to see if things change. Then, follow the list of necessary steps. Wash underarms with mild soap and wear loose, airy clothing. Use a hot compress and apply balm or lotion. Avoid scratching the rash and see your doctor if the rash does not go away after taking prescription medications.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Dealing with the cause

1. 

   Stop infection of the underarms caused by blocked or irritated hair follicles. This condition is called folliculitis. Folliculitis starts when a hair follicle is damaged for some reason and becomes infected. Fortunately, this irritation can be prevented and treated.
   • Do not wear clothes that are too tight on the arm area. Friction can cause irritation.
   • Wear clothes so your skin can breathe, especially if you live in a warm climate.
   • Make sure your skin is not sensitive or allergic to fabrics, like wool.
   • Wash clothes with non-irritating laundry detergent. Limit the use of fabric softener.

2. 

   
   
   Stop shaving under your arms to determine the cause of the rash. Shaving can cause ingrown hair follicles and even infection. Try waxing or using a hair removal product instead of shaving until the rash clears.

3. 

   Stop using deodorants, soaps or powders that are irritating to the skin. Deodorants often contain aluminum, flavorings, alcohol, and parabens - substances that can trigger a rash. This is one of the easiest causes of itching or redness to get rid of.
   • Try out a variety of different cleaning products to find the best one. Switch to a fragrance-free deodorant first. If this doesn't help, switch to a different soap (preferably fragrance-free). See your doctor right away if the rash persists.
   • If you suspect a deodorant is the cause of your rash, try a deodorant that doesn't irritate your skin, such as:
   • Potassium alum (acid alum): Potassium alum is a mineral with astringent and antiseptic properties. Although it does not prevent sweating, this mineral can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. Potassium alum is usually rocky and very inexpensive.
   • Baking soda: Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water (insoluble) and apply to the underarms. If you want, you can sprinkle a little baking soda and cornstarch under your arms to make it feel dry.
   • Lemon: The citric acid in lemon juice can kill bacteria under the arm. You can cut a slice of lemon and apply it to the underarms to naturally deodorize. Be careful not to use lemon juice right after shaving.
   • Isopropyl alcohol: Put Isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the skin under your arms. For a pleasant fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or peppermint essential oil. However, it is safer to avoid aromatherapy.

4. 

   
   
   Have good personal hygiene to avoid fungal infections under the arms. The dark, damp underarms are the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi. The underarm rash can be caused by poor personal hygiene, but most rashes are caused by heat, friction, or exposure to allergens.

5. 

   Consider other causes of an underarm rash. Other causes may include allergies to drugs and foods, poison ivy and poison oak, insect bites, or an autoimmune disorder such as psoriasis. Viruses like the flu virus or chickenpox can also cause a rash. You should consult your doctor if you suspect that inflammation of the underarm area is caused by one of these reasons. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Treatment of rash

1. 

   
   
   Follow the list of necessary steps. After you have an underarm rash and have taken some of the steps listed above, you should begin to work on how to alleviate the rash. Follow these steps to heal the rash.
   • Wash underarms with mild, fragrance-free soap. Dry the skin under your arms.
   • Wear loose, comfortable, and natural clothing, such as cotton, jute, or linen. These fabrics make it easier for the skin to breathe and reduce the risk of folliculitis.
   • Drink plenty of water to help your body regulate its temperature optimally. Water and green tea are the best options. Avoid energy drinks, coffee and other diuretic drinks as they cause dehydration.
   • Use over-the-counter antifungal creams or lotions. These are products used to treat fungal infections in other areas of the body such as the feet and groin area.

2. 

   To soothe folliculitis, you can place a warm, moist compress on the skin under your arm. A moist pack will help drain the skin under your arm. Replace the clean pack with the next one and do not use the old one.

3. 

   Apply an oil or lotion with soothing properties to the underarms to relieve pain and discomfort. Oils containing vitamin E may help (although topical vitamin E can irritate the skin in some cases). Alternatively, you can use other oils like aloe, tea tree oil and ostrich oil.
   • Applying a gentle hydrocortisone cream to the irritated area can help heal the rash, while also preventing irritation and itching.
   • Calamine lotion is also a popular anti-itch cream for rashes.
   • Take an oat bath. You can buy oatmeal products from the store. In addition, you can make your own bath water by pouring 1 cup of oatmeal into a cotton towel or sock and then heating it. Wait for the sock or towel to cool down, then use it as a bath sponge.

4. 

   Avoid scratching the affected area. Scratching the skin from scratching can lead to an infection or a fungal infection. If itching is too itchy, you can use a topical ointment like hydrocortisone.

5. 

   See your doctor if the yeast infection does not go away after taking over-the-counter medications. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medications. In the meantime, you can take ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief and inflammation. advertisement

Warning

• An allergic rash can be life-threatening. See your doctor if you experience symptoms other than a rash, such as swelling of the face or neck, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness. A purple rash can be a sign of a serious problem.