Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Immediate Action
• Part 2 of 3: Home Remedies
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing rashes

An underarm rash can be itchy and irritating and is often caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, or contact dermatitis. Armpit rashes are especially common in summer due to heat and moisture. Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of your annoying rash. Take your mind off the rash, relax, and take care of yourself. Take a cleansing oatmeal bath or apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation. Give yourself a little attention and you can quickly get rid of the rash.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Immediate Action

1. 1 Wash the affected area with soap and water. Often, an underarm rash is the result of a bacterial or fungal infection. Wash your armpits with soap and water to help prevent the spread of infection and rashes.
2. 2 Apply cold compresses. Apply an ice pack or a damp towel to the affected armpit. You can also use a plastic bag with a handful of ice cubes. This will help relieve swelling and inflammation of the skin.
   • This method is especially useful for a heat rash or if the rash is caused by lichen planus (an inflammatory skin disorder).
   • Apply cold compresses as often as you like, at least 10-15 minutes a day. Do not apply the ice pack to your skin for more than 20 minutes at a time.
   • This method is helpful for any type of rash.
3. 3 Move to a cooler place. Hot and humid climates can cause an underarm rash. Even if the rash is not related to hot weather, the coolness will help relieve itching and irritation. Turn on an air conditioner or fan to cool down. You can also open a window or spend a hot day in a cool place (like a supermarket) until evening.
   • Heat rash is small, red bumps and is accompanied by a burning sensation or fluid-filled blisters.
4. 4 Stay hydrated and drink enough fluids to keep you cool. Heat rash under the armpits can occur as a result of overheating. Water and iced tea are best suited for maintaining the body's water balance. Avoid energy drinks, coffee, and other diuretic fluids that can cause dehydration.
   • Whatever the cause of your armpit rash, maintaining your hydration will help get rid of it.
5. 5 Apply a medicated itch cream or ointment to your skin. These creams and ointments contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera juice, vitamin E, and menthol to relieve itching and irritation from armpit rashes, whatever the cause. Follow the directions for use, usually applying a thin layer of cream or ointment to the affected area of ​​the skin is sufficient.
   • Do not use creams or ointments that contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil, as these can clog your skin pores and worsen rashes.
   • Be sure to read the directions for use before applying the cream or ointment.
6. 6 Don't comb the rash. Otherwise, the irritation of the sensitive skin of the armpits will only increase. Also, scratching the rash can get bacteria from under the nails into the blisters, leading to infection.
   • If you find it difficult to resist the urge to scratch your rash, get an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Claritin or Allegra, to relieve itchy armpits.
7. 7 Avoid strenuous physical activity. Playing sports and exercising in very hot weather can cause (or worsen) a heat rash under the armpits. It is advisable to exercise regularly, however, if you develop heat rash, it is likely that your exercise is too intense.
   • Regardless of the cause of your underarm rash, getting more rest and limiting your physical activity is beneficial. This is all the more recommended in the case of a heat rash.
8. 8 Talk to your doctor about alternative medications and nutritional supplements. If your underarm rash appears after you start taking new medications or supplements, this could be the cause. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and ask if they might cause a side effect such as an armpit rash. Your doctor can help you choose other medications, if necessary.
   • Do not stop taking medications or dietary supplements without first talking to your doctor.
9. 9 Avoid food and other products that can trigger allergies. Certain foods and other products can cause an allergic reaction with irritating itching, eczema, and skin rashes. If you regularly develop a rash under your armpits or elsewhere after eating certain foods or using certain products, stop using them.
   • Popular foods such as milk, eggs, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat and fish often cause allergies.
   • Soaps and other detergents can cause irritation and rashes under the armpits.
   • An allergic reaction can be life threatening. If you experience other symptoms other than the rash (such as swelling of your face or throat, difficulty breathing), see your doctor right away.
10. 10 Treat the consequences of possible contact with poisonous plants. If the rash appears 12 to 72 hours after touching the leaves, you may have come into contact with poison oak, ivy, or sumac. In this case, the rash can be treated with medication. See your doctor for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
11. 11 See a dermatologist if your underarm rash persists or recurs intermittently. If the rash disappears or reappears, it may be caused by a medical condition, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema). Only a doctor can determine if this is the case and prescribe an appropriate ointment (or other treatment).
    • You should also see your doctor if the rash does not improve 1 to 2 days after starting treatment.

Part 2 of 3: Home Remedies

1. 1 Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder or baby powder on rash-affected armpits. Talcum powder and baby powder absorb sweat and reduce friction that can worsen armpit rashes. Use them daily, even if you don't have an underarm rash, to prevent it from happening in the future. Simply scoop up some of the powder with your fingertip and gently apply it to your underarms.
   • The powder can stain fabrics and leave white spots on them, so use with care and do not apply when wearing smart clothes.
   • If you've recently applied an itch medicated cream, wait for it to soak into your skin before using the powder.
2. 2 Take a warm (but not hot) bath with colloidal oats. Grind six cups (600 grams) of oatmeal in a food processor to make a fine powder. Pour warm water into the bath and add 2-3 cups of the resulting powder to it while it is being collected. Take a bath for 10-15 minutes (keeping your armpits under water). Then pat dry your skin with a dry towel.
   • Colloidal oats are finely ground oats that float in a liquid.It soothes the skin and helps get rid of underarm rashes.
3. 3 Try some relaxing techniques. Practicing yoga and meditation can help you relax and distract yourself from thoughts of annoying rashes. Listen to soothing music, chat with a friend, or take a walk in the fresh air. Any hobby or activity that can help you distract, relax, and calm yourself will do.
4. 4 Get more vitamin C. This vitamin nourishes and regenerates the skin. Oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C. Include them in your diet: for example, drink orange juice or eat broccoli salad.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing rashes

1. 1 Wear loose fitting clothing made from natural materials. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester can irritate your underarm skin and cause rashes. Try to wear clothes made from cotton and other natural fabrics. Tight items can irritate your underarms, so wear loose-fitting clothing that won't chafe your armpits.
   • This is especially important if you live in hot climates.
2. 2 Wash clothes with a mild detergent and do not use fabric softeners. Avoid products containing dyes or fragrances, which can irritate the skin and worsen armpit rashes. Also, rinse the garment twice after washing to remove any remaining detergent.
3. 3 Wash your armpits daily with a mild soap. Any part of the body that is warm and humid with insufficient access to fresh air is favorable for the growth of bacteria. These conditions are also observed under the armpits, which is why a rash often appears there. To limit bacterial growth under your armpits, wash them daily with warm water and a mild unscented soap. You can also gently wash your armpits with a soft, damp washcloth while washing.
   • If you have a heat rash, use cold water instead of warm and air dry your armpits.
4. 4 Change to a different deodorant. An underarm rash is often caused by deodorant that contains irritating ingredients. The rash seems to be caused by this very reason if you start using a new deodorant, although the old remedy can lead to a rash if the manufacturer changes the ingredients.
   • If the rash persists after you change your deodorant, stop using it altogether.
5. 5 Use unscented moisturizers for dry skin or eczema. Moisturizers can help restore moisture to the skin if the rash is caused by eczema or dryness. However, scented moisturizers can make the problem worse, so use non-scented products.