What Causes Underarm Darkening?
asked 3 years ago by alyssandra in philippines
Latest answer by Bryan K. Chen, MD
Question viewed 2,737 times
Tags: under arms, armpit, darkening
I'm a 22 year old female. My underarms started to darken when I was 21. I'm not using any harsh deodorant so what could have caused the underarm darkening?
3 answers to What Causes Underarm Darkening?
+2
Underarm Darkening - Hyperpigmentation
There are many causes for this such as:
1. excessive sweating
2. shaving with irritation, abrasion, hemosiderin deposition, etc
3. chemicals in antiperspirants such as the alcohols
We recommend treatment for the underarm hyperhidrosis (Botox) or the other techniques, and perhaps laser hair removal to avoid the continued trauma of shaving, plucking, etc. It is believed that shaving is the worst offender followed by sweating.
Hratch Karamanoukian, MD
Buffalo General Surgeon
Buffalo General Surgeon
+1
Underarm darkening
I hesitate to give someone a diagnosis without actually performing an examination. I can think of several reasons for why someone's underarms would be dark, including a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans, hormone-associated hyperpigmentation, medication-related pigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from an allergic-type reaction, to name a few. You should consult with a dermatologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
Good luck.
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
San Diego Dermatologist
+1
Skin irritation, friction causes underarm darkening
Mechanical friction and skin irritation will make your underarm skin darker. Proper skin care, proper deoderant use, and in some cases hydroquinones, might help with this condition.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon