Armpit Rash from Deodorant: Causes, Diagnosis and Effective Solutions

Deodorants are used to cover up and lessen the body odor that results from the bacterial decomposition of sweat. Typically, they contain antimicrobials and perfume, which reduce the amount of germs and consequently, the offensive odor of microbial discharge chemicals. The armpit skin is very sensitive, as the penetration through the skin is enhanced by the presence of moisture and warmth.

Deodorants may contain substances known as antiperspirants, which work by obstructing the apocrine glands with aluminium salts to decrease sweat production thus the amount of secretions in armpits reduce. Many studies have revealed that deodorants were the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis. An armpit rash can emerge as an itchy, red, bumpy and flaking rash. This rash may be acute or chronic, mild or severe and treatments would depend on the underlying cause for the rash. So this article will provide you with everything to know about an armpit rash from deodorant including causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention!

Understanding Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory eczematous skin disorder. But eczema stands for a skin inflammation with itching, dry and scaly rash conditions whereas dermatitis is a skin irritation.

It is mainly classified into two types; such as Irritant and Allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a kind of contact dermatitis condition that occurs due to several chemicals or allergens contact with the skin surface. Such a contact gives rise to an inflammatory skin response, which shows as redness, edema, hives and occasionally skin lesions. It is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to external antigens. Irritant contact dermatitis is a genetic skin response to direct chemical damages and irritants that releases inflammatory mediators mostly from epidermal cells. It usually gives a burning and stinging sensation with excess pruritus conditions.

Common Allergens in Deodorants

Several studies have revealed the following list of allergens in deodorants and antiperspirants.

1. Fragrance
2. Aluminium
3. Propylene glycol
4. Essential oils and biological additives
5. Parabens
6. Vitamin E
7. Lanolin

Fragrances are added to give a good smell to the products and parabens are the preservatives added. But both of them can go deep into the skin and harm skin cells irreparably. Aluminium is present in deodorants as aluminium salts like chlorides, chlorohydrates and zirconium etc. They make the skin pores smaller and reduce sweating. But prolong usage can make the armpits red, itchy, bumpy and also develop scars and dark armpits. Some people are allergic to topical propylene glycol. So that the skin may begin hypersensitivity reactions against it. Lanolin is an emollient but it also can start hypersensitivity reactions in some skin types. Vitamin E is used as an antioxidant but some forms of vitamin E like ester conjugates can form adverse reactions in the skin. If essential oils are used in undiluted form, they can cause irritation and burns on skin surface. 

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

The symptoms of contact dermatitis include the followings.

1. Itching
2. Bumps
3. Redness
4. Blisters
5. Flaking
6. Peeling
7. Oozing

The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they may manifest from hours to days after exposure with the allergen or the irritant. This rash may not spread from one person to another. It may also be an immediate reaction which develops the rash soon after contact with the allergen or a delayed reaction which develops the rash 24- 48 hours after contact with the allergen.

Diagnosing Contact Dermatitis

Armpit rashes are not only caused by deodorants but also by some other factors like fungal and yeast infections. So the patient can get a break from that particular deodorant usage and check whether the rash will go away or not. It will confirm that the rash is due to the deodorant or not. But the best method to identify whether the rash is due to the deodorant is to consult a dermatologist to do a “’Patch Test”. It is a painless test where the dermatologist pastes some patches or adhesive sheets on the back of the patient which contain different allergens and kept for 48 hours. After that the patches are removed and the location of the patch is examined by the doctor.

Managing and Treating Armpit Rash

Most of the times the immediate treatment for an armpit rash will be an over-the-counter topical antihistamine like diphenhydramine and a prescribed topical corticosteroid like hydrocortisone 1% which relieve the symptoms and make the skin calm and soothing. Moreover, the home remedies like applying calamine lotion or Aloe Vera gel, taking an oatmeal bath, applying baking soda as a paste and applying cold compresses help in relieving the itching and burning symptoms.

But, obtaining a long-term solution for an armpit rash would definitely need the identification and avoidance of triggers and allergens. As the patch test identifies the allergens responsible for the particular rash, avoiding them will provide a long-term relief from another similar rash. If the responsible allergen is not known, using a hypoallergenic deodorant and a natural deodorant are better long-term solutions. Baking soda and cornstarch are natural deodorant options that keep the armpit areas dry.

Preventing Future Reactions

If you have previously experienced any armpit rash, it is wise to have done a Patch Test under the consultation of a dermatologist. Then the possible allergens for another rash are known. So that when buying a deodorant don’t forget to read the labels to confirm that the ingredients are safe without the common allergens.

Following a correct skincare routine can also help to get rid of an uncomfortable armpit rash. Applying unscented moisturizers without harsh chemicals several times a day on the armpit, staying in humid environments away from sun, wearing loose clothes and taking lukewarm baths will aid to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Special Considerations

The secret to avoid eczema flare-ups is choosing the correct deodorant, regardless of whether you have atopic dermatitis or more susceptible to contact dermatitis. People with eczema should generally use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare products which includes deodorants. Although it is labeled as unscented, some products may contain masking fragrances. So it is important to thoroughly review all of the listed ingredients. To help identify and avoid the triggers, it is also highly recommended to discuss patch testing option with the dermatologist. That is because, a dermatologist may compile a safe product list once allergens have been discovered.

Many deodorant rashes are actually a form of contact dermatitis. Learn more about the different types of eczema in our eczema overview.

Conclusion

Contact dermatitis is a type of an allergy to deodorants and antiperspirants. Although the other ingredients in the products can also trigger allergies, fragrances are frequently the culprits. It is possible that natural or hypoallergenic products can prevent deodorant allergies. Topical corticosteroids, topical antihistamines and home remedies like applying calamine lotion, Aloe Vera and having oatmeal bath can help to reduce symptoms of contact dermatitis like redness, irritations etc. But it is a must to consult a dermatologist if the allergy persists. They will identify the possible allergens through a patch test and help to manage the symptoms and stay away from triggers to have a happy and healthy skin!

Read more: How Contact Dermatitis Can Result from ‘Natural’ Skin Care Products