How to remove darkening in the armpits
Nov 18, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Darkening of the underarms may be caused by clothing friction, improper cleansing, excessive hair growth, folliculitis, eczema, and other factors. Treatment options include photorejuvenation, fruit acid peels, laser hair removal, and medication, which should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. It is also important to maintain clean and dry underarms, wear loose and soft clothing, and regularly trim underarm hair.
Generally, darkening of the underarm area may be caused by clothing friction, improper cleansing, excessive hair, folliculitis, eczema, and other factors. Treatments include photorejuvenation, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and medication, under a doctor's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Clothing Friction
Long-term wear of tight or coarse clothing can cause chronic friction to the underarm skin, stimulating melanocytes to become active and produce excess melanin, resulting in skin darkening. It is recommended to wear loose, soft clothing to reduce irritation. Photorejuvenation can also be performed under a doctor's guidance. This treatment uses intense pulsed light to break down melanin and lighten the skin. The general reference price for photorejuvenation is 6,000–12,000 yuan per session. Improvement is typically seen within 2–5 days after treatment, although temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, and pigmentation may occur.
2. Improper Cleansing
Incomplete underarm cleansing can lead to accumulation of sweat and dirt, which reacts with the skin and causes pigmentation, resulting in darker skin. It is recommended to keep the underarm area clean and dry, and to use mild cleansers regularly. Chemical peels using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can also be considered under medical supervision. AHAs remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, helping lighten the skin. The general reference price for AHA peels is 2,000–5,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable within 1–2 days after treatment, though temporary side effects like skin irritation, redness, and swelling may occur.
3. Excessive Hair
Dense underarm hair can impair skin ventilation, limiting sun exposure and causing melanin accumulation, which leads to gradual skin darkening. Regular trimming of underarm hair is recommended to maintain proper skin aeration. Laser hair removal can also be considered under a physician's advice. This treatment uses laser energy to destroy hair follicles, achieving permanent hair reduction. The general reference price for laser hair removal is 200–1,000 yuan per session. Relief is typically experienced within 1–3 days after treatment, although side effects such as peeling, pain, and numbness may occur.
4. Folliculitis
Blocked hair follicles and bacterial infections can cause folliculitis, leading to inflammation and increased melanocyte activity, which results in skin darkening. Symptoms may also include pustules, redness, and swelling. It is recommended to use medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or erythromycin ointment as directed by a physician.
5. Eczema
Eczema often occurs when the underarm skin is sensitive and comes into contact with allergens. Prolonged inflammatory stimulation can activate melanocytes, causing skin darkening. Common symptoms include blisters and oozing. It is recommended to use medications such as desonide cream, mometasone furoate cream, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream as directed by a physician.
If necessary, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo the above treatments under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. In daily life, it is important to maintain underarm cleanliness and dryness, wear loose and soft clothing, trim hair regularly, and avoid allergens to reduce the risk of underarm skin darkening.
