What to Do When You Have Itchy Armpits

We've all been there. Having occasionally itchy armpits almost feels like a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you should just grin and bear it. Whether you're in the middle of an important meeting or just trying to relax at home, the urge to scratch can be both distracting and downright frustrating. So how do you deal with it? We’ve got your back, or rather, your underarms.

Identifying the real culprit is the first step to stopping that tingling sensation. Below, we listed some possible causes of armpit irritation and simple fixes to bring you relief.

To quote Rachel McAdams, shaving is intense. It’s especially true when the armpit hair curls inward and pierces the skin, causing acne-like bumps that can feel painful and itchy. Plucking the ingrown hair forcefully is likely to worsen the inflammation. You need to gently scrub a wet loofah on your underarms to remove the dead skin that traps the growing kili-kili hair. Then, put on an armpit moisturizer (any gentle moisturizer will do!) to keep the skin smooth. Crisis averted!

Your itchy armpits may be a sign to turn on the air-conditioning. Excessive heat and humidity make you sweat so much that it blocks the pores. See the cluster of itty-bitty blisters on your pits? That's heat rash. Apply a cold compress on the affected area to soothe the itching and swelling. The raised spots should clear up after the body cools down.

Since you can't control the weather, the next best solution is to dress for the weather. Hang up the leather jackets and turtlenecks for a while and start wearing more crop tops and sundresses. If you want to layer up, go for a loose-fitting shirt or a flowy pashmina.

The underarm skin is delicate and prone to irritation. When you first use a new deodorant, some of the ingredients might irritate your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports aluminum, common in antiperspirants, as one of the most common allergens that cause contact dermatitis. Read the ingredient labels of your current underarm care product. It’s possible to develop antiperspirant sensitivity over time, even if you have been using the same product for years. 

Then, switch to a gentle product like Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Roll-On to cut body odor without blocking the sweat glands. This formula has Dove’s signature ¼ moisturizing cream, which also helps smoothen the skin. If you’re always in a rush, use Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Aerosol instead! Keep your underarms naturally fresh and smooth with the Dove 0% Deo.

Not so fun fact: a gazillion bacteria live in your pits. Bacteria and yeast can flourish when the skin is too damp from sweat. Before you know it, your armpits are infected, giving off an unpleasant smell paired with a burning rash.

This goes without saying, but you must wash your underarms daily for at least two seconds! Use a pH-balanced body wash to keep a healthy skin microbiome. Shower immediately after a workout and pat your body dry with a clean towel before putting clothes on. This way, you can stay active without worries.

Dealing with itchy armpits can be as simple as keeping the skin dry, clean, and moisturized. But if your condition persists despite your best efforts, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.