How to Remove Chicken Skin in Underarms to Prevent Inflammation

Chicken skin on the underarms is a common condition. It’s usually a side effect of hair removal, particularly plucking or waxing. It can also be caused by a buildup of keratin, which is called keratosis pilaris. It’s not exclusive to the armpits — it can occur on your arms, thighs, lower legs, and anywhere you have hair follicles. Read on for how to remove chicken skin in underarms if the condition is starting to bother you or get in the way of everyday life.

Many people can attest to the fact that chicken skin is a normal condition and is nothing to be ashamed of. The next time you see a model or celebrity with flawless, seemingly poreless armpits, remember that they are the 1% and have doctors and professional treatments at their disposal. However, it’s hard to deny that chicken skin can be a confidence buster, especially if you love wearing sleeveless tops.

Chicken skin or keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin in the pores. This excess keratin plugs the opening of growing hair follicles, resulting in usually flesh-colored bumps covering the pores. It’s called chicken skin because it resembles the appearance of a chicken’s bare skin after the feathers have been plucked (which, by the way, can also cause chicken skin in humans, along with shaving and waxing).

Some symptoms of keratosis pilaris include itching and irritation, redness, rough bumps that can sometimes also be red, white, pink, brown, or black. If you have eczema or dry skin, you may be more prone to chicken skin than others. Women are also more susceptible to it than men.

If left unchecked, chicken skin can get inflamed, especially if you end up scratching it or it frequently rubs against tight clothing. Even if you’re confident in your kili-kili, if chicken skin bothers you, you should try treating it to prevent inflammation. The best smooth armpits remedy is by relieving and minimizing inflammation. Think of a sensitive skincare routine and apply it to your underarms. Do the following as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatologists:

Take warm (not hot!) baths to unclog pores and aid in exfoliation.

Use a loofa or body scrub to exfoliate the skin gently. Use small, circular motions on wet skin.

Always apply a hydrating lotion or moisturizer to soften the skin and prevent dryness.

Avoid armpit whitening treatments that may further irritate your skin.

Avoid wearing tight clothes that can rub against the skin.

Use a gentle yet smoothing deodorant like Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Aerosol, which has ¼ moisturizing cream and no aluminum or alcohol to irritate the skin.

While chicken skin may not be harmful, these bumps can get irritated and inflamed, which can, in turn, lead to itching, pain, infection, and scarring. Addressing chicken skin, especially on the armpits, is a personal choice. Now that you know there are products for chicken skin on your underarms, you can make that decision for yourself and do it safely at home.