When to Worry About Rough Texture on Your Underarms

Decades of Photoshop and filters have shown us what underarm skin would look like without pores, folds, or any sort of rough texture. However, real armpits have natural creases, hairs, and occasional discoloration – perfectly normal kili-kili behavior, if you ask us. Of course, some exceptions require treatment and expert care.

Scroll down to find out when you should see a doctor for treatment.

Do you often ask yourself, “Why are my underarms textured?” Examine some habits that may be directly or indirectly irritating your skin. Aside from genetics, irritation is the root of roughness. Below are some types of textures you might find on your armpits:

• Chicken skin – Chicken skin, also called keratosis pilaris, occurs when keratin protein blocks the opening of the hair follicles, leading to rough, bumpy skin like a chicken’s. It can also be caused by atopic dermatitis, which is usually genetic in nature. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, gentle exfoliation can help loosen the skin cells and smoothen the underarms.

Use a deodorant like Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Dry Serum 3% Niacinamide 10x Omega 6 Pore Smoothener to help exfoliate and nourish your ‘pits. It has niacinamide to refine the pores and brighten skin, and omega 6 to nourish the skin.

• Acanthosis nigricans – There’s no cute nickname for this one. Acanthosis nigricans is a common skin pigmentation disorder that usually makes the skin thick, patchy, and velvety in texture. You may see it in skin folds like the underarms, inner elbows, and the back of the neck. A report in the National Library of Medicine says it is associated with diseases including obesity, hypothyroidism, and insulin-resistant diabetes, among others. Acanthosis nigricans is not treatable but will fade by treating the underlying condition.

• Folliculitis – What looks like armpit pimples might actually be folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by friction, medication, dirty hot tubs, and shaving. The latter is the most common culprit. To avoid folliculitis from shaving, prep your skin with warm water or shaving cream to soften the hair. More importantly, store your razors in cool, dry places to prevent bacteria contamination, and change disposable blades after five to seven shaves.

Nourish sensitive underarms while preventing body odor with Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Dry Serum 3% Niacinamide 10x Vitamin C & E Dark Marks Reducer. It combines the antioxidant powers of vitamins C and E to renew the skin and fade dark spots.

• Good old skin folds – Skin folds are natural in areas that are, well, folded, like the neck and underarms. While they don’t necessarily feel rough, some may dislike how they can make armpits less than “flawless.” They are, however, completely normal and don’t require treatment.

Any skin condition is best treated with expert guidance; however, a lot of women do seek treatment for underarm skin texture even when it’s not particularly dangerous. That’s entirely your prerogative. But if you’re just wondering when you absolutely must go to a doctor, look out for the following signs:

• You develop a fever along with rough texture on your underarms.

• The area is painful and contains pus, which is a sign of infection.

• Uncontrollable itching that prevents you from doing everyday tasks.

• The condition gets worse and spreads all over your armpits and other parts of your body.

• The rough texture affects your confidence and daily life.

Rough texture on the underarms will come and go. It is, after all, a sensitive area that reacts easily to friction and chemicals. If you always have smooth armpits, consider yourself lucky! Otherwise, you are human with pores, follicles, and skin cells. Visit your dermatologist if your condition bothers you, prevents you from performing regular activities, or does not respond to over-the-counter treatments.