How to Get Rid of an Armpit Rash
Rash under the arms is very irritable and unbearable which is due to the sweaty, dark area and prone to irritation and friction. Armpit is the sensitive area that gets easily affected.
The symptoms of armpit rash include itching, redness, small bumps, darkness of the skin, pain, flakiness and increased odor. Once the condition becomes severe, it will turn into the dryness, blistering of the skin, fever, cracking and pain.
There are some reasons due to which armpit rash occurs such as if you are used to shave your armpits, excessive use of chemical-based products to remove the hair, excessive sweating, wearing tight and synthetic clothes on regular basis, exposure to heat or hot climate, friction and poor hygienic routine.
In other cases, armpit rash is generally caused by the viral or bacterial infections due to some type of allergic reaction. Therefore, if it is caused by allergy, armpit rash can be very dangerous, the symptoms may be a purple color seem on the armpit, swelling on the face and throat, breathing problem or loss of consciousness, you must visit your doctor immediately to sort out this problem.
If you have minor armpit rash, do not worry, it will be clear by using some natural home remedies or maintaining the proper hygiene and lifestyle. So here are the 10 remedies given below to help you getting rid of the armpit rash without any side effects.
1. Cold Compress
Cold compress helps to numb the area of the rashes and reduce the itching and burning sensations. The cold temperature will decrease the excess heat of your body and thus prevent it from having the rash.
- Take a thin cotton towel and wrap some ice cubes in it. Hold it on the affected area for a couple of minutes.
- Take a break then repeat the process again.
- Do this remedy for maximum 10 times daily.
Never apply the ice cubes directly on the skin.
2. Coconut Oil
Extra-virgin coconut oil is best for this purpose as it helps in reducing the irritation. Due to having the healthy fats and vitamin E, it helps to keep your skin moisturized, calm and resistant to the healing process. Friction is also gone from applying the coconut oil and prevents infection.
- Dab some extra-virgin coconut oil on your armpits and let it absorb completely into the skin. Do this few times daily.
- Optionally, you can prepare a solution by mixing 4 tbsp of extra-virgin coconut oil and 1 tsp of lavender essential oil. Now dip a cotton ball in this mixture then apply it on the affected area. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes then rinse it off with cold water. Now pat dry the water with a clean towel. Repeat 2 times daily for few days.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the best ingredient for any kind of rash on the skin because it contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Aloe vera soothes the itching and burning sensations along with reducing the redness caused by rashes.
- Cut a thick aloe vera leaf and open it. Scoop out its gel and apply directly on the affected area. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes then rinse it off with cold water. Use the remedy for 4 times a day.
- Alternatively, make a paste by adding little turmeric powder and 3 tbsp of aloe vera gel. Rub the paste on your armpits and wait till 30 minutes. Now rinse off with cold water and do this daily for a week.
4. Tea Tree Oil
If you have armpit rashes due to the skin fungal infection like ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, you can easily treat it with tea tree oil. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties that are useful to soothe the red spots and swelling. It will be helpful in stopping the growth of fungus and infection.
- Mix about 6 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Clean out the infected area with water and pat dry, apply the mixture on it.
- Wait till 10 minutes then rinse off with cold water.
- Repeat 3 times daily.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal helps in maintaining the skin’s pH levels and eliminates the itching and burning sensations due to the armpit rash. It keeps your skin moisturized. You should use colloidal oatmeal for rashes.
According to the study in 2012, published in The Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, estimated that oats contain antioxidant phenolic compounds that are responsible for the potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- In a bathtub filled with warm water, add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal.
- Now add few drops of lavender essential oil or any other oil of your choice.
- Soak your body in this solution for at least 20 minutes. Make sure that your armpit is completely soaked in the water.
- Do this once daily until you notice the rash is now healed.
6. Indian Lilac (Neem)
Indian lilac, is also known as neem, is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for many types of skin problems. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antifungal and antiviral properties.
A 2013 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine points out that the organic neem oil with high quality is recommendable for the skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, ringworm and other related symptoms.
- Take a handful of neem leaves and simmer it in a pot of water for about 20 minutes. Now strain the solution and allow it to cool. Use this solution to wash the area. Do this process for 3 times daily for few days.
- Alternatively, mix 6 drops of neem oil in a cup of lukewarm water. Use a cotton ball to apply this solution to the armpit rash few times.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial actions so it helps to reduce the inflammation, itching and speed up the healing of your armpit rash. It is acetic in nature so it prevents the infection and maintains the skin’s pH level.
- Put 1 tsp of raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a small cup.
- Now add ½ cup of water to make it dilute.
- Dab this mixture using the cotton ball on the affected area and rinse off after 10 minutes.
- Do this few times daily.
If it causes discomfort, stop doing the treatment.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also good to treat the armpit rash caused by contact dermatitis or swimmer’s itch. It has alkaline nature so it balances the pH of the skin, thus dries out the rashes and reduces the inflammation and itching.
- Make a solution by mixing the 1 part of baking soda and 3 parts of water.
- Apply this on the armpit rash and wait for a while.
- Rinse it off with water after it dries out completely.
- Use this remedy once daily for few days.
9. Lemon
Lemon has acid present in it and it has amazing properties for relieving the itching caused by the armpit rash. The citric acid found in lemon helps fight against the infections that are responsible for the armpit rash.
- Rub the slice of lemon on your armpits gently. Wait for 5 minutes then rinse off with cold water. Do this remedy for 3 times daily for several days. If your skin is sensitive, dilute the lemon juice by adding a little amount of water.
- Another option is to prepare a solution with 2 parts of lemon juice and 1 part of raw honey. Apply it on the rash and wait for 20 minutes. Now rinse it off with cold water. Do this remedy twice a day.
10. Shea butter
Shea butter contains antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in getting rid of an armpit rash. It keeps your skin moisturized and heals the skin irritation, redness, itching and swelling.
- First wash the affected area with mild antiseptic soap and lukewarm water.
- Pat dry using a soft towel, make sure you do not rub the skin.
- Rub some shea butter on the affected area.
- Repeat the remedy for several times a day.
Additional Tips
- Increase vitamin C intake to prevent the infections.
- Apply calamine lotion on the rashes few times daily.
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Do not apply deodorants containing harmful chemicals under the arms.
- Use air-conditioning in your home.
- Drink enough amount of fluid contents to help your body regulate its temperature, water and green tea are best for this purpose.
- Avoid shaving your under arms which can ingrown hair and even spread the infection of the hair follicles.
- Take a bath with cold water daily.
- Sleep in a cool environment.
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