We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Causes Itching Armpits?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,441
Share

Many people suffer the annoyance and discomfort of itching armpits at some stage in their lives. As this unpleasant condition has many possible causes, it can sometimes be difficult to resolve. Understanding the most common causes of itching armpits can be the key to avoiding or quickly relieving the condition in the future. Toiletries such as deodorants and body washes are common armpit irritants, as are laundry detergents. Shaving can also cause irritation in the armpit area, as can certain bras and exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy.

Toiletries such as deodorants and body washes are perhaps the most common cause of itching armpits. Sometimes these products contain a fragrance or other ingredient to which the skin is allergic. In other cases, particular product formulations may simply be too harsh, especially for users with sensitive skin. Either way, the offending product may cause intense itchiness that is often accompanied by redness.

The best way to determine whether a toiletry is causing itching armpits is to cease using the product for several days. If the irritation subsides, it is likely that it was caused by the product in question. The offending toiletry should be discarded, and a product that is formulated for sensitive skin should be used in its place.

Laundry detergents can also cause itching armpits. In most cases, however, this itching will not be limited to the underarm region, but will rather occur wherever clothing washed in the irritating detergent touches the skin. Those who experience itching after switching to a new laundry detergent should substitute a different product.

Improper shaving technique can also lead to itching armpits. Using a dull razor as well as failure to use shaving cream can cause the underarms to become dry, irritated, and itchy. To avoid shaving-related underarm itch, change razors frequently and always lather the skin with shaving cream prior to hair removal. Further, avoid applying deodorant or antiperspirant to the underarms immediately after shaving.

For some women, bras can cause itching armpits. Bras often contain certain materials to which some people are allergic, such as elastic, rubber, latex, or nickel. Those who suspect that their undergarments are causing their armpit itch might try selecting bras made from natural materials.

Finally, exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy can lead to itching underarms. This irritation may result from direct contact with the allergen, or through contact with an object which has been exposed to the allergen. To avoid this type of underarm irritation, avoid wearing sleeveless tops when participating in outdoor activities like camping or hiking. In addition, be sure to thoroughly wash all clothing worn during these activities to remove lingering traces of allergens.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Viranty — On Jan 28, 2014

@Chmander - Well, you have to remember, the title of the article is called "What Causes Itching Armpits?". Based on that, it's going to discuss more about the causes, instead of any actual solutions. However, if you were to reread the article again, you'd see that it does give you solutions, even if they're very indirect. By looking at the causes for irritating armpits, you can get the issues resolved much faster.

For example, if you realize that a laundry detergent you use is the cause, using a different detergent will bring you to a solution. Besides, before most problems can be resolved, you have to know the underlying reason for the issue. It's only then that you can move forward.

By Chmander — On Jan 28, 2014

@RoyalSpyder - I've had this happen to me as well. On another note, I'm also surprised that the article didn't mention any solutions to itching armpits. I think it would have been really helpful.

By RoyalSpyder — On Jan 27, 2014

@Melonlity - I think another cause of itching and irritable armpits might be because some people have a habit of constantly switching between deodorants. In other words, you use one stick of deodorant, and then the very next day, you use a different brand. I've had to this happen to me before. Not only would my armpits become really irritated, but they would also get a sharp pain every now and then. However, this was soon resolved when I stuck to one stick of deodorant constantly, only using another brand when the other had run out. I'm surprised that the article didn't mention this.

By Melonlity — On Jan 26, 2014

What might be happening is all that itching is caused by not washing deodorant off completely. Give that a try first before getting too concerned.

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-causes-itching-armpits.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.