Dark Underarms: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options
Dark underarms means that the skin in this area looks darker than the surrounding skin. Most of the time it does not indicate a health problem; however, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. For this reason, the cause of the darkening should be identified before treatment. This article explains the causes of dark underarms, preventive measures and treatment options.
What Causes Dark Underarms?
- Repeated irritation from shaving, waxing and friction
- Irritation from deodorants or other products
- Genetic predisposition and darker skin type
- Excess weight and insulin resistance
- Hormonal changes and some medicines
A velvety darkening in skin folds such as the underarms, the back of the neck and the groin (acanthosis nigricans) can be a sign of insulin resistance, diabetes or a hormonal condition. If the darkening appeared quickly, is spreading to other areas, or occurs together with complaints such as weight changes, excessive thirst or irregular periods, a doctor should be consulted.
Preventive Measures
- Avoiding irritation when shaving, using a sharp and clean razor and changing the method if irritation occurs
- Stopping products that burn or itch the skin
- Keeping the area dry and clean and choosing loose cotton clothing
- Losing weight in a healthy way if there is excess weight
Home mixtures such as lemon, baking soda and vinegar can irritate the delicate skin of the underarms and increase the darkening; they are not recommended.
Treatment Options
If there is an underlying cause, it should be treated first. To lighten the darkening, lightening creams recommended by the doctor, chemical peels and some laser treatments may be used. Results vary from person to person, more than one session is usually needed and the darkening may recur as long as the irritating causes continue; the colour may not disappear completely. Redness, sensitivity and temporary further darkening may occur after treatment; this risk is higher in darker skin. Some treatments are postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For more information, see our pigmentation treatment and chemical peel pages.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın