Itching in Underarms: Home Remedies to Get Rid of Armpit Rashes

If you’ve been experiencing itchy underarms, the first thing you should do is evaluate whether you’ve been using any new products like deodorant, cologne, soap, or even detergent. If the answer is yes, you likely have contact dermatitis—but don’t worry, it isn’t as serious as it sounds.

An armpit rash can produce redness; pain; and an irritable, itchy rash. This may be seen with excessive sweating, fungal and bacterial infections, improper shaving methods, and friction due to tight clothing. Your discomfort may also be due to heat rash.

How to Get Rid of Itchy Armpits – Home Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

An armpit rash caused by a bacterial or fungal infection may be treated with the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar. The acetic acid of the vinegar is thought to fight the infection and prevent spread of the infection as it balances pH levels.

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics, apple cider vinegar showed antifungal properties against Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.

Apple cider vinegar may also alleviate any painful and itchy swelling in the armpit.

How to Use:

• Combine one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and a half cup of water.
• Apply the mixture to the affected armpit with a cotton ball or cotton swab.
• Rinse with cool water after a 10-minute treatment.
• Repeat three to four times daily.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has soothing vitamin E and essential fatty acids that may work to balance pH levels of the skin while protecting against friction caused by the rash on the skin’s surface. The oil also provides antibacterial components to help fight infection.

It might also soothe the burning and itch from an armpit infection due to its potential to help reduce sensation in the affected nerves.

How to Use:

• Place one tablespoon of semi-solid coconut oil directly on the affected area of the armpit.
• Leave on for a 15-minute treatment.
• Rinse with cold water before patting the area dry.
• Repeat twice daily.

3. Tea Tree Oil

As an essential oil, tea tree has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that may help treat pain and rash caused by an infection, including those located in the armpit. Its active compounds include terpinen-4-ol and 1, 8-cineole. The antioxidant component may also help to stop the infection from spreading.

How to Use:

• Combine five drops of essential tea tree oil and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
• Apply to the affected armpit.
• Rinse with cold water after a 10-minute treatment.
• Repeat application two to three times each day.

4. Yogurt

Plain yogurt is said to be effective for treating fungal, or yeast, infections seen in the armpit area by balancing the acidic levels of the skin. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a “good” bacteria that fights against yeast overgrowth.

It also offers soothing relief for pain, burning, and itching.

How to Use:

• Consume yogurt with every meal.
  Or:
• Use a cotton ball or swab to apply yogurt directly on the affected armpit area.
• Leave on for one hour.
• Rinse with cool water and pat skin dry.
• Repeat three times daily.

5. Cold Compress

A cold compress may help to settle the inflamed nerves and irritation caused by an armpit rash. The coolness may relieve itchiness, burning sensations, and pain.

How to Use:

• Wrap ice cubes in a towel.
• Apply to the affected area for a two-minute treatment.
• Repeat in 10-minute intervals, three times daily.

6. Oatmeal Bath

Finely ground oatmeal, known as colloidal oatmeal, has been shown to treat the itching and swelling caused by psoriasis inflammation, which may also include an irritated armpit rash. Oatmeal contains healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and may work to restore the pH levels of the skin with its antioxidant properties.

How to Use:

• Add one cup of colloidal oatmeal to a bath of warm water. Drops of lavender essential oil may also be added.
• Relax in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the affected armpit is soaking in water.
• Repeat soaking in oatmeal bath daily.

7. Aloe Vera Gel

Known for its antimicrobial properties, which include antifungal and antibacterial activity, aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat infections. It may also prevent the infection from spreading.

For armpit rashes in particular, cooling aloe vera gel may also soothe painful itching and burning sensations.

How to Use:

• Cut open an aloe vera leaf, exposing the inner gel.
• Apply the gel to the armpit and leave for a 30-miunte treatment.
• Rinse with cold water and pat the skin dry.
• Repeat three to four times daily.

8. Neem

Also known as Indian lilac, neem is a herb with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It may help relieve itchiness, pain, and burning due to the irritation common in armpit rashes.

How to Use:

• Boil neem leaves in water for 15 minutes.
• Strain and allow mixture to cool.
• Apply the mixture on the affected area of the armpit.
• Rinse with cool water and repeat daily.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda is often used as a paste to calm the itchiness and discomfort of a rash. Its alkaline properties may also balance the skin’s pH levels and prevent the spread of any existing infection.

With an armpit rash, baking soda may cause the small bumps to dry up, thus relieving the itch and pain while preventing blisters from forming.

How to Use:

• Mix together equal parts baking soda and water.
• Place the mixture directly onto the affected areas for a three-minute treatment.
• Rinse with cool water and pat skin dry.
• Repeat daily.

10. Lemon

Lemons have antibacterial properties that may help treat symptoms of rashes such as irritation, pain, and itchiness. It works to destroy harmful bacteria that can cause the infection to worsen and spread.

How to Use:

• Slice a lemon and apply a slice directly on the affected armpit.
• Massage the area and allow the lemon juice to dry on the armpit.
• Rinse with cool water after two minutes and pat dry.
• Repeat once a day.

11. Shea Butter

Shea butter may not only soften the rough skin caused by a rash, but it may also treat infection and irritation with its antifungal and antibacterial components. In addition to moisturizing the skin’s surface, shea butter may alleviate itchiness and discomfort in the armpit area.

How to Use:

• Apply shea butter on a clean armpit.
• Leave for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.
• Repeat several times through the day.

12. Hot Compress

The heat of a hot compress may help relax the inflamed nerves to prevent the rash from spreading. It may also be used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with an armpit rash.

How to Use:

• Soak a washcloth in one cup of warm water.
• Place a cloth on the affected armpit and leave until the cloth cools.
• Repeat at least two times each day.

13. Potassium Alum Stone

A chemical compound used to treat bacterial infections, potassium alum may alleviate itchiness and burning sensations caused by the microscopic pathogens. This chemical is also found in baking soda and is generally safe for even the most sensitive skin surfaces.

How to Use:

• Apply potassium alum stone powder to the affected armpit.
• Rinse with cool water after a 30-minute treatment.
• Repeat every night at bedtime.

14. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains various antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, including vitamin E, that are essential to good skin health. Armpit rashes, along with the redness, pain, and itching, may be treated with olive oil.

How to Use:

• Soak a cotton ball or swab with olive oil.
• Apply directly to the affected area of the armpit.
• Rinse with cool water after a 20-minute treatment.
• Repeat daily.

15. Turmeric

The spice turmeric contains antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant components used to fight microbial-related infections and the symptoms of irritation, redness, and inflammation.

How to Use:

• Combine two tablespoons of turmeric powder and one tablespoon of lavender oil.
• Place mixture on armpit rash and allow to dry.
• Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
• Repeat once daily.

16. Witch Hazel

The flowering plant witch hazel has astringent components that protect the skin and may help treat infections. It may target the presence of swelling, irritation, and discomfort with its antimicrobial properties.

How to Use:

• Soak a cotton ball or swab in witch hazel.
• Apply directly to the affected area.
• Once dried, remove with a cool water rinse.
• Repeat up to three times daily.

17. Essential Oil

Many essential oils such as Eucalyptus globulus, lavender, Roman chamomile hydrosol, and German chamomile offer antibacterial and antifungal properties that could potentially treat various forms of skin rashes. Chamomile has been used as a natural remedy for generations to treat skin conditions.

How to Use:

• Place 50 grams of dried chamomile leaves in a pestle.
• Add two tablespoons of coconut oil and crush leaves.
• Mix in one teaspoon of tea tree oil.
• Apply the paste to any affected areas and allow to dry.
• Rinse with cool water and pat skin dry.
• Repeat once each day.

18. Purslane

This herb, also known as Portulaca oleracea, may work as an antifungal and antibacterial agent in the treatment of skin irritations. The cooling activity of purslane is used to soothe red rashes and reduce inflammation.

How to Use:

• Open a leaf of the plant to expose the inner sap.
• Apply the sap directly to the armpit rash.
• Rinse with cool water after a 10-minute treatment.
• Repeat daily.

19. Vitamin E Oil

As vitamin E is used to help improve skin care, it may also help treat irritation and discomfort from a skin rash. Vitamin E oil relieves itching as new skin cells develop.

How to Use:

• Apply one tablespoon of vitamin E oil directly on the affected armpit area.
• Gently massage the area with the oil for five minutes.
• Allow to dry and leave on skin.
• Repeat two times daily.

Tips to Soothe Irritation of the Skin

• Clean the affected armpit with mild soap and warm water.
• Air dry or gently pat dry the skin after bathing.
• Use calamine lotion to relieve itchiness throughout the day.
• Apply chemical-free deodorant.
• Practice good hygiene by not touching the rash with your fingertips; use a cotton ball or swab.
• Wear loose-fitting tops to prevent friction against skin.
• Prevent infection by adding extra vitamin C to diet.
• Stop shaving the armpit with a razor; use a chemical-free hair removal method.
• Wash clothes with a gentle laundry detergent.
• Maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water.
• Use a fan or air conditioner to avoid sweating.
• Keep the bedroom temperature cool while sleeping.
• Avoid stress to prevent the outbreak from worsening.
• Add probiotic and antibiotic foods to your daily diet.

You Can Soothe an Itchy Armpit Naturally

Caring for an itchy armpit rash can be a tedious and lengthy task as the area is naturally prone to sweating, friction against clothing is nearly unavoidable, and the skin folds provide great hiding places for bacteria and fungi. Each of these factors can prevent a speedy healing.

Whether the rash is caused by a dermatitis skin condition, yeast infection, ingrown hair, or improper shaving, there are natural remedies that may help relieve the symptoms and prevent the rash from spreading.

Maintaining proper hygiene during a rash outbreak is key. In addition to avoiding use of lotions, deodorants, and creams that may contain harsh chemicals to irritate skin, being mindful of the types of food you consume is also important.

Armpit rashes that do not improve over several days may require the attention of a medical professional.

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Related Articles:

• Armpit Pain: Causes and Treatments
• What Is Armpit Detox? (And Why You May Need It)
• The Benefits of Baking Soda Baths
• Eczema: Natural Treatments for Your Itchy, Red Skin
• Shaving Rash Tips: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
• Top 10 Folliculitis Home Remedies

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