A deodorant armpit rash is an inflammatory skin reaction in the underarm that can happen after using deodorants or antiperspirants. It may cause burning, redness, red spots or patches, itching, and sometimes blisters or peeling.
A deodorant armpit rash is most often linked to irritation or an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the product, and it can be worse when deodorant stays on the skin. Underarm irritation can also be triggered by friction and synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, although deodorant reactions are a common cause.
Initial care for a deodorant-related armpit rash involves gently washing the area with plenty of water and a mild, neutral‑pH soap, then applying a cold compress and a hypoallergenic moisturizer. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a dermatologist. Swelling of the throat or face or any trouble breathing require emergency medical attention.
Main symptoms
Some of the first symptoms of an armpit rash from deodorant are typically a burning sensation and irritated skin.
Other symptoms may include:
- Red blisters or spots on the skin;
- A lump in the armpit;
- Very intense itching;
- Redness.
In some cases, when the deodorant isn’t removed immediately, peeling, blistering or even burns may occur in the armpit.
In more sensitive individuals, allergic reactions may be more severe, causing swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, a sensation of throat obstruction, or difficulty breathing. In such cases, you should seek emergency medical care immediately to receive intravenous antihistamines and corticosteroids, which help prevent serious complications such as respiratory arrest.
Confirming a diagnosis
A dermatologist can confirm whether a deodorant is causing your armpit rash by examining your symptoms and the affected skin after product use. Based on this initial evaluation, they may recommend an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific ingredient responsible for the reaction.
In many cases, switching to a deodorant that does not contain the triggering ingredient can help prevent future irritation. To avoid a deodorant allergy, it is important to always test the deodorant in a small area of the armpit and wait for a few hours to see if there is a reaction.
What to do
If you are experiencing symptoms of a deodorant armpit rash, it is important to act quickly by:
- Washing the armpit thoroughly with water and a mild, neutral pH soap to remove any deodorant residue;
- Applying hypoallergenic creams or soothing product, such as a cream or lotion with aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender, to calm and moisturize the skin;
- Applying cold water compresses to the armpits to reduce irritation and the burning sensation.
The symptoms should disappear altogether within two hours after washing and moisturizing the skin. However, if the rash does not improve or becomes more severe, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
If you have trouble breathing or feel like something is stuck in your throat, go to the hospital or emergency room immediately. These may be signs of an anaphylactic reaction, a severe allergic condition that requires urgent treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment for a deodorant armpit rash depends on your symptoms and may involve the use of antihistamines, like loratadine or Allegra, or corticosteroids, such as betamethasone. These medications relieve and treat allergy symptoms and should be prescribed by a dermatologist.
If there is significant redness or itching in the armpits, ointments containing antihistamines may be recommended to help relieve these symptoms.