The skin of the underarm become darker than the skin of the rest of the body.
In this article described causes of dark underarm and home remedies and medical treatment of dark underarm.
CAUSES OF DARK UNDERARM
1.SHAVING OR PLUCKING
Constant shaving or plucking can cause irritation and the skin of the underarm become darker.
2.FRICTION
Darkening of the underarm can be caused by constant rubbing of clothes against the skin especially clothes are tight or rough.
3.EXCESSIVE SWEATING
Sweating can cause accumulation of sweat and bacteria in the underarm can cause darkening.
4.OBESITY
Obese people more common to see dark underarm .It is caused by skin folds and friction.
5.HORMONAL CHANGES
Hormonal changes during pregnancy,puberty or menopause can sometimes cause darkening of the skin in various areas including underarm.
6.DEAD SKIN CELL BUILD UP
Accumulation of dead skin cells in the underarm can cause dark underarm.
7.MEDICAL CONDITION
Certain medical conditions like acanthosis nigricans,a skin condition characterized by dark,thickened patches of skin can affect underarm.
8.GENETIC
It run in families can cause dark underarm.
9.POOR HYGIENE
Not proper cleansing of underarm area can cause accumulation of sweat , bacteria and dead skin cells contributing to darkening.
10.DEODARANTS AND ANTIPERSPIRANTS
Some chemicals in deodarants and antiperspirants can react with the skin , can cause darkening of the skin.
11.HYPERPIGMENTATION
Overproduction of melanin,the pigment responsible for skin color can lead to hyperpigmentation in the underarm area.
TREATMENT OF DARK UNDERARM
1.HOME REMEDIES
2.MEDICAL TREATMENT
1.HOME REMEDIES
1.ALOE VERA
Aloevera is often recommended for dark underarm due to its soothing and healing properties and lightening properties.Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the dark area leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.you can also mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of lemon juice for more benefits.
2.LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice contains citric acid , which is a natural bleaching agent that may help lighten dark underarm over time.Lemon juice is essential to use it with caution as lemon juice can be harsh on the skin , esecially if used undiluted or if you have sensitive skin.Always dilute lemon juice with water or mix it with a soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel or honey before applying on the dark area.Apply lemon juice to the dark area using a cotton ball and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
3.APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar contain acetic acid which may help lighten dark underarm.A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with two tablespoons of purified water ,is the perfect mix to rid dark underarm.use cotton balls to apply and leave it for few minutes before rinsing off.Repeat this process once daily.
4.POTATO
Potatoes contain natural enzymes , minearals and vitamin c ,which can help lighten Hyperpigmentation.Apply a fresh potato juice directly on underarm area using cotton ball or fingertips or also thin slices of potato on the spots.leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
5.TURMERIC AND LEMON
Turmeric has Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant properties. making a paste by mixing turmeric powder with lemon juice , then apply it on the dark underarm. .Leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
6.COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which helps lighten skin and also acts as a natural moisturizer. Massage a few drops of coconut oil onto your underarms daily.
7.GREEN TEA EXTRACT
Green tea contains antioxidants properties that can help lighten dark underarm.Brew green tea and allow it to cool,then apply it to the dark area using a cotton ball or spray bottle.leave it on for10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
8.CUCUMBER
Cucumber has skin lightening properties and is soothing to the skin.Rub cucumber slice and apply cucumber juice and leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
1.TOPICAL CREAMS
Dermatologist may prescribe topical cream containing ingredients like topical hydroquinone,Topical retinoids, kojic acid ,corticosteroid or alpha hydroxy acids to lighten dark underarm.
2.CHEMICAL PEEL
Chemical peels can be highly effective option for reducing the appearance of dark underarm.Dermatologist can perform chemical peels using stronger concentration of acids like glycolic acid , salisylic acid or trichloroacetic acid ( TCA ) to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of Hyperpigmentation.
3.LASER THERAPY
Laser therapy works by targeting the pigment in the dark underarm and breaking it down allowing the body to naturally eliminate the pigment.Various types of lasers, such as fractional lasers,or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy use for dark underarm.
4.MICRODERMABRASION
This procedure involves gently sanding the skin's surface to remove the outermost layer, promoting new skin growth and reducing the appearance of Hyperpigmentation.
5.LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Dark underarm sometimes caused by shaving or waxing which can cause by darkening of the skin.Laser hair removal target the hair follicles ,remove hair growth and further irritation and darkening of the underarm.
6.MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR UNDERLYING CONDITION
If dark underarms are caused by underlying medical conditions such as acanthosis nigricans or hormonal imbalances, addressing the underlying condition may help improve the appearance of the underarms.