Armpit allergy: symptoms, causes and treatment

Armpit allergy: symptoms, causes and treatment

Allergies

Armpit allergies can be noticed through the appearance of some symptoms such as intense itching, blisters, red spots, redness or a burning sensation, for example.

This inflammatory reaction can happen due to the use of deodorants with irritating substances, such as fragrances and alcohol, for example, or due to the skin rubbing against synthetic fabrics or shaving or depilatory creams, for example.

Therefore, when the first allergy symptoms appear, the most recommended thing is to wash your armpits with plenty of water and neutral pH soap, to avoid worsening the reaction, then apply a little soothing cream, with aloe vera, for example, to moisturize. and soothe the skin. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.

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Main symptoms

The main symptoms of armpit allergy are:

  • Burning sensation;
  • Skin irritation;
  • Blisters or red spots on the skin;
  • Lump in the armpit;
  • Very intense itching;
  • Redness;
  • Local peeling, in some cases.

In the case of people with greater sensitivity, it is possible to notice more severe allergy symptoms, such as swelling in the face, eyes or tongue, feeling of something stuck in the throat or difficulty breathing. In these cases, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately to take an antihistamine and a corticosteroid directly into the vein, avoiding serious complications, such as respiratory arrest.

Check out what other problems can cause red spots on the skin.

Online symptom test

To find out if you have an allergy, please select the symptoms you are experiencing:

This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How to confirm armpit allergy

To confirm an allergy in the armpit, it is recommended that a dermatologist be consulted so that the signs and symptoms presented can be observed and the possible cause of the symptoms can be indicated. An allergy test may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis and more precisely identify the component that could be causing the allergy. Find out how the allergy test is done.

Causes of armpit allergy

Armpit allergy can be triggered by several factors, the main ones being:

  • Use of deodorants with irritating substances, such as parabens, alcohol and fragrances, for example;
  • Friction of the armpit with its own skin;
  • Armpit friction with synthetic fabrics, such as lycra, polyester or nylon;
  • Excessive heat, which is more common in summer;
  • Excessive sweating, which may be related to heat or physical activity;
  • Dryness of the region, which makes the skin rougher and encourages friction;
  • Shaving or depilatory creams;

Therefore, it is important to identify the factor responsible for the allergy so that it is possible to avoid or adopt strategies that help alleviate and prevent the appearance of symptoms.

What to do

When allergy symptoms appear in the armpit, it is important to take action quickly, including:

  1. Wash the armpit area with plenty of soap and water of neutral pH to remove all the deodorant that was applied;
  2. Apply hypoallergenic or soothing products to your skinsuch as creams or lotions with aloe vera, chamomile or lavender, for example, which soothe and hydrate the skin;
  3. Apply cold water compresses on the armpits, to reduce symptoms of irritation and burning sensation;
  4. Put cold plantain tea on your armpits, as it has natural antihistamine properties, helping to reduce allergy symptoms. It is recommended to wash the affected area with plantain tea 2 to 3 times a day.

After washing and moisturizing the skin, it is expected that after 2 hours the symptoms will disappear completely, however if this does not happen or if the symptoms worsen, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Furthermore, if symptoms progress to difficulty breathing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat, it is recommended to go quickly to the hospital or emergency room, as these are signs of an anaphylactic reaction, which is a medical emergency.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for armpit allergies depends on the signs and symptoms presented by the person and must be guided by a dermatologist.

After evaluating the symptoms presented, the dermatologist may recommend the use of topical corticosteroids and, in some cases, antihistamines to alleviate allergy symptoms. In more serious cases, the doctor may recommend the use of oral or injectable corticosteroids.

Furthermore, you should avoid using the product or fabric that caused the allergy, and it is recommended to use hypoallergenic deodorant that does not contain fragrance, as well as cotton clothing that allows the skin to sweat adequately, in addition to using neutral pH soap to wash. the region.