Can My Dark Underarms Be Treated?
In an ideal situation, your underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your body. But for some people, the underarms can sometimes take on a darker hue. Fortunately, dark armpits usually aren’t a sign of any serious medical condition. However, people may find them embarrassing as it gives the impression of poor hygiene, although it may not necessarily be so.
Why Do I Have Dark Armpits?
The medical term of darkening of armpits is known as Acanthosis Nigricans or AN. It is commonly formed in areas where skin folds are commonly found, such as the armpits, back of the neck, neck, groin, elbows etc.
Our skin colour is determined by pigment cells called melanocytes. They are skin cells that produce melanin, a dark pigment that gives skin its colour. When melanocytes multiply, they can turn our skin a darker colour.
Anyone can develop dark armpits, but some people have a greater chance than others. People who have naturally darker skin are more likely to develop AN, especially underarms.
AN can also be hereditary. If your parents or grandparents have dark armpits, you are more likely to get that as well.
Here are some other common reasons for dark armpits:
FRICTION AND IRRITATION Constant rubbing and chafing of the armpits and clothing can lead to darkening. This is common with tight or rough fabrics.
SHAVING Frequent shaving or epilation can potentially irritate the skin, causing darkening.
DEODORANTS AND ANTIPERSPIRANTS Very often, deodorants are made of harsh chemicals and strong fragrance to eliminate odours. Frequent use of deodorants may experience skin reactions and thickening of the skin under the arms.
HORMONAL CHANGES Fluctuations of hormones, especially during pregnancy or menstruation can contribute to production of melanin, causing the darkening of armpits.
OBESITY People who are obese tend to have more skin folds around the armpits, elbow, back of neck knees etc. These skin folds are often darker than the rest of the skin. Obesity, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, are also at an increased risk of AN. Carrying the extra weight makes the body more resistant to the effects of insulin. High levels of insulin in the blood can lead to increased production of melanin.
How Can Dark Armpits Be Treated?
Losing weight can drastically help to address the issue of AN. Weight loss can also treat diabetes. With proper lifestyle and diet management, you may notice dark areas of the skin become lighter over time.
Topical treatments that contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid can help to lighten the dark pigments.
In some cases, chemical peels with AHA and BHA can be prescribed to gently exfoliate the skin to remove the dead skin cells, revealing brighter, softer skin underneath.
Laser therapies such as Dual Yellow Laser or Skin Brightening Laser can help to remove the stubborn dark pigments under the arms.
Speak to one of our doctors today if you are concerned about your dark underarms. The discolouration may be a result of certain conditions that can be easily addressed with appropriate treatments.
