Have you noticed discolored, itchy patches under your arms that look like eczema? If so, you’re not alone. “Seems my right armpit gets it the worst,” one MyEczemaTeam member said.

Here’s what you need to know about what causes eczema in the armpits, what symptoms you might experience, and what your treatment options are. Always talk to a dermatologist for an accurate eczema diagnosis and treatment plan. This information can help you prepare for that conversation.

Can You Get Eczema in Your Armpits?

Yes. Different people get eczema in different places, but this skin condition can appear almost anywhere on your body, including under your arms or directly inside your armpits.

What Causes Armpit Eczema?

Several factors may contribute to eczema in your armpits. In general, eczema seems to involve an overactive immune system. The immune system reacts strongly to minor triggers, leading to inflammation, which in turn causes symptoms like itching or irritation under your arms.

If you can identify your eczema triggers, you may be able to avoid them and reduce flare-ups as much as possible. This can help control the way your immune system is reacting and lead to fewer symptoms.

There’s also a genetic component to eczema. You’re more likely to develop eczema if people in your family have it or if you have allergies or asthma. That said, having a family history of eczema doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll get it.

It’s also important to know that symptoms under the arms aren’t always caused by eczema. Possible causes that aren’t eczema include:

• Razor burn
• A reaction to medication
• Ingrown hairs
• Other medical conditions, such as a yeast infection, heat rash, some types of cancer, excessive sweating, intertrigo (a rash that develops in skin folds), and diabetes

Because there are so many possible causes, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis anytime you notice new or ongoing symptoms in your armpits. That way, you can receive the right treatment and start feeling better sooner.

Armpit Eczema Triggers

Like eczema in other areas, armpit eczema is often linked to certain triggers. Managing your symptoms means learning to recognize and avoid these irritants while working with your doctor on treatment options. If this is a new symptom for you, think about any recent changes in your routine or environment.

For example:

• Have you started a new workout routine that’s making you sweat more?
• Did you buy a new sweater or sleeveless top that’s triggering eczema under your arms?
• Are you using a new deodorant or antiperspirant?
• Have your stress levels, diet, or sleep habits changed recently?

Sometimes you may be able to connect a new eczema flare-up with a specific change and then work on finding ways to avoid that trigger. Other times, eczema symptoms can appear unexpectedly.

Some common categories of triggers for armpit eczema may include:

• Environmental and lifestyle factors — Sweating, tight or rough clothing, shaving and other hair removal, friction from clothing, smoke, and pollution
• Certain products — Soap, detergent, deodorant, or other skin care products
• Stress

If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms or causing flare-ups, talking to someone on your dermatology team may help you pinpoint your triggers.

Symptoms You May Experience

Eczema under your arms usually looks and feels the same as eczema anywhere else on the body. Common symptoms include:

• Changes in your skin texture, such as flaking, crusting, or scaling
• Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Thickened or leathery feeling skin
• A rash that may appear red, pink, purple, brown, or gray depending on your skin tone
• Bumpy skin

Members of MyEczemaTeam often talk about itching when it comes to eczema under their arms. “I constantly scratch. I’m tired of scratching. It’s really bad under my armpits right now, and I can’t stand the heat. Sweat makes it worse. I have to keep it dry,” said one member of MyEczemaTeam.

Armpit Eczema in Children

Children don’t use deodorant, but they can still develop eczema symptoms in their armpits. Causes include skin friction, sweating, or sensitivity to certain fabrics.

“My baby has dry patches on his ankles, always bumpy and itchy behind his knees, in his elbow creases, and his armpits. I’ve been using hydrocortisone for a year,” one parent shared. “We take oatmeal baths. Nothing seems to help.”

If your child has eczema, stay in regular contact with your child’s pediatrician to manage the symptoms. If you’d like to try a home remedy in the affected area or try advice you read online, run it by a qualified healthcare provider first. They can offer individualized guidance and assessments.

How Do You Treat Eczema in the Armpits?

There are a lot of ways to manage eczema in your underarms. Some of these armpit eczema treatments can be done at home, while others will require medical care.

Your doctor may recommend patch testing for allergies to find out what might be causing eczema. During this test, an allergist will apply different substances on your skin to see how you respond to potential allergens. If your skin reacts strongly to one of them, it means you’ve had an allergic reaction.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

In addition to managing your triggers, make sure you’re washing yourself with a gentle cleanser. You’ll also want to moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated. Your doctor can recommend products that are safe for skin with eczema.

Wearing loose, breathable, clothing that doesn’t rub or chafe the areas where you tend to get eczema may also help. Gently wiping away sweat from your underarms might be good, too. Finally, hydration can be key. Make sure you get enough water every day to keep your skin moisturized.

If you shave your underarms, you may also need to learn to shave differently. Use a single-blade razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Go slowly, and use a shaving cream or gel that won’t trigger eczema.

Change the Products You Use

Sometimes products you use every day can irritate your skin. Consider switching deodorant, lotion, ointment, cream, soap, or laundry detergent. Even shampoo can drip down to your armpits and cause irritation.

Some ingredients in deodorant, like aluminum or strong fragrances, may also make you itch. Your dermatologist can help you choose safer alternatives.

Medications and Other Medical Treatments

There are many medications you can use to help keep eczema under control. Many of these are topical, or products you put on your skin. Your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or calcineurin inhibitors to calm the immune response in the skin.

If these don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medications. These may be corticosteroids, allergy pills, or anti-inflammatories. Stronger medications that suppress your immune system may also be considered. Light therapy may also help your skin look and feel better.

Eczema Care for Children

Most of the treatments used for armpit eczema in adults can also be used in children. Make sure you work with a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist to make sure all treatments are safe for children.

For very young children who may put their hands or skin in their mouths, make sure any topical treatments are safe if swallowed in small amounts. Your doctor can help you find options that are both effective and safe for your child’s age.

Join the Conversation

On MyEczemaTeam, people share their experiences with eczema, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How has eczema under the arms affected your life? Let others know in the comments below.