Itchy armpits when using deodorant

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Using an underarm deodorant or antiperspirant is one of the most common sources of cosmetic allergies. They can cause underarm itching when using deodorant as well as underarm rashes, peeling skin, etc. Because the ingredients in these products work antibacterial to reduce bacterial growth, also As a perfume to hide odors, underarm itching when using deodorant can occur as a symptom of irritation, especially on sensitive areas.

1. Allergy symptoms to armpit rollers

Deodorants and antiperspirants are generally considered safe products for external use. However, allergic reactions to deodorants and antiperspirants are also common, leading to contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis that develops due to deodorants and antiperspirants is usually limited to the site of application, specifically the underarms where underarm roller products are used with the following symptoms:
Itching Increased skin sensitization Redness Blistering Peeling Leakage The duration of symptoms of underarm itching when using deodorants may vary from person to person. Some people may develop these effects within minutes of rolling on underarm deodorant or some hours later. Sometimes these symptoms resolve quickly — within an hour. However, underarm rolling can also cause discomfort for days and may not resolve until the product is discontinued.

2. What is the cause of armpit itching when using deodorant?

Certain chemicals in topical products can contribute to underarm itching when using deodorant, the most common manifestation of contact dermatitis, of which perfume is the most common.
Fragrance allergies are very common, affecting 4% of all people. Since 90% of underarm products, including deodorants and antiperspirants, contain fragrance, users should be especially careful to choose products labeled "fragrance-free" if: susceptible to allergies to artificial fragrances. Keep in mind that even underarm products labeled "naturally scented" can contain synthetic fragrances that can cause itchy, irritated skin.
Plus, other causes of contact dermatitis. Exposure due to the use of antiperspirants is also due to propylene glycol (an agent that acts as a carrier for the active ingredients), parabens, vitamin E (which acts as an antioxidant). and moisturizing) and lanolin. These ingredients are generally considered extremely benign but can also cause irritation when in contact with sensitive skin.
Besides, according to a study, parabens in deodorants and antiperspirants used as preservatives may be responsible for the increased rates of breast cancer in women.Also, the ingredient aluminum, found in antiperspirants, is thought to be The cause of the increase in Alzheimer's disease even with the use of armpit rollers.

3. How to diagnose underarm itching when using deodorant?

Diagnosis of underarm itching with deodorant or contact dermatitis in general is made by patch testing. It is a reliable tool for allergy detection to uncommon fragrances and propylene glycol. Accordingly, the allergist will test the individual's own deodorant or antiperspirant if the cause of the problem is suspected.
However, other causes of underarm rashes that are not due to deodorants and antiperspirants include fungal and yeast infections (such as tinea versicolor and candida), psoriasis, and psoriasis. inverse candle, acanthosis nigricans, some types of cancer, ... also need to be determined to make a diagnosis of exclusion.

4. How to treat underarm itching when using deodorant? Immediate treatment

It's important to act quickly on underarm itching when using deodorant or symptoms of a deodorant allergy in general, by:
Wash underarm skin with plenty of soap and water The room has a neutral pH to remove all the deodorant that has rolled under the armpit. Apply soothing or hypoallergenic products to the skin, such as a cream or body lotion with aloe, chamomile, or lavender, to soothe and moisturize the skin Apply cold compresses to the armpits to reduce irritation reaction and burning sensation. Symptoms should disappear completely within two hours of actively washing and moisturizing the skin. However, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
In case the user begins to have difficulty breathing or feels a stuffy throat, seek immediate medical attention or emergency room as these are signs of an anaphylactic reaction, a severe allergic condition that requires immediate medical attention. emergency treatment.
Antiallergic treatment
Treatment for a deodorant allergy depends on the symptoms and may require the use of an antihistamine, such as Loratadine or Allegra, or a corticosteroid, such as Betamethasone. These medications all have a mechanism to relieve and treat allergy symptoms, so they should be prescribed by a dermatologist.
In cases where there is excessive redness or itching in the armpits, ointments with antihistamine properties that help relieve symptoms may also be recommended. On the other hand, an immediate treatment for a deodorant and antiperspirant allergy is usually to apply topical corticosteroids directly to the underarm skin. Topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for mild to moderate contact dermatitis involving limited areas of the body. More severe forms may require oral or injected corticosteroids.
If corticosteroid treatments are not effective in treating underarm itching with deodorant, the user should be evaluated by a dermatologist, who may require a skin biopsy.

5. How to prevent underarm itching when using deodorant?

The first step in the management and prevention of deodorant and antiperspirant allergies is to avoid the chemicals that cause the reaction. If specific chemicals are identified, consumers should avoid choosing products that do not contain disease-causing chemicals.
If the specific ingredient that causes contact dermatitis cannot be identified, consumers can try hypoallergenic underarm roller products that are meant for sensitive skin. However, before choosing a new product, it's always best to test the deodorant on a small area of ​​the underarms and wait for a few hours to see if there is an undesirable reaction.
Alternatively, users may consider products containing zeolite crystals, marketed as natural alternatives to deodorants and antiperspirants, as an underarm roll-up product. does not cause skin allergies.
In summary, although not much comes into contact with the skin under the arms, it is also a sensitive area on the body. Deodorants or antiperspirants can sometimes cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin, resulting in swelling, redness, and itching of the armpits when using deodorant. Therefore, this issue should be kept in mind when choosing a product to use underarm rolling, it is best to choose one for sensitive skin, without fragrance as well as need to test it before use.
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References: verywellhealth.com, tuasaude.com, menshealth.com