Dark armpits are a symptom of a medical condition called acanthosis nigricans. Most cases are related to obesity and/or insulin resistance, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Those with insulin-related disorders such as type 2 diabetes may develop acanthosis nigricans. The condition has other causes, including Addison's disease, pituitary or thyroid disorders, various medication side effects, hormone therapies and even genetics, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The skin on darkened armpits is usually thicker, but acanthosis nigricans generally doesn't present with any other symptoms. The discoloration spreads gradually, and in rare instances the affected skin may be itchy, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 1
Review the indicated side effects of any medications you take or hormone therapies you undergo. One may be responsible for your acanthosis nigricans, in which case the only remedy is to discontinue use and find alternative treatments, advises the Cleveland Clinic. For example, several cholesterol medications, corticosteroids and oral contraceptives can cause dark underarms.
Step 2
Begin an exercise regimen at home to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It's essential to consult your doctor when designing an exercise plan, and to begin with light, brief workouts and gradually build up to more strenuous workouts of longer duration.
The American College of Sports Medicine offers general guidelines for successful weekly exercise plans, and they can serve as a goal to work up to. Three days a week, you should do 20 minutes of intense cardiovascular exercise. Another option is to do half an hour of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise five days a week. Either one of these should be done in conjunction with eight to 12 repetitions of about 10 different strength-training exercises twice a week.
Step 3
Improve your diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and to help regulate insulin resistance. Reduce your overall caloric intake. Low sugar and starch consumption is one of the most important aspects of an insulin-sensitive diet and for remedying dark armpits, according to MayoClinic.com.
To better manage insulin resistance, be sure your diet includes dietary fiber, monounsaturated fats, vegetables, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chromium and vanadium, recommends The Chiropractic Resource Organization. Fish oil supplements may be of benefit as well, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Apply over-the-counter skin lightening creams at home to your discolored skin. They may help fade the dark skin, says the Cleveland Clinic, while more long-term efforts to manage weight and control insulin levels are underway. However, these products typically require several weeks to months of consistent use to show results. Hydroquinone-based products are sold as skin bleachers, and the Cleveland Clinic suggests products made with urea, alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Acanthosis Nigricans
- MayoClinic.com: Acanthosis Nigricans
- New Zealand Dermatological Society: Acanthosis Nigricans
- Chiropractic Resource Organization: Insulin Resistance: Lifestyle and Nutritional Interventions
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Public Health Guidelines
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