Noticeably darkened underarm skin can be embarrassing and troublesome, and in some cases it may be a sign of a larger medical issue. There are several different problems that can cause these darkened patches, and while some can be successfully addressed with simple behavioral changes, others may require a medical solution with direct oversight from a physician.
Dark Hair
While many of the problems that give the appearance of dark underarms are directly related to the skin, another cause may be naturally dark or coarse underarm hair. Hair is constantly growing, so if your underarm hair tends to be especially thick and black, emerging hairs may be visible on your underarms within just a few hours of shaving. Depending on the density of the follicles in your underarm areas, this can create the appearance of a large dark patch. Though nothing can be done about your hair type, waxing your underarms may provide more thorough and longer-lasting hair removal than shaving, helping you to avoid the dark patches. An even longer-term solution, though more expensive and sometimes more harsh, is laser hair removal.
Residue Buildup
The cosmetic science blogs The Beauty Brains and Daily Glow report that naturally occurring buildup can contribute to the dark spots, particularly because the underarms are less frequently exposed and have so much skin-on-skin contact. Sweat glands are concentrated in the underarms, and uric acid from sweat can linger on the skin, gradually darkening it over time. Dead skin cells can also accumulate in the underarms, giving the superficial appearance of dark skin. Regular exfoliation, cleaning with gentle soaps and use of a high-quality antiperspirant can help to address these causes.
Friction
Cosmopolitan Magazine reports that friction can irritate underarm skin, and this irritation may manifest itself as brown or gray patches. Common sources of underarm friction include shaving, tight-fitting garments and scratchy fabrics such as wool. You can avoid this cause by limiting your use of clothes that fit tightly around the underarms to only occasional wear, wearing gentle layers under scratchy garments and shaving carefully. Replacing your razors regularly will also help avoid irritation.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a medical disorder that results in dark patches of skin, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. It is usually harmless, but sufferers may want to address the issue for cosmetic reasons. It can be caused by sun damage, physical injuries to the skin and even hormonal changes related to pregnancy or birth control. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it can be treated with over-the-counter skin lightening creams and prevented from worsening with regular use of sunscreen. A physician may be able to provide prescription-strength topical solutions to lighten the patches.
Acanthosis Nigricans
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology indicates another medical condition, acanthosis nigricans, that manifests itself as dark patches of skin. Unlike hyperpigmentation, though, this disorder tends to disproportionately affect the underarms, as well as the groin and neck. It is associated with obesity and its resultant tendency toward insulin resistance, which can cause abnormal skin growth. In rare cases, acanthosis nigricans can occur as a result of a tumor, in which case the dark areas may appear elsewhere on the body. Physicians can prescribe treatments for this disorder, but in cases caused by obesity, weight loss that reverses insulin resistance may also be an effective approach.
Member Comments