Several different factors can contribute to dark or discolored patches of underarm skin. Some are related to medical conditions and may only be corrected with the help of a doctor, while others can be remedied with simple hygiene and lifestyle changes. For the most part, however, dark underarm skin is just a cosmetic nuisance rather than a serious health concern.
Illusion of Dark Skin
Sometimes, what appears to be dark, discolored underarm skin is actually just underarm hair that is barely above the skin's surface or just below the surface. According to The Beauty Brains, underarm hair that is noticeably darker than your skin color can produce this illusion, even immediately after shaving. If you can examine your underarms very closely, you may be able to see the individual hair follicles and distinguish them from the surrounding skin. If only the follicles are dark, and the dark areas appear because of the thick concentration of these follicles, the problem may not be your skin at all.
External Causes
Friction from shaving with dull blades or wearing tight or abrasive fabrics can cause irritation that may leave your underarm skin looking dark, according to Care Fair. This discoloration may also be caused by your deodorant, antiperspirant, perfume, lotion or any other product you regularly apply to your underarm skin, either due to an allergic reaction, or contaminated or otherwise low-quality ingredients. Daily Glow states that the natural acids in sweat may gradually darken underarm skin, and The Beauty Brains suggests that routine exfoliation can clear dead skin cells away from the underarms, which can remedy darkness caused by dead skin buildup.
Medical Causes
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder that frequently results in dark underarm stains, according to the experts at the Mayo Clinic. The dark areas appear because of heightened insulin levels, and as such, acanthosis nigricans is most common among diabetics and the obese. Less frequently, the condition is associated with genetic inheritance, drug interaction, hormone imbalance and certain types of cancer. Another disorder that can cause dark patches of skin is hyperpigmentation, which the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports as being characterized by excess melanin in the skin. The Beauty Brains notes that this condition doesn't often affect the underarms, but it can still be a medical cause of dark underarm skin.
Treatment
Proper treatment depends on the cause of the discoloration, and may require a physician to diagnose the problem or prescribe medication. According to Care Fair, there exists a variety of over-the-counter skin bleaching solutions and specialized deodorants designed specifically for this purpose, and those seeking a more immediate and longer-lasting solution may seek chemical peels or other cosmetic procedures from licensed dermatologists or estheticians. For hyperpigmentation, doctors may prescribe topical creams or recommend laser treatments. These approaches may also be doctor-recommended for acanthosis nigricans, but treating the underlying conditions leading to high insulin levels is often the most effective and lasting solution.
Prevention
With regard to conditions like hyperpigmentation, prevention may not always be possible. But habits like shaving carefully with fresh razors, using high-quality deodorants, avoiding too-tight or scratchy clothing and bathing and exfoliating regularly may help prevent underarm skin darkening before it starts. If dark underarm hair is giving the appearance of dark skin, waxing your underarms rather than shaving them may help reduce this appearance, according to The Beauty Brains.
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