If you find that the skin under your arms is dark or discolored, restoring an even skin tone could be as simple as changing your hygiene habits. It could, however, also be a sign of a more serious medical issue. Dark underarm skin has multiple causes and multiple treatments, and a consultation with a dermatologist or other physician may be required to definitively pinpoint the source and best course of treatment.
Significance
In virtually all cases, dark underarm skin is by itself a medically harmless variation in skin tone that will not lead to additional health or beauty issues, according to Ricki Ostrov's book, "Solving Skin Problems." However, in cases where external causes for the darkening skin can be eliminated from consideration in a diagnosis, it may be possible that an underlying medical issue is causing the discoloration, and this issue may be indicative of greater health problems. Regardless of the cause, dark underarm skin may be viewed as unattractive from an aesthetic perspective, perhaps causing embarrassment, self-consciousness or a reluctance to wear clothing that reveals the underarms.
Types
Cases of dark underarms can be categorized into one of three types. One type is caused by direct skin contact with something outside the body, and can affect otherwise healthy skin with a naturally even tone. Another type is related to a medical condition that produces the discoloration from within. The third type is not directly related to skin tone, but to hair; when underarm hair is naturally darker than the skin through which it grows, it often gives the appearance of discolored skin when this is not actually the case, according to the health and beauty site, The Beauty Brains.
Causes
External causes of dark underarms include chafing, either from scratchy or constrictive clothing, dull or careless shaving or anything else that causes friction in the armpit area, according to "Cosmopolitan" magazine. The beauty tip site Daily Glow indicates that darkness can also result from frequent use of chemical hair removal products or low-quality antiperspirants. Excessive underarm sweating, which traps uric acid against the skin, may also darken it over time. A common medical cause, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, is a condition called hyperpigmentation. This condition when the body produces too much melanin, the natural pigment brought out by exposure to the sun. While hyperpigmentation is harmless, another condition, acanthosis nigricans usually indicates a serious health issue. Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by dark skin in the armpits, around the neck and near the groin, and is caused by elevated insulin levels, according to MayoClinic.com. It suggests pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and is often associated with obesity, but can also be inherited or caused by other medical issues in rare cases.
Treatment
The New Zealand Dermatological Society states that several creams and ointments are designed to lighten skin tone in a localized area, and these include both prescription and over-the-counter versions. Such products often require regular application for weeks or months before noticeable pigment change can be observed. Faster-acting and longer-lasting treatments include chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy, all of which must be administered by professional estheticians. Dark underarms caused by acanthosis nigricans can often be lightened by treating the underlying insulin condition.
Prevention
Hyperpigmentation-related underarm darkness cannot always be prevented, but routine use of sunscreen can help you avoid some forms of hyperpigmentation, such as liver spots. Acanthosis nigricans, unless inherited or caused by another medical issue, can be avoided by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Prevention habits for external causes include using high-quality antiperspirant, bathing regularly, avoiding the use of depilatory creams and avoiding direct exposure of constrictive or scratchy clothing to the underarms. Waxing the underarms or allowing underarm hair to grow freely are the best ways to avoid chafing from shaving, but if you do shave, always use sharp razors and a high-quality shaving cream or gel.
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