If you've noticed discoloration or darkening of the skin under your arms, you may be able to determine the cause by considering your hygiene habits and the clothes you wear. If these clues don't lead you to the cause, a dermatologist may be able to link it to a medical condition. But regardless of the cause, treatments and prevention measures can restore and maintain an even skin tone.
Skin Disorders
Two skin disorders can cause armpit discoloration. Acanthosis nigricans is the more likely of the two to cause this discoloration, because it tends to affect the underarms, neck and groin, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is most common among the obese, diabetic and pre-diabetic, because the discoloration is related to elevated insulin levels. The other condition, hyperpigmentation, causes dark patches of skin due to a localized increase in melanin production. It can have numerous causes ranging from sun exposure to hormone fluctuations.
Skin Irritation
Armpit discoloration that is not caused by a skin disorder is usually related to skin irritation. The health and beauty site Daily Glow notes several sources of irritation that can cause this: Persistent use of depilatory creams, excessive sweating, low-quality deodorants or antiperspirants, friction from tight clothing, shaving with dull blades and poor hygiene can all cause discoloration. Another beauty information site, The Beauty Brains, indicates that a buildup of dead skin cells can also give the underarms a darker-than-normal appearance.
At-Home Treatment
Bleaching creams and ointments are popular home treatments to restore underarm skin tone. These are available both over the counter and by prescription and may contain a variety of active ingredients that include hydroquinone, arbutin, niacinamide, isopropyl catechol and several other substances, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Some active ingredients, such as hydroquinone, should not be taken for more than six consecutive months because of the risk of side effects from prolonged use. In general, bleaching solutions must be used regularly for several weeks before significant lightening of skin tones can be achieved.
Professional Treatment
Those seeking faster or longer-lasting results may prefer to discuss skin-lightening treatments with a physician, dermatologist or aesthetician. Chemical peel treatments can remove the top layer of skin, revealing a fresh, more even-toned layer of skin beneath, according to the skin-health site Derma Doctor. Another treatment option, microdermabrasion, involves having the discolored skin gently pelted with small abrasive granules in a circulated-air system. This process painlessly exfoliates the skin, revealing brighter layers underneath without using the sometimes harsh chemicals of peel treatments. Laser resurfacing can also repair discolored skin, according to the medical resource site Doc Shop.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventing armpit skin discoloration related to medical issues is not always possible. Hyperpigmentation may occur without warning, though some forms may be avoided or delayed by wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. Acanthosis nigricans can often be avoided by preventing elevated insulin through a proper diet and exercise regimen. But it may also have unavoidable causes, such as hormone disorders and certain types of cancer. Irritation-related armpit discoloration is easier to avoid; good preventative habits include wearing loose layers and gentle fabrics, using quality deodorants and antiperspirants, washing and exfoliating the underarms regularly and using depilatory creams sparingly, if at all. Waxing the underarms or avoiding hair removal altogether will help avoid discoloration better than shaving, but if you must shave, always use a sharp blade and plenty of soothing shaving gel or cream.
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