The skin in the underarm is sensitive and prone to discoloration. Whether it's from shaving, the deodorant you use or a skin condition, the discoloration can make you feel self-conscious and reluctant to raise your arms. There are several ways to get rid of this discoloration. You will need to understand the root cause of the pigment difference before you attempt treatment.
Step 1
Use a shaving cream when you shave your armpits, no matter what. You lather up your legs, so make sure you get your underarms, too. This makes shaving less abrasive on your skin and reduces the likelihood of irritation developing, which can result in discoloration.
Step 2
Have your underarms waxed or wax them yourself. This will remove the entire hair so there won't be a shadow left behind from the hair still present beneath the skin's surface.
Step 3
Avoid deodorants and use antiperspirants instead. Though antiperspirants may not leave you smelling flowery fresh, they don't contain toxic chemicals that could be contributing to your skin discoloration.
Step 4
Get tested for skin infections and conditions. A fungal infection could be to blame for your discoloration, as the armpits are a dark and damp environment--the perfect host for fungi. Treatment usually involves the application of a steroid cream. A condition called acanthosis nigricans could also be to blame, which causes skin to thicken and darken. It is usually the result of another condition like obesity or diabetes. Though not treatable, you can use skin creams that slough off the top layer quickly like Retin-A (which is available by prescription) to lighten the skin and make it less noticeable.
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