PCOS, thyroid, diabetes—dark underarms could be a sign of bigger issues

Representational image | If your underarm pigmentation comes with an itch, thick and velvety skin, or body odour, it’s time to consult a doctor | X/@demi_farm

We have all seen the weird ads—the ones that promise to make tank top season a breeze. But in reality, the products rarely ever get rid of the problem: dark underarms.

We’re going to delve into why underarm pigmentation occurs. It’s quite common, so before you make it your villain origin story, read on to find out how you can fix it.

Is underarm hyperpigmentation normal?

Yes, underarm hyperpigmentation is completely normal. Your underarms should match your skintone—except, sometimes, life has other plans. Dark underarms or underarm pigmentation can happen to anyone, irrespective of skin tone.

Underarms are one of the most exposed areas of your skin—to products, that is. Plus, they’re constantly producing sweat and given they’re almost always covered, are also subject to a lot of friction.

With the three factors combined, a tantrum or two might just be forthcoming. And then you’re left with dark underarms, wondering where it all went wrong.

When is the time to panic?

If your underarm pigmentation comes with an itch, thick and velvety skin, or body odour, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Otherwise, it could just be your skin being a little overdramatic.

What causes underarm pigmentation?

Here are the usual suspects you should watch out for:

1. Sweat and friction

If you think tight gymwear burns more calories, think again. Friction from tight clothes only leads to more sweat, and more underarm pigmentation.

The fix:

• Always wear loose clothes, made from breathable fabric such as cotton, over something like polyester
• Shower immediately after sweating
• You can also use talcum powder to keep your underarms dry
  

2. Improper hair removal

Traditional methods of hair removal come with consequences. Shaving brings skin irritation, which leads to dark spots. Waxing or sugaring can lead to inflammation, which could also cause your skin to darken.

The fix:

• Don’t dry shave; always use a gentle shaving cream that won’t irritate your skin
• For long–term results, opt for laser hair removal, which would get rid of the constant itch
• Skip harsh bleaches and use naturally brightening bleaches instead

3. The deodorant problem

Life is not a commercial. If you’re spraying perfume or deodorant directly on your underarm skin, you’re only hurting yourself. And if these products contain alcohol or harsh chemicals, you’re probably inviting contact dermatitis, also known as irritated skin, which can lead to darkening.

The fix:

• Deodorants that don’t have aluminium
• Avoid spraying perfumes or scents directly on your skin, anywhere
• Use fragrance-free products for sensitive skin

4. Hormonal health

Sometimes, underarm pigmentation is your body’s way of informing you that something is wrong. It could indicate acanthosis nigricans or AN, which is linked to insulin resistance and is an early marker for diabetes. It could also be caused by PCOS, a clear indication of hormonal imbalance, or by underlying thyroid issues.

The fix:

• If you notice a sudden darkening on your underarms, consult your doctor
• Managing blood sugar levels could help lighten your underarm skin tone over time

5. Genetics

Sometimes, it just comes down to genetics. Some people are predisposed to have darker underarms, thanks to their DNA.

The fix:

• Avoid spraying any chemical (read deodorants) directly on the underarms
• Use home remedies to manage the problem, especially for children (prevention is better than cure in this case)
• Avoid waxing or shaving and opt for laser hair removal instead

How to get rid of underarm hyperpigmentation

Here are some steps that can help you resolve underarm pigmentation:

• Only use scrubs that have lactic and glycolic acid as ingredients
• Use brightening creams that contain urea, vitamin C, and niacinamide
• Look for prescription creams that contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, or kojic acid, after consulting your dermatologist
• For stubborn dark underarms, you can consider chemical peels, laser therapy, and retinoid creams as treatments with a trusted dermatologist

Natural remedies

I’m a big fan of natural remedies. So, here are some DIY fixes for dark underarms:

• Lemon juice: Rub a slice of lemon on your underarms. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse. Avoid this if you have cuts or pimples in the region.
• Potato juice: Grate a potato and juice it. Apply the juice on your underarms and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. 
• Milk, rose water, and orange peel: Create a paste out of these ingredients and scrub your underarms with it.
• Turmeric and lemon paste: Leave this on for about 30 minutes and before rinsing it off.
• Coconut oil: Massage this on your underarms. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
• Tea tree oil spray: Mix this in water and spray on your underarms every day.

When attempting these DIY fixes, do a patch test on your skin. Remember, even natural ingredients can irritate your skin.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)