You’re Using A Blunt Razor
You know that disposable shaver you’ve had in your shower for, like, three months? Yeah, bin it. You need to be real about when your razor is blunt, because other than it having a 100 per cent chance of being rusty and gross, it could be causing major irritation to your skin – particularly your delicate underarms.
The most common issue? Ingrown hairs. “Blunt shavers tend to cut the hair by ‘splintering it’, so that the hair cannot grow out of the follicle but gets caught under the skin,” said Dr D’Anna.
Not only can it cause ingrown hairs, but a bacteria-ridden, blunt razor cut could lead to more generalised infections such as cellulitis. So, make sure you’re swapping out your razor on a regular basis to avoid any issues.
Ask Your Doctor About Acne Medications
If you have persistent pimples, you may want to ask your doctor about available prescriptions and whether they might be a good fit for you. There are several FDA-approved oral and topical medications on the market that could help improve your skin, such as minocycline, spironolactone, and isotretinoin. We’ll discuss these prescription medications and more later on.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Fast With Over
There are a number of pore strip brands now, but Biore was one of the first and remains the most popular. Applied wet, typically to either the chin or nose, the strip dries and sticks to built up oil, dead skin cells and other impurities clogging pores. Once the strip’s dry, it’s removed and all of those nasty, pore-clogging plugs come with it!
You May Like: Why Do I Have Adult Acne
Hair Products Are Likely To Blame For Hairline Acne And Acne On Back Of Head
Have you noticed that you have more acne specifically around your hairline and around the back of your head? If you have, you may want to change out your hair products. Hairline acne is so commonly linked to hair styling products that its sometimes called pomade acne.
The trouble is, many pomades, gels, mousses, and other styling products contain pore-clogging oils, irritating chemicals, and fragrances, and the combination often leaves us with hairline acne or acne on the back of the head. To find hair products that help both your hair and your skin, youll want to check the ingredient list for comedogenic oils and harsh, undesirable chemicals, like sodium lauryl sulfate or fragrance. Sodium lauryl sulfate and fragrance will be listed directly in the ingredient list if theyre included, but to determine whether or not the oils in a certain product are a good idea for acne-prone skin, youll want to look up a comprehensive comedogenicity chart. This is a chart that rates various substances commonly included in hair and skin care products and rates them based on how likely they are to clog pores. A zero is the best, but a one is still acceptable and shouldnt cause problems unless used in excess. Anything rated a two or higher should only be used with caution.
How To Prevent Underarm Smell
A research study has suggested in the past that shaving or waxing the underarm can keep your underarm smell in check. Here are some more tips that can help you reduce underarm odour.
1. Use an antiperspirant deodorant. Antiperspirant deodorants help to minimize perspiration while taking care of the skin.
2. Keep your underarms clean at all times. You may want to shave your underarms since the hair traps sweat. Removing your underarm hair can prevent underarm smell.
3. Choose to wear comfortable clothes that allow your underarms and skin to breathe. Natural fiber clothes like cotton, wool, silk, and linen allow the sweat to evaporate faster.
4. Avoid eating too spicy foods or those food items that are likely to trigger sweat.
5. Personal hygiene matters a lot. Make sure to take a daily shower.
6. Keep yourself adequately hydrated.
Also Check: Why Am I Getting Acne On My Chest
The Best Products For Removing Blackheads
Picking the right products for your skin routine plays a significant part in keeping your skin healthy. You have to know your ingredients if you want to have healthy, glowy skin.
Also, not only do you have to be careful what type of products you put on your armpit area, but you have to know what works well on your skin.
Here are some recommendations for treating and getting rid of underarm blackheads.
Odor Causing Bacteria And Armpit Zits
The same bacteria that can cause zits in your pits is most likely whats also causing body odor. If youve ever forgotten to put on deodorant in the morning, you know what smell were talking about. Doctors even have a fancy name for it: Apocrine Bromhidrosis. We just call pit stench.
Its not sweat thats causing that waft of a used gym shirt. Our sweat is actually odorless. What causes the stench is the waste from the bacteria that live on our skin.
Ever wonder how the deodorant or antiperspirant you roll under your arms every day works? Theyre not all the same. And were not talking about aluminum.
Deodorants help stop the smell by turning your skin acidic and becoming not welcoming for bacteria. Antiperspirants help reduce sweat production.
Some dermatologists have put two and two together and are recommending some unconventional ways to combat the B.O. problem for those wanting to drop aluminum deodorantincluding benzoyl peroxide which clears acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Recommended Reading: How To Clear Up Baby Acne On Face
Why Do You Have Armpit Pimples
Dr. Zeel says that, Skin is the first barrier between our environment and us. This body-limiting structure defines our individuality. Maintaining skin integrity is a hard job for the body, especially the areas that remain dark and moist, like our armpits and groins. Breaches can lead to various infections by opportunistic pathogens that naturally thrive on our skin, resulting in boils or rashes.
Some of the main causes that can trigger armpit pimples include the following:
What Causes Smelly Underarms
Most of the time, we associate underarm smell with sweat. But in reality, sweat itself is an odorless fluid. However, when bacteria on your skin breaks it down, it produces a foul odour. Essentially, there are two types of sweat glands. These are known as eccrine glands and apocrine glands.
The eccrine glands are present all over your body and releases sweat that evaporates quickly from your skins surface. On the other hand, the apocrine glands are present in your armpit and groin areas that have more hair follicles. These glands enter your hair follicles and then release the sweat out of the body. When sweat is secreted from these glands, it blends with the bacteria on your follicles and produces a foul smell.
Other causes for smelly armpits are:
Dont Miss: How To Help Forehead Acne
Also Check: What Shampoo Is Good For Acne
Acne Cleansers For Butt Acne Breakouts
When looking for cleansers to treat butt acne, choosing washes and cleansers with benzoyl peroxide can be very effective. A benzoyl peroxide body wash can be an excellent way to eliminate butt acne. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over-the-counter products designed for facial acne, such as Neutrogena acne face wash, but it also help to treat conditions like folliculitis due to its antimicrobial formulation. When you use benzoyl peroxide products, its best to leave the product on for thirty seconds, then wash clean using a white towel .
How Do You Treat Armpit Acne
The best way to treat armpit acne can vary based on the specific causes, but there are some treatments that can be quite effective on many of the reasons behind armpit acne. One treatment that often works well is to use a warm compress. Also be sure to keep the affected area clean to help the acne clear up more quickly.
Acne products formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also be effective at clearing up underarm blackheads.
Read Also: Do Silk Pillowcases Help Acne
What Causes Hidradenitis
Hidradenitis is caused by blockage of the hair follicles. Once blocked, the hair follicle becomes inflamed and swells up into a nasty, painful, large boil. Bacteria may move in and make the inflammation worse. These are just the common staphylococci bacteria that many healthy people carry on their skin or in their noses.Hidradenitis happens only in the folds of the body almost always the armpits or groins, but sometimes the buttock folds and under the breasts. The boils do not always burst they may just fade away.You should not worry that it is caused by lack of hygiene this is not the case. No one knows what the cause is. It runs in some families, so it may be partly genetic in some people. Hormones may be involved, because it is more common in women, is often worse before a womans period and improves after the menopause.
When To See A Doctor
Underarm smell is not uncommon and shouldn’t be a cause of concern. But if you notice that the smell has changed suddenly despite no alterations in your lifestyle habits, routine or diet, consult your doctor immediately. It might be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like a hormonal change. If youre sweating profusely recently, that too indicates a medical condition like a hyperactive thyroid gland. In such cases, you need to see your doctor for medical intervention.
Wrapping Up
Underarm smell is a common concern for many of us. But the best part is it can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene and healthy habits. You can even go for simple yet effective home remedies to manage your body odour. Make sure you religiously follow a healthy diet, wear loose clothes, and avoid stress that can result in excessive sweating. However, if you notice sudden changes in your body odour, make sure to visit your doctor to seek medical advice.
Also Check: How Can I Get Rid Of Acne On My Chin
What Is An Armpit Pimple
Pimples are a result of bacteria buildup in your skin. Your skin pores get clogged due to the buildup and form a bump around it. Armpits are among the most common pimple-prone areas of your body.
Even though these pimples are usually harmless, they can be painful and frustrating. You will experience tenderness, itchiness, and skin irritation when the pimples appear. While the painless pimples may not require medical attention and often heal by themselves, the painful ones will need treatment.
How Long Do Underarm Pimples Last
In most cases, armpit pimples disappear within 1-2 weeks. However, it takes some more time to resolve if there is a serious infection associated with the armpit pimples.
Important Note:
Consult your dermatologist before applying any of the treatment methods mentioned in this article for armpit pimples.
The Last Word
Armpit pimple is a common condition and there is no reason to be embarrassed about it. Ayurvedic and home remedies can be helpful to resolve the condition in most cases. However, seek medical help immediately if you experience unusual symptoms such as pus drainage or bleeding from the armpit pimple.
At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skincare regimen for you by evaluating your skin concerns and needs.
You May Like: How To Lighten Acne Spots
What About Bumps On Back Of Neck
While lumps under skin might make you to worry, doctors advise that most lumps and also the swellings are harmless. The location of the bumps on back of head or neck, as well as any accompanying symptoms, are able to assist you and the doctor determine the cause.You can also develop bumps and lumps on back of the neck for several reasons. Contact the doctor regarding lumps which seem to appear without a reason.
Poor Armpits Shaving And Waxing
Keeping your armpit clean will involve removing the underarm hair. The common methods of hair removal are shaving and waxing. If not done properly, it cause the damaging of the hair follicles, it may thus result in an ingrown hair which blocks the pore.
The clogged pores may trap in sebum and other particles forming a bump. This bump filled with blood, pus, keratin and dead cell is sebaceous or epidermoid cyst. With proper hygiene and a warm compress twice a day, the cyst will shrink and heal on its own.
Don’t Miss: What’s The Best Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin
Is It Okay To Pop Armpit Pimples
It is a bad idea to pop armpit pimples. If you try to pop the pimple and squish the pus out, there is a high chance of the bacteria going even deeper into your skin. This will worsen your skin condition by causing pain and inflammation. Popping the pimple may lead to permanent scarring as well.
Wrapping Up
Armpit pimples are not unusual but they can be stressful and discomforting. Generally, the pimples go away within a week or two with self-care at home. But bleeding drainage and throbbing pain are signs that you need medical help to get rid of it. Get in touch with your local doctor and seek medical help without any delay in case of the above-mentioned symptoms. Also, listed prevention tips will assist you to avert the pimple issue.
Best And Worst Ingredients For Treating Scalp Acne
Cheung recommended clarifying shampoos to help to remove buildup on your scalp and to look out for ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps break up oil and dead skin cells. Shes also a fan of hair care products that utilize tea tree oil, sulfur and benzoyl peroxide, all of which will decrease surface bacteria. She added shampoo made with coal tar decreases inflammation while exfoliating the scalp and dandruff shampoos will minimize oil production.
And as for the worst ingredients, Cheung cautioned against the following:
- Sulfates will produce a lather to clean the scalp but can cause excessive drying which leads to irritation.
- Dimethicone smoothes dry hair but can cause build up on the scalp.
- Triclosan is a controversial antimicrobial because it can act as a hormone disruptor.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Leg Acne
Avoid The Urge To Squeeze And Pop
As tempting as this may be, you should never try to squeeze or pop a blind pimple. Youve likely heard this rule of thumb regarding acne in general, but its especially crucial to follow with blind pimples.
Because these pimples arent at the skins surface, theyre more difficult and sometimes even impossible to pop.
The act of trying to squeeze out the pimple ultimately worsens inflammation, which can make the area more tender to the touch. It may even become more noticeable from increased redness and marks on the skin.
Attempting to pop blind pimples can also cause scarring.
The best course of action is to take measures to try to bring it to a head so that it can exit the skin via other treatment methods.
What Causes Folliculitis
When it comes to butt acne, folliculitis is the most common variety. However, it is not true acne, but rather the result of inflammation around hair follicles. Typically, folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle is infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by other forms of bacteria, fungi, or yeast, as well as simple irritation or clogging of the hair follicles. This irritation of the hair follicles is often caused by friction between tight clothing and skin which can aggravate the epidermis . Folliculitis looks nearly the same clinically as traditional acne, although the hair follicle is at the root of the irritation, not the oil gland.
Also Check: Why Do I Get Chest Acne
What Cause Dark Armpits
We can get dark armpits at any age, in both men and women. So why are my armpits dark? Here are some of the main reasons for you to consider:
-
Using deodorant: The aromatic chemicals and alcohol present in the deodorizer will increase dark pigmentation, making the armpits dark.
-
Shaving underarms hair: This habit makes the armpit skin seriously damaged and blocks the pores, leading to dark armpits.
-
Dead skin cells accumulation: Dead skin cells accumulate on a daily basis. If you clean the area thoroughly or forget to use exfoliating products, darkening is sure to invade.
-
Friction: Wearing tight clothes also indirectly makes your armpits become dark due to the effect of friction.
What’s Causing Those Bumps
There are a lot of reasons you might have a pink or red bump under your armpit, but almost all point to some kind of irritation or infection of the skin. These may include an abscess, cyst, infection of hair follicles, or an allergic skin reaction.
Because your armpit is exposed to sweat, outside products and often covered tightly by clothing, it is the perfect environment for the skin and hair follicles to become irritated, clogged, or infected.
Most armpit bumps can be treated by avoiding products and using warm compresses.
Read Also: What Dove Soap Is Good For Acne
How To Get Rid Of Your Acne Scars
Acne is a common skin condition affecting about 80% of those between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. It can be on your face, chest, back and shoulders. It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does. When it goes away, then you can deal with any remaining scars.
Your first line of defense is to consult a dermatologist. They will first focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars youll get. The good news is that not all acne scars are permanent.
When your doctor turns attention to the scars your acne has left behind, they will typically explore three main treatment options:
1. Laser treatments
Vascular-specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars. Doctors often use fractional or carbon dioxide ablative lasers to treat acne scars.
Afterward, the skin is swollen and red, and may bleed, for up to five days, says Dr. Kassouf. Also, you may need between three and five treatment sessions.
Laser treatments arent just for acne. Doctors use lasers to treat other types of scarring as well including those from burns, skin cancer and tattoo removal.
2. Chemical peels
Your dermatologist may apply a chemical solution to the skin. This causes it to blister and eventually peel off, creating new, regenerated skin thats usually smoother than the old skin.
3. Microneedling
