Underarm Pigmentation: All You Need To Know About!!

Pigmented or dark underarms pose a great deal of embarrassment and lack of confidence to people .Is it normal to have little pigmented underarms than rest of your body? What are the causes of darkness? What are the ways to prevent the darkness? Come, let’s find out 

1. Dark underarms: Is it normal ?

The colour of skin is determined by melanin and its distribution. It is normal for Indian skin type to have a bit darker pigmentation over underarms, thighs and groin.If the discoloration is associated with thickening of skin , itching of the skin or roughness of the skin , its pathological and treatment is warranted.

2. What causes darkening of under arms?

a.Acanthosis nigricans : 

Owing to sedentary life style and wary eating habits, insulin levels goes up leading to metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance adds to darkening, thickening and roughness of skin .Along with underarms, groin and neck may also be affected.

b.Frictional:

 Most of us unknowingly rub underarms with a scrub / loofah  with the purpose of cleaning it causing the skin to get more darker. Yes, frequent rubbing over underarms makes the skin more rough and dark due to exaggerated release of melanocytes to the area

c.Antiperspirants and deodarants:

The fragrance in deodorants and antiperspirants may allergic contact dermatitis and thereby itching and darkness

d.Hair removal techniques:

Under arm hair is removed various techniques like waxing / shaving /hair removal creams.Most of these methods cause friction and inflammation in the skin causing hyperpigmentation over a period of time

e.Infections:

Flexures area common site for fungal and bacterial infections .Once the infection heals, they may leave behind hyperpigmentation for a long period of time.

f.Atopic eczema 

3.Is there any need of blood investigation if you have a dark underarm ?

Yes! Your doc will assess the type of pigmentation and order for blood tests. Tests commonly performed are Blood Routine Examination, Vitamin levels : D3/ B12, Thyroid function tests, Fating Insulin levels , Tests or PCOS 

4. What are the natural ways to correct underarm darkness?
5. Avoid physical scrubs/loofah /brush/towel to that area. Only mild cleansers are advised 

.2.Body washes: body washes which contain glycolic acid/ apple cidar may help to some extent 

3. Life style modification:  Weight reduction, daily exercise and healthy diet may help 
4. Avoid tight clothing especially in the arm hole area
5. Avoid hair removal techniques like waxing /shaving and hair removal creams. Choose Laser Hair removal treatment instead.

5. Treatment options for dark under arms?

a.Topical creams :Creams containing glycolic acid, niacinamide , mandelic are given effectively for treating underarm pigmentation

1. Chemical peels: This is one of the most effective ways to treat under arm pigmentation. Multiple monthly sessions are required for effective results. Self-home peels are note advised as it may actually worsen the condition. So chemical peels are safe under strict supervision by an expert dermatologist.
2. Laser Hair removal :A significant reduction in darkness of underarms is seen after few sessions of laser hair removal
3. Laser toning: For some Q switched Nd Yag helps in dispersal of pigment making underam area lighter and evenly toned.