Are you unable to wear sleeveless, summer clothes? Are black spots under your arms bothering you? Here comes the good news: dark underarms are treatable as well as avoidable. This article talks about various treatment options available for underarm pigmentation in Hyderabad. But, before diving straight into the treatment, let’s first understand underarm pigmentation- its causes and types. Also, read on to learn about preventive measures.
What is Underarm Pigmentation?
Underarm pigmentation is a skin condition in which dark hues appear on the skin and it affects the armpits. It is nothing serious to worry about but some people may find it embarrassing, especially during hotter months when wearing tank tops and swimsuits is common.
What Causes Underarm Pigmentation?
Armpits are normally of the same shade as the skin of the rest of the body. Unfortunately, sometimes the skin of this body site may develop dark spots or patches for a variety of reasons, usually irritated skin and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation- refers to skin darkening that occurs due to excess melanin production by skin cells called melanocytes.
The potential causes of dark underarms are:
- Improper shaving or waxing– Shaving very harshly with an improper razor blade or without the use of skin lubricant may lead to razor bumps or low-grade cuts that could inflame the underarm\’s skin. Waxing or aggressive hair pulling can even irritate the armpit\’s skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation over time.
- Inadequate skin exfoliation– While taking a shower, the armpits may not get proper skin care and so the excess sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and remains of cosmetic products like antiperspirants may build up in the armpits, if the skin is not regularly exfoliated. This leads to darkened underarms. Also, if the underarm skin is over-exfoliated or aggressively treated, the armpits get dark.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes– Wearing tight-fitting tops can increase the chances of rubbing underarm skin with the fabric resulting in friction all day long. Eventually, this results in underarm pigmentation.
- Use of skin-irritating products– Deodorants or other strong-scented underarm products may irritate the skin, especially if it\’s sensitive. Besides, smokers and people with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), seborrheic dermatitis, obesity, allergic/contact eczema, fungal/yeast infection, diabetes, constitutional hyperpigmentation, genetic predisposition, or hormonal disorder like PCOS are prone to develop dark patches under armpits.
Types of Underarm Pigmentation
Depending on the cause, there are different types of pigmentation leading to dark underarms, including:
- Acanthosis nigricans– This skin concern causes dark and velvet patterns on the underarm area. It also affects the neck and folds of the body. It is often the result of insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity but can even be associated with certain hormonal disorders or be the side effect of certain medications.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation– Skin darkening caused due to any type of injury or inflammation. This type is often caused by shaving or waxing; allergic reactions to underarm products; tight clothing; and inflammatory skin conditions.
- Constitutional hyperpigmentation– It is the natural tendency of some people to have underarm skin darker than the surrounding skin. Genetic makeup and the level of melanin deposits can be the reason behind it.
Black Underarm Treatment Options
There is no fixed treatment for dark underarms, as there are a variety of contributing factors. Black underarm treatment in Hyderabad offered at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic focuses on lightening the dark skin of the underarms. It can be done via natural remedies or professional treatment.
The most safe and effective approach is to go ahead with the dermatologist-recommended treatment plan. A professional treatment generally involves any one of the following:
- Dermatologist-recommended products– The products containing skin-lightening agents like aze-laic acid, hydr-oquinone, arbutin, niac-inamide, and kojic acid are recommended for daily use for weeks to months.
- Chemical peels– There are alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid as well as deep peels/strong acids like phe-nol which can be used to remove the pigmented layers of the underarm skin. The type of peel is chosen based on the depth of pigmentation. For mild and medium peels- multiple sessions are recommended for best outcomes.
- Laser treatment– Lasers, when focussed on the pigmented armpits, release thermal energy that passes through the skin and selectively destroys the extra melanin in the armpits, thereby reducing underarm pigmentation.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve and Prevent Underarm Pigmentation
Small changes in lifestyle choices and habits can help one avoid and improve underarm pigmentation.
- Have a safe shaving routine
- Sun-protect the underarm skin
- Keep the underarms clean
- Use a chemical or mechanical exfoliator regularly
- Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics and tight clothing
- Opt for underarm laser hair removal for best results
- Take a bath daily and don’t miss out on pampering the underarm\’s skin
- Use mild deodorant and don’t use harsh, highly scented, or skin-irritating underarm products.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
No matter how bothersome is underarm pigmentation, it’s best advised to visit a dermatologist first to accurately identify the cause of the dark underarms and enjoy quick and impressive results.
Consulting a dermatologist is necessary and should be done without delay, if:
- Home remedies are a failure
- Experiencing itching, unusual odor, or discomfort
- Persistent or excessive dark patches in armpits
- Suffering from thyroid, acanthosis nigricans, or concerns like diabetes.
Opt For Underarm Pigmentation Treatment Today!
Underarm pigmentation or black underarms is a common occurrence due to shaving/waxing, use of antiperspirants, unclean underarms, excessive sweating, hormonal conditions, tight clothing, and other underlying conditions. It is considered an aesthetic concern for which seeing a cosmetic dermatologist is advised. Pigmentation treatment doctor in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic helps design the best, personalized treatment plan to treat black underarms after identifying the specific cause.
FAQs on Underarm Pigmentation Treatment
What Causes Black Spots Under Arms?
There are many potential reasons like irritation and inflammation after shaving or waxing, skin rubbing against tight clothing, hormonal fluctuation, genetic predisposition, allergic reaction, excessive sweating, and certain conditions like Acanthosis nigricans and PCOS.
How Can I Prevent Dark Patches on My Underarms?
Wisely choose the underarm hair removal method; use fragrance-free/ gentle/non- skin-irritating products; regularly exfoliate the skin; keep skin hydrated, well-nourished, and moisturized; and wear loose-fitting/breathable fabrics.
Are Home Remedies Effective for Dark Underarms?
Yes. Consider lightening dark underarms with natural bleaching agents (like potato, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and cucumber); exfoliation (using baking soda and Fuller’s Earth), and moisturizing agents (like coconut oil and aloe vera).
What Are the Best Treatments for Underarm Pigmentation?
Professional treatments like lasers, chemical peels, and dermatologist-recommended products are best for reducing the appearance of dark underarms. Consult a dermatologist to receive the best treatment for underarm pigmentation.
Can Dark Patches Under Armpits Be Permanent?
Conditions like PCOS, hyperhidrosis, and Acanthosis nigricans can lead to long-lasting dark patches on the skin of the underarms.
Underarm pigmentation is discomforting and affects one\’s freedom to wear clothes and hampers their confidence with their own skin. Seek help from experts for underarms darkness treatment in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic
