Itchy armpits: Why are my armpits itchy?

Published: November 2024

Itchy armpits are a common form of irritation that can cause an intense feeling of needing to scratch your armpit. Several triggers can result in an itchy armpit, but there are treatments to manage the condition and ensure underlying conditions are addressed, while maintaining proper hygiene.

Itchy armpits, as the name suggests, are when you have the urge or feeling to scratch or itch the skin of your underarms, also known as axilla. 

This may feel mild, moderate or severe, depending on the underlying cause. Our skin cells release histamine and the receptors in our skin send messages to our brain that encourages us to scratch the skin when it itches. 

It’s common for your armpits to itch, and it usually doesn’t mean you have an underlying health problem. The area underneath the arm has many different components and structures, such as:  

• Skin 
• Armpit hair 
• Nerve endings 
• Blood vessels 
• Sweat glands
• Lymph nodes 

Generally, all of these components can play a part in being the reason why the armpit may itch. The natural warmth and dampness of the armpit also contribute to an itchy armpit which again, is not uncommon and completely natural. However, as with any area on the body where the skin is sensitive, frequent itching can cause inflammation, redness, rashes and infections. 

As mentioned above, there are several potential reasons as to why armpits may itch. Some of these can be natural and normal, while sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying condition. 

Some potential causes of itching in the armpit include: 

• Skin reactions and allergies: Allergic reactions can be triggered by certain substances like soaps, shower gels, soaps, deodorants or fabric softeners. Other common causes, like contact dermatitis, which includes irritants and allergic contact dermatitis, may be another reason. Atopic dermatitis or eczema and seborrheic dermatitis can also cause symptoms of itchiness under the armpits. 
• Infections: These can include bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections, which lead to itching in the armpit area. For example, yeast infections like Candida, which live on the skin naturally, affect moist areas in the body, like the underarms. Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, can cause itchy armpits which may become a rash. Lice and scabies are parasitic infections that can cause itching under the armpit. 
• Sweat: The body naturally produces sweat from the sweat glands, and a large portion of sweat glands are found in the armpit, so this makes it a place where you’re most likely to experience sweating. The armpit is also one of the warmest parts of the body and sweat mixed with dead skin cells can lead to inflammation, redness, and eventually, itching in the armpit. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, and not washing the underarms properly can create an environment that promotes fungal or bacterial growth, eventually leading to itching. 
• Hair: Armpit hair starts to grow during puberty. Hair growth can irritate your skin as it grows, causing it to itch and sweat, which then mixes into the hair, often causing body odour. Excessively shaving or waxing the armpit area too frequently can cause ingrown hairs and razor burns, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation and extremely itchy armpits. 
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy or menopause can commonly cause itchy armpits as the skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. Hormonal changes can increase sweat production, leading to excessive sweating, moisture and potentially bacterial growth in the armpit area. Hormone level changes could impact the skin’s barrier function, which can then lead to dry skin and irritation under the arms. 

Diabetes is a condition that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin. Diabetes can cause dry skin, which is a common symptom, and often leads to itchiness. In the armpit area, this can cause itchiness and rashes as a symptom of diabetes.

Itching in the armpit can also be a symptom of having eczema under the armpits and is usually triggered by friction. Eczema under the armpit typically stems from contact dermatitis. Repeated rubbing of the skin against itself can cause or aggravate eczema in armpits. Other proponents of this can be wearing tight-fitting clothing, which can also cause irritation and itchy skin under the armpit.

Treating itchy armpits will depend on the underlying cause, for example, if it is a fungal infection, it will likely need to be a specific anti-fungal cream administered by a medical professional.

Itching in the armpit treatment can start with simple adjustments, such as avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothing. However, this alone will not treat itchy armpits, and you will likely need to soothe the skin with moisturisers and creams.

The Eucerin AtoControl range provides skincare that relieves conditions like atopic dermatitis – also known as atopic eczema – a skin disease that makes skin dry, red, irritable, and itchy. This intense itchiness then induces scratching, which makes symptoms worse and can lead to a skin infection.  

A skincare routine featuring ingredients suitable for itchy skin can help soothe itchy armpits and keep itching at bay, so you don’t exacerbate the area further. Read on to learn how to relieve itching in the armpit area following our skincare routine.

It's important to clean the armpit area thoroughly, especially after sweating. The Eucerin AtoControl Bath and Shower Oil is a gentle daily cleanser that soothes dry, irritated skin and is ideal for those with atopic dermatitis. Wash under the arms with this oil and water, using daily.

Eucerin AtoControl Body Care Lotion soothes itchy, irritated and dry skin and can be used as a daily lotion to relieve itching in the armpit. The lotion is formulated with key ingredients such as licochalcone A, ceramides and grape seed oil to soothe the skin when it becomes irritated. 

Once the skin is moisturised, it may help to apply a daily cream under the armpit area to keep flare-ups at bay when they occur, particularly for those with eczema under the armpit. Eucerin AtoControl Acute Care Cream is an intensive care cream, ideal for atopic dermatitis flare-ups and is a localised treatment option for irritated patches of skin. This cream soothes and calms redness and relieves itchiness at a sensory level, thereby reducing the need to scratch. 

Strengthening the skin is important, especially when frequent itching and scratching of an area as sensitive as the armpit area can cause dryness, irritation and cracked skin. Eucerin AtoControl Balm is a daily care balm for atopic skin that has a light texture to soothe itchy and irritated skin. It strengthens and preserves the skin barrier, as well as being fragrance free.  

Deodorants and body sprays can help keep dry skin under control, as well as reduce body odour. A gentle body spray provides soothing care to the body, doesn’t irritate the skin and should be used as part of your daily routine, typically once a day. It usually contains ingredients that are gentle to the skin, such as aloe vera, essential oils like bergamot or lavender and tea tree to control odour and fight bacteria. 

When choosing a body spray, try to avoid ingredients that may irritate the skin. Ingredients like alcohol, sometimes used in anti-perspirants, can eliminate some of the bacteria that occurs in the armpit causing odour. However, it can also cause the skin to dry out and lead to cracks, irritation and sensitivity. 

For a hydrating body spray for very dry, irritated skin, Eucerin Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray is a water-free cooling spray that is ideal for arms, legs and other larger or harder-to-reach areas to lock in moisture, keep hydrated and accelerate skin regeneration. 

You should speak to a medical professional if: 

• The itchiness is not allowing you to sleep. 
• You have severe pain in your armpits or a fever. 
• Your lymph nodes are swollen, or you find a lump in your armpit. 
• You have a rash in your armpit that spreads to other locations on your body. 
• The symptoms don’t improve or get worse over time.
• Your skin doesn’t respond to treatment. 

A medical professional can assess your symptoms in further detail and provide alternate treatments or advice to manage the condition, as well as refer you to another skin specialist if they suspect an underlying condition, is the main cause. 

Itching in the armpit can be frustrating and annoying to deal with, especially when it doesn't subside and is persistent. Generally, it isn't a cause for concern in most people and can be treated with dermatological products as well as by practising good hygiene routines.