Apart From Being Deodorant, Here Are 7 Factors That Cause Black Underarms And How To Deal With Them

Illustration of the causes of dark underarms and how to overcome them (Unsplash/Autri Taheri)

JAKARTA – Changes in skin color are not only caused by the use of inappropriate personal care products. Some of the reasons that make skin color turn darker are related to health conditions. Including when the color of the armpits becomes darker, it turns out that it's not only due to the use of deodorant.

Citing Romper, Monday, December 20, a 2014 study by the Indian Dermatology Online Journal found that 74 percent of people experience dark underarms at a certain age. Each contributing factor is related to age, weight, and race.

According to doctor Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist in New York, said that dark underarm problems trigger more discomfort than medical problems. He said that darkening of the armpits may be a simple problem related to cosmetics. But if the texture changes, becomes thicker or softer, then you should have it checked by a dermatologist.

Nazarian added, the condition of darkening of the skin color in the armpits is generally benign and can even be hereditary. Here are the factors that cause dark underarm skin color.

1. Experiencing irritation

The armpit is a fold of the body that is easily irritated. According to Adam Friedman, MD., FAAD., darker skinned people need to be aware that the more easily irritated they are.

It's very common, estimates written in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology estimate it affects 45-83 percent of people. So, if your armpits are black, try changing personal care products, one of which is deodorant.

2. Hormonal disorders

Hormonal changes affect the color of your skin, including the color of your armpits. Imbalance in production can also be a contributing factor. This occurs when melanocytes, the cells that cause skin pigmentation, are stimulated by abnormal levels of progesterone and estrogen.

This condition is often experienced by women who are pregnant or those who use hormonal contraception. So if you experience it, consult your doctor.

3. Drug side effects

Friedman added, certain drugs can trigger the color of your armpits darken. These include nicotinic acid, insulin, pituitary extract, systemic corticosteroids, and diethylstilbestrol. It's harmless, says Freidman, but consult a professional to determine the cause.

4. Dead skin cells accumulate

Another common cause, dark pigmentation in the armpits is due to dead skin cells. The accumulated dead skin cells can increase the pigmentation process and hidden body parts such as the armpits are sensitive to the buildup of dead skin cells. The solution is to exfoliate by scrubbing or using a body scrub containing an exfoliator to solve the problem.

5. Wrong way of shaving

Shaving the armpits is something that is often done by women. This is a very likely cause of hyperpigmentation after irritation occurs. Nazarian words, are generally caused by shaving, rubbing, or scratching the skin of the armpits so that it can irritate.

Instead of shaving, it is recommended to remove armpit hair with waxing because it can lift up to the roots, not just the surface.

6. Have Acanthosis nigricans (AN)

Acanthosis nigricans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is a condition that causes one or more areas of the skin to darken and thicken. Skin that looks like velvet is associated with obesity. In a person with obesity, skin discoloration occurs as a result of increased sugar in the body. For example on the skin on the back of the neck, elbows, knees, or even under the breasts.

7. insulin resistance

Still related to Acanthosis nigricans, according to the American Diabetes Association, AN is a common early indicator experienced by people with type 2 diabetes. In this condition the body does not process insulin as it should. For the latter, it means that you need to address your overall health condition in addition to providing regular care for your skin.