Why Do I Get Pimples On My Armpit

Overview

Have you ever experienced a bump in the armpit area and you cannot tell whether it is a pimple, ingrown hair, or infection?

The armpit area is relatively sensitive with multiple sweat glands and hair follicles. Sometimes, the hair follicle might get blocked or infected, resulting in the development of a pimple. Armpit pimples are generally harmless and disappear on their own. However, pimples can be painful, itchy, or sore, leading to scarring if not properly managed.

What are armpit pimples?

Pimples are tiny, inflamed spots with a white centre. It typically appears on the skin's surface when the blocked hair follicle becomes infected with bacteria and inflamed.¹ Pimples are more likely to develop in the armpit since the area is warm and moist, leading to bacterial infections. Generally, pimples are harmless and can heal by themselves. However, they can be itchy, painful, and frustrating. If the pimple persists, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of armpit pimples

Pimples on the armpit can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle that leads to inflammation around the hair strand. It appears as a red or white bump around the hair follicle, filled with pus or blood. Folliculitis is mostly caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that affects sweat glands. It is characterised by the development of painful, pus-filled lumps or nodules that can be recurrent and may eventually lead to the formation of tunnels under the skin, which are deep wounds that go through more than one skin layer. These tunnels can cause scarring and skin damage.²

Ingrown hairs

Ingrown hair is a condition in which a hair strand that has grown out from the hair follicle gets twisted and trapped inside a bump due to the blockage of the hair follicle by the dead skin. It is more likely to happen when hair is improperly shaved, waxed, or removed from the armpit area.³

Razor burns

Frequent shaving of the underarm area with a razor increases friction, roughness, and irritation to the delicate skin, resulting in pimple formation. Shaving usually creates tiny nicks or cuts in the skin. Using a dull or old razor is more likely to introduce bacteria into these cuts, leading to a skin infection.⁴

Friction

The armpit area is exposed to a lot of friction when the arms swing back and forth, which leads to irritation, skin inflammation, and the development of armpit pimples. In addition, wearing tight clothing increases friction in the armpit area, which can exacerbate the problem, especially if the clothing is made of non-breathable materials that trap sweat against the skin.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when your underarm skin comes into contact with an allergen (a substance that causes an allergic reaction, such as deodorant, fragrance, or detergent). The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary depending on the severity of the reaction. These symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and a bumpy rash or blisters in the armpit. The skin may also become dry, cracked, or scaly. In some cases, contact dermatitis may lead to oozing or crusting of the skin.⁵

Excessive sweating

When you sweat, the moisture mixes with bacteria and oils on the skin, which can clog pores and lead to the formation of pimples.

Other causes of armpit pimples

Hormonal changes can also be a reason for the formation of pimples in the armpit area. Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can result in the formation of pimples.⁶ In addition, a weak immune system, sudden weight gain, and certain medications are other causes of armpit pimples.

Management and treatment for armpit pimples

There are a number of treatments currently available to help get rid of armpit pimples. These include: 

• Oral antibiotics — antibiotics work by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection and reducing inflammation. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for armpit pimples include doxycycline, cephalexin, and erythromycin⁷
• Topical antibiotics — along with oral medication, doctors may also prescribe topical antibacterial gel or lotions. Apply the topical antibiotic to the affected skin until the pimples are healed completely. Clindamycin and Erythromycin are known to be effective in treating bacteria-caused infections such as folliculitis⁸
• Antibacterial washes — antibacterial washes containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and chlorhexidine can kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation and irritation⁹
• Steroid creams — topical steroids reduce inflammation and redness, thus relieving symptoms such as itching and pain. Hydrocortisone cream is the most commonly used type of steroid cream for armpit pimples⁵
• Home remedies — green tea has antioxidant properties that help to soothe inflamed pimples and balance the production of sebum (an oily substance produced from glands in hair follicles).¹⁰ Apple cider vinegar is also good for getting rid of pimples as it has antibacterial properties and can help balance the skin's pH level.¹¹ Lastly, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the skin¹⁰ 

How can I prevent pimples from forming on my armpit?

It is important to keep your armpit clean to prevent pimples from forming by exfoliating the area regularly to remove dead skin cells and help unclog pores.

You can also take the following steps to prevent pimples from forming:

• Shower regularly, especially after exercising or other activities that cause sweating, to keep the underarm area clean
• Avoid tight clothing that causes friction and irritation in the armpit area. Instead, wear cotton clothing, which can help to absorb sweat and prevent it from accumulating on the skin
• Use a sharp and clean razor blade when shaving the armpit area to avoid skin irritation. Use shaving cream or gel to lubricate the skin, and shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs
• If you are allergic to certain deodorants or detergents, avoid using them

Top tip: do not touch, squeeze, or pick at pimples, as this spreads bacteria and causes further irritation and inflammation. Instead, use topical treatments to help reduce the size and redness of pimples.

Summary

Armpit pimples are common and there is no reason to be embarrassed by them. Usually, the pimples go away within one or two weeks. However, it is important to keep your underarms clean and dry, avoid tight clothing, use a sharp razor, and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent armpit pimples.