What Should You Do About Underarm Bumps?

If youve ever experienced underarm bumps or an underarm rash, youre not alone. This irritating symptom occurs quite frequently, particularly in females since they usually use a razor to remove underarm hair. These underarm bumps can be itchy and quite irritating. What causes this symptom and what can you do about it?

One of the most common causes of underarm bumps or a rash is folliculitis which is an infection or irritation of the hair follicles. Although folliculitis can occur anywhere theres a hair follicle, its particularly common in moist areas that are exposed to irritation from repeated shaving.

Underarm folliculitis usually presents as underarm bumps or a rash which is red, itchy, and tender, in some cases. The bumps tend to cluster around hair follicles and in more severe cases can cause formation of pus filled blisters with significant tenderness.

In many cases, folliculitis along with the underarm bumps will clear up on its own in less than a week if certain precautions are taken. If the rash fails to clear or theres extreme pain or formation of blisters with pus, youll need to see your doctor for an antibiotic or antifungal agent.

What can you do at home to prevent and treat underarm bumps due to folliculitis? One of the primary causes of folliculitis in the underarm area is irritation due to shaving. This can occur when the blade of your razor becomes dull which causes excessive traction against the skin resulting in irritation. Another cause can be bacterial growth on the surface of the razor blade which can occur when a razor is stored in a moist environment that breeds bacteria. To avoid both of these factors, store your razor in a dry place and dont use it more than three times before replacing it with a clean blade. When shaving under the arms, apply a shaving cream and always shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. It also helps to wear clothing that allows free air flow to the underarm area to reduce moisture build up.

Sometimes underarm bumps can be caused by a reaction to an antiperspirant. If youve recently changed antiperspirant brands, try discontinuing it for a week and keep the underarm area clean and dry with frequent cleansing using a mild, hypoallergenic soap. If the symptoms fail to resolve, youll want to see your doctor for possible antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Always see your doctor if you experience any knots or areas of swelling under your arms since these can be swollen lymph nodes which can indicate a more serious condition.

Underarm bumps can be a nuisance but are usually easily prevented and treated by making changes to your shaving routine. Keep those underarms clean and dry with good air flow and you can further reduce the incidence of underarm rashes.