Our underarm skin shade should be the same as that of the skin of our whole body. Unfortunately, for some of us, underarm skin may be darker than surrounding skin. Experiencing hyperpigmentation in the armpits is generally not a serious concern but rather an unappealing skin problem, especially for those who love wearing sleeveless or often go shirtless.
Underarm pigmentation or skin discoloration can have many causes and be of various types. With the pigmentation treatment doctor in Bangalore-recommended treatments, pigmented armpits can be best addressed.
In this post, you can learn about underarm pigmentation- its causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is Underarm Pigmentation?
Underarm pigmentation refers to an uneven skin tone of an underarm area generally due to melanin being in excess. Melanin is a colored pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin. It imparts color to the skin and its amount decides one’s natural skin tone. The skin darkening because of excess melanin deposits in the skin is generally known as hyperpigmentation which is one of the types of pigmentation disorders.
Underarm pigmentation is a very common bothersome skin concern, a natural occurrence irrespective of one’s race, gender, age, and ethnicity.
Common Causes of Underarm Pigmentation
The potential reasons behind underarm pigmentation or dark underarms are:
Friction caused by wearing of tight-fitting clothes
- Smoking
- Excessive perspiration
- Genetic make-up
- Over-exfoliation or aggressive treatments on armpit skin
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes (insulin resistance) and obesity
- Allergic reaction or irritated skin caused by the use of certain perfumes, antiperspirants, and deodorants
- Skin problems like seborrheic dermatitis, allergic/contact eczema, fungal/yeast infection, or constitutional hyperpigmentation
- Hormonal changes at the time of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause or due to hormonal disorders that result in excess melanin production.
Types of Underarm Pigmentation
There are several factors linked to the occurrence of underarm pigmentation and are used to classify various types of pigmentation of underarm skin. These include:
- Acanthosis nigricans- It is a skin condition featuring the darkening and thickening of the skin in body folds like armpits along with the formation of skin tags. Obese and diabetic people usually get pigmented armpits due to acanthosis nigricans.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation- It is a kind of pigmentation disorder wherein there is melanin deposition following inflammation of the skin.
People who have been repeatedly rubbing their underarm skin against clothing, getting it exfoliated, performing/using harsh or irritating treatments/ products, or having fungal/yeast infection that leaves the skin itchy, experience this type of underarm pigmentation. - Constitutional hyperpigmentation- The amount of melanin in the skin varies based on one’s constitution- black, white, or brown and even the skin phototypes. An individual with an Indian skin tone is more likely to experience this type of underarm pigmentation because of sun exposure over time.
Diagnosis of Underarm Pigmentation
The diagnosis process of underarm pigmentation involves a thorough skin examination, a review of the patient’s medical records, and a noting of the patient’s symptoms by a dermatologist. Sometimes, dermatologists order blood tests and skin biopsy to rule out other possibilities.
Treatment Options for Underarm Pigmentation
There is hardly a single solution to remove underarm pigmentation as the condition has many potential causes. The treatment of underarm pigmentation generally aims to lighten the armpit skin. Some natural remedies are available for treating mild underarm pigmentation such as turmeric and curd; aloe vera gel and lemon juice; sea cucumber extracts; potato juice; coconut and tea tree oil; and others. But the most safe and effective approach is to go for in-clinic treatments.
Here are the best professional treatments for underarm pigmentation:
- Topical skin-lightening products- The creams/lotions/gels formulated with active skin-lightening ingredients are suggested or prescribed by a dermatologist for daily application.
- Laser treatment- Laser toning is suggested to rapidly and effectively even out the underarm skin tone. The laser works to heat destroy excess melanin and boost collagen remodelling by heating the dermis. Dermatologists even recommend that patients go for laser underarm hair removal to control their underarm pigmentation.
- Chemical peeling- The treatment involves the application of skin-exfoliating acids on the underarm skin. The acid can be of strength, mild to strong, depending on the extent of underarm pigmentation and the degree of skin peeling required to dramatically lighten the underarm skin.
Conclusion
Every part of the skin requires special care, attention, and help from a dermatologist, underarm skin is not an exception.
Underarm pigmentation is generally a harmless condition but still, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for the same. That’s because underarm pigmentation can have underlying causes like obesity, diabetes, thyroid issues, hormonal disorders, dermatitis, or fungal/yeast infection. A dermatologist can best understand the cause of underarm pigmentation and provide an appropriate underarm pigmentation treatment in Bangalore.
Also Read: Dark Underarms: What are the Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Options?
FAQs about Underarm Pigmentation
What is the permanent option to remove underarm pigmentation?
There are many long-term options for underarm pigmentation treatment. The treated pigmented armpit skin can be maintained for a long time by following the precautions recommended by a dermatologist.
Can I prevent underarm pigmentation?
Underarm pigmentation is not preventable in all cases. However, its risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping underarms well-moisturized, having a safe shaving routine of armpit hair, getting underarm skin regularly exfoliated, wearing breathable and non-irritating skin fabrics, being careful with skin products used in armpits, and managing underlying medical conditions that may lead to underarm pigmentation.
What should I do if I have underarm pigmentation?
The best advice for you is to see a certified, qualified, skilled, and experienced dermatologist near me or close to your place of living. A dermatologist can help you understand the cause of underarm pigmentation and provide you with impressive underarm skin-lightening results in less time. The best underarm skin whitening in Bangalore is available at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
Where can I get my underarm pigmentation removed?
Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic is a popular destination for underarm pigmentation removal in Bangalore. Here, world-class, affordable treatment and procedures are performed by highly experienced, expert dermatologists who are committed to delivering satisfaction to patients.
How much does underarm pigmentation treatment cost?
The price of underarm pigmentation treatment depends on the treatment option, the number of treatment sessions needed, the dermatologist’s expertise and experience, and the location and reputation of the facility where the treatment is provided. Reasonable-priced underarm pigmentation treatment cost in Bangalore is available at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
