Pimples can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. Fortunately, they’re not considered harmful, except for the fact that they can affect your physical appearance. Sometimes, pimples can appear in unexpected areas such as under your arms. An armpit pimple can be painful, inflamed, and sometimes even related to an underlying medical condition. In this article, we will explore what armpit pimples are, why they occur, and how you can treat them effectively.
Overview of armpit pimples
Armpit pimples can appear as small bumps in your armpits similar to pimples that can appear on other areas of your skin.
If you have an armpit pimple, you may also notice that the area around it is red and inflamed. Sometimes, these pimples develop yellow or white points, which indicate they have pus in them.
While they’re usually caused by clogged pores or inflammation, other factors can contribute to the occurrence of armpit pimples. It’s important to recognize when these pimples require medical attention, as treating them promptly can prevent complications.
Armpit pimple causes and risk factors
When you notice an armpit pimple, the first thing to do is understand the cause. There are different reasons why you develop pimples in this area, so you have to consider each potential cause. That way, you’ll be able to better know what treatment you need to address the pimples.
In this section, we’ll consider different reasons why you may experience pimples in this area.
1. Ingrown hairs
A common reason why you get acne in the area is due to an ingrown hair in the armpit. When you have ingrown hair, it can become infected, as bacteria starts to accumulate in the cavity where the hair follicle sits. This usually results in a pus-filled pimple that develops in your armpit.
Shaving is the most common reason for ingrown hairs in your armpit. You might want to take a closer look at the razor you use when shaving this area of your skin. Some shaving creams also help to reduce the risk of razor burns and ingrown hairs after you shave.
2. Folliculitis
Folliculitis, a very common skin condition, is another potential reason behind an armpit pimple. There are different causes for folliculitis, but in many cases, it’s related to a bacterial infection.
If you have folliculitis, you will notice the pimples in your armpit are small in size. When these pimples develop, they cause small pockets to develop in your hair follicles. In addition to pimples, you may also notice that folliculitis causes the area to be painful and itchy.
This condition also offers an answer to the common question, “Why do pimples hurt?” The pockets get filled with bacteria, resulting in swelling and pain.
3. Contact dermatitis
This type of dermatitis can happen when you come into contact with something that causes an allergic or sensitivity reaction. The rash that appears often looks like small pimples and can vary in size.
Some individuals may experience blistering and clusters on their skin besides pimples due to contact dermatitis. There are various reasons why you may have contact dermatitis in your armpit. For instance, using improper shaving formulas could lead to these pimples.
If your symptoms start a day or two after shaving or using specific products on your underarms, then it might be a sign of contact dermatitis. This is sometimes referred to as irritant contact dermatitis.
4. Yeast infection
While we usually associate pimples with bacteria, yeast can also cause this skin problem. In this case, you might want to consider causes like sweat pimples, where excessive sweating creates an environment for candida to grow and thrive.
A good example is Intertrigo, a skin irritation that occurs in areas where there is friction and moisture accumulation.
5. Hidradenitis suppurativa
Another thing that can also sometimes result in pimples in your underarms is a condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa. This is a painful condition, and it takes a long time to clear up, which is why it’s generally considered a long-term disease.
If you have this condition, your skin will develop abscesses. This abscess can sometimes cause bumps to develop. You may notice a pimple under skin that starts to swell up. It’s also painful and causes tenderness in the area where the abscess develops.
What symptoms do armpit pimples cause?
If you have an armpit pimple, the most common symptom that you’ll experience is noticing the pimple developing. Sometimes, the pimple may be underneath your skin, and you may feel a lump in this case. This is because not all pimples will create a white or yellowish point.
In addition to the actual pimple, there are other symptoms that you may experience. Pain is a common symptom, and you may also notice redness in the area. Sometimes, the skin in the affected area becomes tender, and you may feel this whenever your arms are folded next to your upper body.
Treatment options for an armpit pimple
You do not have to be overly concerned about an armpit pimple. It is not harmful and needs minimal attention to clear up on its own. However, there are times when extra treatment is needed to take care of this pimple.
For instance, if you have nodule acne, you might want to see a doctor. They can assess the situation and point out a specific cause – this makes it easier to treat the acne, as the doctor can then prescribe a good countermeasure for you.
Taking proper care of your skin can also help. For example, the Zeroblem Blemish Treatment Serum has a highly effective formula that goes to work quickly. It doesn’t just help treat existing acne; it also acts as a preventative measure.
Some people also find that hyaluronic acid for acne-prone skin is a good idea. This highly effective ingredient enhances the hydration level of your skin and plays an important part in overall skin health.
If you regularly shave your armpit hair, be cautious about the blades you use, as well as any shaving creams or gels. Some of these formulas may contain ingredients that irritate your skin, which can result in pimples and rashes.
The blade you use should be sharp and clean. If you use a dull blade, it can pull your hair, cause bleeding, and even cause existing pimples to spread. You should also avoid sharing any of these tools, as yeast and bacteria can transfer onto the blade.
When at-home treatments don’t work, your doctor can prescribe a good ointment that you can apply to your skin. There are also treatments for cases where you have issues like hormonal acne, in which case the doctor can recommend options that help to balance your hormones.
FAQs
What are pus pimples in armpits?
There are different reasons why you may have a pus-filled pimple in your armpit. You need to consider additional symptoms, such as a lump under armpit. This can help you understand what kind of pimple you have.
How do I get rid of red bumps on my armpits?
If you have redness and a pimple in armpit, you might want to stop shaving for a while. This can reduce irritation in the area. You may need to use an ointment if the problem is related to inflammation or an infection.
Do armpit pimples go away?
They usually will go away on their own without any treatment. However, if you find that the pimples don’t go away or they become very painful, then you should consider talking to your doctor.
Are armpit pimples normal?
Armpit pimples are generally considered common. In most cases, they also don’t need any special treatment, except for perhaps avoiding shaving for a week or two.
Conclusion
We often associate pimples with our faces, but they can appear on any part of the body, including the armpit. When you have an armpit pimple, you may feel concerned, but they’re usually harmless. However, knowing when it’s a bigger concern is important, as that can help to ensure you treat any underlying problems before they cause complications.
