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Itchy armpits

(42 Posts)
Littleannie Mon 21-Aug-23 09:44:44

I have had terribly itchy armpits for about 2 months. There is no redness or rash, nothing visible. I tried changing my deodorant, but that didn't help. I now only use deodorant when I am going out, and wash it off as soon as possible. I just use talc the rest of the time. I tried E45 itch relief cream which didn't help. I don't know what else to try. Has anyone else had this, or got any suggestions?

BlueBelle Mon 21-Aug-23 09:47:56

Just a thought, try using nothing

Georgesgran Mon 21-Aug-23 09:51:07

I’d be wary using talcum powder. Try Cuticura if you must, it’s medicated but use sparingly and don’t inhale the powder. I agree with BB - try nothing for a while.

Hetty58 Mon 21-Aug-23 10:03:48

I have many allergies - but I can use the Fussy deodorant (seen on Dragon's Den) if I'm out for the day, in hot weather. Mostly, though, I don't use it as I wash with diluted bicarbonate of soda, then rinse well. My armpits never smell.

Have you thought about reactions to something you wash with - or wash your clothes in? My late husband had reactions to starch in new clothes (so everything had to be washed first) and fabric conditioner.

Shelflife Mon 21-Aug-23 10:07:50

Bicarbonate of soda, Thanks Hetty I will try that.

shysal Mon 21-Aug-23 10:09:10

I sometimes get an itchy fungal infection between and under my breasts in hot weather. This responds to Canesten athlete's foot cream, recommended by pharmacist. Could this be your problem?

BigBertha1 Mon 21-Aug-23 10:19:59

I use a little bit of hydrocortisone cream and it clears up in a couple of days.

Pittcity Mon 21-Aug-23 13:41:09

Ask for Daktacort at the pharmacy. It's antifungal and hydrocortisone. Clears my under boob itch up in no time.

Littleannie Mon 21-Aug-23 19:35:26

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will try them.

Coolgran65 Tue 22-Aug-23 02:48:22

I had a rash under my breasts, not the usual sweat rash that can appear. Dr prescribed Trimovate (cortisone/antifungal/antibiotic) following a telephone appointment. It calmed things a little but didn't clear it up. After two weeks I showed my Dil who is a nurse. She advised my to wash the area twice daily using Fairy Antibacterial washing up liquid. Make sure the area is absolutely dry and then use the prescribed ointment. It worked. To make sure I was perfectly dry I used the hairdryer on a cool setting.
After applying the ointment I lay down with the area exposed for twenty minutes to let it sink in. Only then get dressed.
Note: my dil's father is a farmer and to keep his byres etc clean and his cow's udders healthy this is all he would use. She learned this from him.

Grantanow Tue 22-Aug-23 08:57:55

Caneston cream seems to be effective.

Seajaye Wed 23-Aug-23 12:14:31

Use unscented shower gels or body wash made for babies. Don't use talc or deodorants for a while. Aveeno lavender and camomile wash is lovely as shower gel if you want a scented product which is skin sensitive.

Check for any other internal triggers such as food intolerances. Wheat gluten makes the whole of my torso itch.

aly Wed 23-Aug-23 12:26:56

My husband suffered from itchy armpits. He now uses deodorant with 0% aluminium and that has solved the problem. There are several makes that do them Sure 0% being one. Hope this helps.

Granbelle10 Wed 23-Aug-23 12:35:12

Yes I have had this problem for quite a while. Apparently it is a yeast infection and tends to be happen in warm moist areas/skin folds - hence armpits, beneath breasts, etc. I was prescribed a cream called Daktarin which helps when I get it from time to time.

cc Wed 23-Aug-23 12:49:23

Seajaye

Use unscented shower gels or body wash made for babies. Don't use talc or deodorants for a while. Aveeno lavender and camomile wash is lovely as shower gel if you want a scented product which is skin sensitive.

Check for any other internal triggers such as food intolerances. Wheat gluten makes the whole of my torso itch.

I use an Aveeno Baby wash and it's sorted out most the itchy bits on my sensitive skin.
It's interesting that you mention gluten, there are many coeliacs in my family. I've had two tests at the GP, one years ago which said I was moderately allergic and another recent ne which said I wasn't!

RakshaMK Wed 23-Aug-23 12:55:59

It's not actually legal to suggest anything if you're not qualified prescriber (because so many other things need to be taken into account, such as pre existing conditions or drugs already been taken.
But I can tell you that I treat occasional flare ups which are often yeast based with Vicks vapour rub. I also find using bamboo and/or charcoal pads helps keep the skin dry and restricts bacteria growth.

GreyhairedWarrior Wed 23-Aug-23 12:57:43

There’s a medicated talc called Desenex that contains 2% miconazole nitrate that works very well for yeast infections that cause itching and smells quite pleasant.

SpringsEternal Wed 23-Aug-23 12:59:12

For years I've used a natural deodorant, like Crystal Rock (or is it Rock Crystal?) or Ice Guard. Sweating is healthy because it's a way of clearing toxins, so deodorants which block the pores aren't good for you. Something like Ice Guard allows you to sweat, but neutralises the odour. Good luck. flowers

grandtanteJE65 Wed 23-Aug-23 13:02:12

Change your soap or body shampoo and your washing powder to allergy tested unperfumed brands if you are not already using these.

Keep a note of whether the itch is worse when you wear man-made fibres, wool or cotton or silk next to your skin.

Make a note too of what you eat and drink and see whether a pattern emerges there. If for instance the itch is worse the day after you have eaten say raw tomatoes it would be worth dropping them for a week or two.

grandtanteJE65 Wed 23-Aug-23 13:04:13

BigBertha1

I use a little bit of hydrocortisone cream and it clears up in a couple of days.

Oh dear, oh dear. Surely everyone knows that hydrocortisone like penicillian should only ever be used as prescribed!

Apparently not!

Damdee Wed 23-Aug-23 13:06:54

My armpits itch too sometimes and I don't believe it is anything to do with a fungus or washing powder or deodorant etc. It only started when I lost weight. I just put up with it as it is only occasionally. My back is more itchy too, since losing weight.

Juicylucy Wed 23-Aug-23 13:26:00

I have itchy armpits and after investigation I was told it’s a side effect of the covid jab apparently something about it accumulating in your lymph nodes under your arms.

stewaris Wed 23-Aug-23 13:35:40

I have eczema and, when it's not bad, I use pure aloe vera gel no creams or ointments with it included. I find it very cooling and soothing when my skin is really itchy. I was concerned about using steroid creams for the rest of my life and I'm managing it with just the aloe vera unless it's really bad.

Mariew1 Wed 23-Aug-23 13:45:20

I'd recommend using a body butter. I'm not keen on E45 tbh. I use sc3nted ones from the Body Shop and I also like their body yoghurt.

Rainnsnow Wed 23-Aug-23 13:47:22

I use wrights coal tar soap, then salt of the earth antiperspirant. It’s pump action. I find the soap and a good rub and rinse helps me no end .