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Itchy armpits

(43 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?

Grandma29 Sat 02-Sept-23 16:35:06

I’d recommend Santex deodorant. It worked for me I tried numerous deodorants with no luck.

Rosiebee Fri 25-Aug-23 12:21:47

Sudocrem helps me when I get the under boob rash.

PinkSweetPea Thu 24-Aug-23 18:44:27

I use to get this but since I changed to Bionsen Deodorant it stopped. It's a bit more expensive than normal deodorants but often on offer and worth it in my opinion.

Nicolenet Thu 24-Aug-23 12:16:42

Eurax is excellent.

FarTooYoungForThis Wed 23-Aug-23 22:17:09

I had this recently too with no sign if a rash and switched to using Mitchum unscented deodorant block. I already use unscented shower gel. When it was really itchy I used a tiny bit of hydrocortisone cream. It's all fine now - just resist the urge to scratch!

Littleannie Wed 23-Aug-23 21:33:51

There are some very interesting comments on here. I shall try some of your suggestions. Thank you all for responding.

POW1 Wed 23-Aug-23 20:38:43

I have a similar condition. Was prescribed anti fungal cream (Daktarin) which didn’t work. I find no deodorant, no soap, just aqueous ointment and then steroid ointment (clobestasone) works.

Dinahmo Wed 23-Aug-23 18:01:42

Right now it's the heat that's making under boobs hot and sweaty. Despite having large boobs now I've resorted to going bra less and haven't suffered since. I tend to wear loose linen shorts and wear a t-shirt underneath which holds them more or less in place.

Quite frankly I'm of an age where I'm not bothered what people think about my appearance. (I don't look like a bag lady)

4allweknow Wed 23-Aug-23 17:54:49

Try Eurax. Given this by GP earlier this year when developed a terrible rash a few weeks after having shingles. Worked a treat.

Curtaintwitcher Wed 23-Aug-23 17:26:09

I suffer a lot with itches. Recently, I have started using facial wash and 'intimate' wash and it has made a big difference. Certain laundry products cause a reaction, so try using the ones for sensitive skin.

Fairycakes Wed 23-Aug-23 17:22:47

You can see I'm new - I've posted twice by accident. Sorry! 😁

Fairycakes Wed 23-Aug-23 16:37:28

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and this is my first time of posting. Yes, I suffered from itchy armpits, so much so that they were red raw. The GP said that as we age our skin gets drier and advised me to use moisturiser. I now moisturise each night before bed, after washing in Dove soap. I use Dove deodorant which has moisturiser in it. You could also try using Aqueous cream for washing the underarms. Just add water and use like soap.

Metra Wed 23-Aug-23 16:14:59

I have suffered itchy armpits for the past 2 years but only in the summer. Having tried lots of the above tips I find that taking an antihistamine once a day for 2 or 3 days works a treat.

Fairycakes Wed 23-Aug-23 16:01:56

Hi everyone. This is my first time of posting - and yes, I have suffered from itchy armpits. I went to see the GP because my armpits were red raw from scratching. The GP said that as we get older the skin becomes drier and we need to moisturise more. I use a gentle deodorant with moisturiser (Dove) and use moisturiser under my arms at night after washing in Dove soap. You could also use aqueous cream to wash under your arms - just mix with water and use like soap. It worked for me 😊

Gwenisgreat Wed 23-Aug-23 15:54:40

Wearing cotton garments in that area could help as the cotton absorbs the sweat while the man made fabrics can leaving you stewing in sweat?

tictacnana Wed 23-Aug-23 15:44:42

I have CI U which is very debilitating … armpits, legs , hands, scalp, feet. mouth. It can disappear for years, then come back with a vengeance. I’d advise 1 pc steroid cream, antihistamines, aloe vera, and never use fabric conditioner Persil or Daz… Bold is recommended and it does have conditioner but is gentle. . Good luck with the arm pit . I use Nivea but you can get a hypoallergenic one . Ask your pharmacist.

dumdum Wed 23-Aug-23 13:51:41

Try some Canesten cream from the chemists, maybe even one with hydrocortisone in.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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