A beauty editor's oversight in her underarm care routine led to a painful skin condition, highlighting common mistakes that many people make. Ariana Yaptangco, a beauty editor, developed itchy and irritated underarm skin with a rough texture in February 2026.
Underarm Dermatitis Explained
According to Dr. Chelsea Hoffman, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation. The most common form affecting the underarms is contact dermatitis, which can be categorized as irritant or allergic.
Irritant dermatitis occurs when a substance directly causes a reaction on the skin. This can range from active ingredients like retinoids, which some people use for pigmentation, to simple sweat, which can irritate sensitive skin. This type of dermatitis tends to appear quickly.
Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is a delayed immune response to a specific allergen. Common culprits include fragrances and preservatives found in deodorants.
Personal Experience and Repercussions
Yaptangco's condition, which she suspects was caused by using an old razor or expired deodorant, evolved into atopic dermatitis, also known as chronic eczema. After several months of neglect, her underarm skin became thick, scaly, and developed leathery lines due to dryness. The inflammation also resulted in discoloration, leading to darkened armpits.
While temporary redness and itchiness can occur after shaving, persistent irritation warrants a dermatologist's consultation. Dr. Hoffman also noted that less common issues like fungal infections or yeast can affect the underarm area due to its moist environment.
Treatment and Prevention
To treat underarm dermatitis, Dr. Hoffman advises minimizing shaving or waxing to allow the skin barrier to heal. Using a fresh, clean razor is crucial, as shaving can remove the top layer of skin.
Yaptangco was prescribed a topical steroid to reduce inflammation and a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to help repair her skin barrier. She noted the importance of extending consistent skincare to the underarms, just as one would for the face and body.
Lauren Lovelady, founder of body care brand Each & Every, emphasized that the underarm skin is delicate and prone to dryness, especially in warmer months. She recommends moisturizers containing ceramides or lactic acids. Recommended lotions include Person & Covey DML Moisturizing Lotion or Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion for their light, quickly absorbing formulas.
For individuals who sweat heavily, switching to an antiperspirant containing aluminum might be beneficial to reduce moisture. Natural deodorants, while a preference for many, often contain baking soda, a common irritant. Baking soda is alkaline and can disrupt the skin's naturally acidic pH level (4.5-6.5), potentially causing inflammation.
Recovery and Ongoing Care
If persistent reactions occur, Dr. Hoffman suggests patch testing with a doctor to identify specific allergens. Lovelady highlighted the importance of product transparency, ensuring consumers know all ingredients, including potential allergens.
After several months of treatment with topical steroids and moisturizers, Yaptangco's underarms have largely returned to normal, though some discoloration remains. She has resumed shaving and using deodorant without issue, regaining confidence in lifting her arms.