Published on December 7th, 2022

Last updated on August 30th, 2023

Armpit Pimples: How To Get Rid Of Them?

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
armpit pimple

No one wants to deal with acne in any area of the body. Many people are embarrassed. How to get rid of armpit pimples? It is not as easy as you think. And if the pimples on the face people used to disguise cosmetics, the breakouts under the arms can not hide anything because they are often accompanied by pain and unpleasant feelings.

Small bumps on the underarms, which often resemble pimples, are often the result of ingrown hairs or accumulation of bacteria and sebum. You might think, “well, that’s okay,” but in some cases, these pimples can turn out to be cysts or even a form of skin cancer. 

But there is no need to panic prematurely! This blog article will tell you how to get rid of pimples and blackheads under your armpits for good.

Read on to learn tips and advice that will have your armpits looking smooth and spot-free in no time! 

Causes Of Zit On Armpit 

There are several causes of armpit pimples. The most common causes include ingrown hairs, folliculitis, contact dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Each reason is treatable, but it is crucial first to find out what it is.

All these factors can lead to irritation and inflammation of the hair follicles, ultimately leading to acne. If not treated properly, they can become infected and cause serious health problems.

You should learn about each cause and find out which one applies to you. Then, we will discuss how to get rid of bumps on the underarms, depending on the cause.

Ingrown Hairs

If you regularly shave, wax or epilate your armpits, you have probably experienced the problem of ingrown hairs. Mainly, this problem occurs in people with curly hair, but it is not impossible in other types. 

The hair follicle can become clogged when the hair begins to grow back. It results in a small red bump that looks like a pimple. In addition to a visible bump or group of bumps on your underarms, you may also experience:

  • itchiness;
  • soreness;
  • pus or drainage;
  • swelling.

Most often, ingrown hairs can go away on their own. But there is a chance of infection, and in some cases, it can even lead to an abscess.

Breakouts under the arms can also be caused by shaving with a blunt razor or too close to the skin. To avoid this problem, shave in the direction of hair growth and use a sharp razor.

If you are constantly dealing with ingrown hair, consider another method of hair removals, such as waxing or laser hair removal. These methods are more expensive but will help you avoid zit on the armpit in the long run.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of one or more hair follicles. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or yeast overgrowth. This disease is also more common in people who are diabetic, obese or have a weakened immune system.

This disease can occur in any area of the body where there are hair follicles, including the armpits. Folliculitis often appears as minor red breakouts under the arms on the skin that may resemble pimples. The bumps are usually itchy and can sometimes fill with pus. 

In severe cases, the bumps can turn into painful abscesses. If you have such an armpit pimple, keeping the affected area clean and dry is essential. It would be best if you also avoided shaving or waxing until the infection goes away.

If the infection is more serious, you may need to use an antifungal or antibacterial cream prescribed by your doctor. In rare cases, the doctor may require oral antibiotics.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a disease that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or any irritant. It can be caused by anything from laundry detergent to underarm deodorant you have used for years. Reaction to the irritant usually appears in the form of a rash, bumps or hives on the skin of the underarms. 

If you have contact dermatitis, you will most likely notice:

  • redness;
  • dryness;
  • peeling;
  • swelling;
  • blisters;
  • hives.

The best way to get rid of armpit pimples caused by contact dermatitis is to identify the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. If you can not do this, try using hypoallergenic soaps and lotions. You can also take antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching, which is only temporary.

If the problem of breakouts under your arms persists for a long time, see your doctor. You may need a corticosteroid cream or oral steroids to eliminate zit on the armpit.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease affecting the sweat glands. The main symptom of this disease is armpit pimples, which can also appear in other places where there are sweat glands, such as the groin or buttocks.

This condition usually starts with small blackheads under the armpits. Over time, these bumps may enlarge and then become painful abscesses that ooze pus. If not appropriately treated, Hidradenitis suppurativa can lead to severe problems, including:

  • permanent scarring;
  • discomfort;
  • depression;
  • problems with daily activities.

If you suspect you have Hidradenitis suppurativa, do not mess around with it, and see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are necessary to prevent serious complications. 

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to treat the breakouts under the arms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected sweat glands.

Prevention Of Blackheads Under The Arms

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The best way to get rid of pimples under the armpits is to prevent their appearance. Please consider these tips beforehand, and then you will be fine. 

Here are some tips to help you get rid of blackheads under the armpits:

  • Wash your underarms regularly with mild soap and warm water. It will help remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can lead to pimples.
  • After a workout or excessive sweating, change into clean clothes as soon as possible. It will help prevent bacteria from breeding under your arms and on other parts of your body. Plus, you will feel much more comfortable in dry clothes.
  • If you shave your armpits, make sure you do it properly. Shave in the direction of hair growth and only use a sharp razor to avoid breakouts under the arms.
  • Choose an antiperspirant or deodorant that does not contain aluminium chloride, zinc oxide, or other irritants. They can cause clogging of pores; consequently, you will get a zit on the armpit.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibres such as cotton or linen. It will allow your skin to breathe and help prevent the growth of bacteria, whereas synthetics do not allow this.
  • If you have any medical conditions that can cause armpit pimples, treat them accordingly.

Care Of Zits On The Armpit

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If you still have blackheads under your armpits, do not despair. Fortunately, the problem is treatable, and we’ll look at some standard methods; as always (especially if you’ve already tried some of the prevention and treatment methods discussed), it is best to make an appointment with your primary care physician.

The attending dermatologist can pinpoint the cause of the bumps on your underarms and develop a treatment plan to suit your problem.

But here are some tips on how to get rid of breakouts under the arms: 

Hair Removal With Laser

Laser hair removal is a popular method of getting rid of armpit hair. It uses a light beam that targets hair follicles and stops their growth. The procedure is safe, fast and effective.

You can do it at your doctor’s office or a laser clinic. The number of sessions required depends on your skin type, hair colour and thickness.

How is it beneficial? You will stop growing hair, which means there is less risk of ingrown hairs and bumps on your underarms.

Exfoliation Of Dead Skin Cells

One of the causes of blackheads under the armpits is the accumulation of dead skin cells. Exfoliating can help remove these cells and prevent clogged pores.

You can use a washcloth, brush or loofah to exfoliate the skin in the shower. Gently rub your underarms in a circular motion for a minute or two. Do this once or twice a week.

You can also use over-the-counter exfoliants containing glycolic or salicylic acid.

Use Antibacterial Soaps

You must clean the area with antibacterial soap if you have zits on the armpit. It will help remove accumulations of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause pimples.

Use lukewarm water and rub the soap into your armpits for a minute or two. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry with a clean towel. Do this twice a day.

Apply A Warm Compress

A warm compress will help open your pores and draw out the grease and dirt. It will also help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Moisten a clean washcloth with warm water and apply it to your armpits for a few minutes. Do this several times a day until the blackheads under your armpits disappear. You can also take a warm bath or shower to open the pores under your arms.

Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat bumps on the underarms.

Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it with a cotton ball to your armpits. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once or twice a day for a week or two.

Bottom Line

You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your bath water and soak in it for 10 minutes to open all your pores.Armpit pimples are a common and often annoying problem. But with proper care and treatment, you can quickly resolve them. So if you’re dealing with armpit pimples, don’t despair! Just follow the tips above, and you’ll see them gone in no time.

FAQ

How To Get Rid Of Armpit Pimples?

You can do several things to get rid of armpit pimples, such as using a warm compress, using antibacterial soap or exfoliating dead skin cells. But it is better to see a doctor to find your best solution.

Is It Possible To Squeeze Out A Pimple Under My Armpit?

No, and we can say it is never a good idea to squeeze armpit pimples. It can lead to scarring, redness and even more inflammation. So don’t do it.

How Long Do Armpit Pimples Last?

Armpit pimples can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. They may take a little longer to resolve if they are particularly inflamed or painful. But with proper care and treatment, they should go away within a few days to a week.

How Will I Know If The Bump Under My Armpit Is Serious?

If you have a lump or bump under your armpit that is growing, is accompanied by pain or fever, or lasts longer than a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry.