ITCHY ARMPITS: CAUSES, RELIEF, AND WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Itchy armpits—they’re the pits. That urge to scratch your armpits can be super frustrating, but rest assured it’s a common irritation and there are things you can do to prevent it. It’s also got a fancy scientific name— ‘axilla’. This article will explore why armpits itch, armpit itch treatment, and how to prevent itchy armpits. So next time you get an annoying case of axilla, you’ll know exactly what to do.
WHY ARE MY ARMPITS ITCHY?
There are many possible reasons for an itchy armpit rash, ranging from everyday irritants to skin conditions. Below are a few of the most common causes.
Deodorant and antiperspirant irritation
Nobody wants to walk around with smelly armpits, so using deodorant and antiperspirant is something that millions of people do every single day. But while they might be good for banishing sweat and smells, they are often the culprit of deodorant rash and armpit itch too. This could either be because your skin is sensitive to one of the ingredients, or that you have an allergy to one of the ingredients—both cause irritation. Some of the common culprits for deodorant irritation include:
SHAVING AND RAZOR BURN
Unfortunately, shaving can be another thing that causes your armpits to itch. The goal is to be silky smooth—but sometimes an annoying itch rears its head instead. If you’re shaving your armpits, it’s good to be aware of the following conditions that could cause itchy armpits:
Razor burn looks like a blotchy red armpit rash and is a type of skin irritation that can occur if the blade you use is blunt, you shave too quickly, or you ‘dry’ shave without lotion or shaving cream.
Razor bumps, also referred to as pseudofolliculitis barbae, is a condition that you get from ingrowing hairs, another by-product of shaving where the new hair curls back into your skin as it regrows. Razor bumps look like small pimples and can also cause skin irritation.2
CONTACT DERMATITIS
Underarm skin is frequently in contact with the skin on the side of your body which can cause friction and chafing . When wearing clothes, the material is also pinched under your armpit which can be another cause of irritation— either from the type of fabric or from irritants on the fabric, such as laundry detergent, rubbing against your skin.1 Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, like Cortizone-10®, can help relieve itch caused by contact dermatitis. Check out our guide to dermatitis to find out more.
HEAT RASH
The armpits are nothing if not notorious for getting sweaty. Take one of the warmest areas of the body, coupled with the large concentration of sweat glands found in this area, and that’s a recipe for a warm, moist environment— the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to grow.1
Heat rash is caused when sweat glands get blocked and the trapped sweat leads to an armpit rash developing. It looks like small, raised spots, feels itchy or prickly, and may also include some swelling. It’s often red on white skin and or grey or white on brown or black skin.3
ARMPIT ECZEMA
Armpit eczema usually stems from contact dermatitis—when the skin is irritated by an irritant or allergen. Unlike other types of eczema, it’s not normally thought to be caused by a genetic component, so it isn’t usually classed as atopic dermatitis. Because the skin on the armpits is thinner, and often subject to a lot of friction, shaving, sweat, and chemicals from products like deodorants, it is vulnerable to skin irritation.4
OTHER CAUSES
Other conditions that could cause armpit itch include:
Fungal infection – Yeast, called candida, thrives in warm, moist environments and can build up in the armpit area causing a red, itchy armpit rash. It is normally treated with antifungal medicines.5
Folliculitis – This is a condition where a hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected. It looks a bit like acne and starts as small, red bumps. You might need to see a dermatologist for this condition.6
Intertrigo – This happens in skin folds where skin rubs together and the friction causes inflammation. It looks like a red, bumpy rash and is straightforward to treat.7
Psoriasis — This is a skin disease caused by an autoimmune reaction that causes skin cells to grow faster than usual.8 Learn more about psoriasis here.
Allergic reactions — Armpits can be subject to allergens from products like soaps and deodorants, as well as laundry detergents from clothes.1
ITCHY ARMPITS BUT NO RASH
Armpits itching, but there's no rash? There are a few reasons you might be experiencing this, including:
Dry skin – Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin, and if your armpits are particularly dry, this may be the source of itchy armpits. It might present as flaky or scaly, is more common in people over 60, and can be treated by avoiding harsh chemicals and applying moisturizer.
Nerve irritation – A neuropathic itch is one that causes itching or irritation to the skin without an underlying cause. This can be attributed to nerve damage in the area and could be caused by conditions such as stroke and diabetes.9
Mild allergic reaction – In the early stages of a reaction the skin may start to itch before a rash appears.10
Mild Irritant reaction – If you’ve come into contact with a new product that has irritated your skin, the itching may start before a visible reaction.10
Stress – Anxiety can cause itching without an underlying cause in some cases. This is called a psychogenic itch. People with underlying skin conditions may also experience flare ups due to increased stress.11
HOW TO PREVENT ITCHY ARMPITS
When you’re suffering from armpit itch, the first thing you need is underarm itch relief. Then the best thing to do is take steps to prevent your itchy armpits from reoccurring.
IMMEDIATE ITCH RELIEF
If you’re suffering from an itchy armpit rash you can try a cold compress to soother the area. Make sure to pat dry, rather than rubbing to avoid causing any more irritation. Although it can be difficult to avoid scratching, do your best to leave the itch alone as scratching often makes things worse.
When you need immediate relief, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone anti-itch cream. Cortizone-10® contains 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum strength available over the counter, to relieve itch due to minor irritations, inflammation, and rashes associated with eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, detergents, soaps, insect bites, poison ivy, and jewelry.
PREVENTION TIPS
If you’re not sure what’s causing your itchy armpits, chances are you’ll be able to work it out by the process of elimination. Here are a few simple things you can try to stop itchy armpits:
Maintain good personal hygiene – Take baths or showers every day and use soap and water to clean your underarms, especially after sweating.
Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated. You can also apply moisturizer directly to the skin.
Switch skincare products – Stop using harshly scented products or deodorants with ingredients that can cause itching. Natural, unscented, and hypoallergenic products tend to be more gentle.
Choose materials wisely – Avoid clothes in materials that could irritate skin, like wool. Choose fabrics like cotton which are more breathable or specially formulated clothes that wick moisture away from the body.
Pay attention when shaving – Make sure you use a sharp razor blade and apply a lotion or gel while shaving. You can also use gentle exfoliation to help prevent ingrown hairs from shaving.1
ANTI-ITCH CREAM FOR ARMPITS
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is the #1 doctor-recommended anti-itch ingredient. Cortizone-10® products contain the maximum strength available and are available in many different formats suitable for underarm use:
Maximum Strength Itch Relief Soothing Aloe Cream – A powerful anti-itch cream that contains aloe vera to help soothe skin.
Maximum Strength Easy-Relief No Mess Applicator – Fast itch relief, ideal for on-the-go application.
Maximum Strength Itch Relief Cooling Spray – Targeted relief to help stop itching and soothe skin.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR ITCHY ARMPITS
Many cases of itchy underarms can be resolved at-home with over-the-counter treatments and taking steps towards prevention. There are cases when you should seek support from your doctor, these include if:
Your symptoms get worse or don't resolve with at-home treatment
The rash spreads to other areas of your body
The itching is preventing you from sleeping
You have a lump in your armpit or swollen lymph nodes
You feel intense pain in your armpits or have a fever
You have a new skin growth or lesion in the area1
FAQS ABOUT ITCHY ARMPITS
CAN DEODORANT CAUSE ITCHY ARMPITS?
Deodorant can cause itchy underarms as it may include ingredients that irritate the skin, including aluminium, fragrances, lanolin, parabens and propylene glycol.1
HOW DO I STOP ITCHY ARMPITS?
You can use over-the-counter hydrocortisone products if you need relief from the symptoms of itchy armpits. Then you should try to prevent the itch returning through lifestyle changes such as using more natural skin care products, changing your shaving routine, or increasing personal hygiene.1
CAN SHAVING CAUSE ITCHY ARMPITS?
Shaving can cause itchy underarms by causing razor burn or razor bumps. This often happens when dry shaving, or a blunt razor, is used.1
IS ITCHY ARMPITS A SIGN OF SOMETHING SERIOUS?
Often, itchy armpits can be resolved easily. But sometimes there is a more serious underlying cause. If your symptoms don’t resolve, you find a lump in your armpit, you have severe pain, or you get a fever, contact your doctor.1
WHAT CREAM IS EFFECTIVE FOR ITCHY ARMPITS?
Doctors recommend hydrocortisone anti-itch cream for armpits. Cortizone-10® products contain 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum over-the-counter strength available.
HOW TO TREAT AN ARMPIT RASH?
A rash under the armpit can usually be treated with over-the-counter medicines and taking steps to prevent the cause of the rash.1
CAN STRESS CAUSE ITCHY ARMPITS?
Stress can trigger existing underlying skin conditions. Sometimes anxiety can also cause itching without any underlying issues.11
Note: Use all products only as directed. Cortizone-10® is indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, oak, sumac, insect bites, detergents, jewelry, cosmetics, soaps, seborrheic dermatitis. For questions about your specific situation, talk to your healthcare provider for further advice.
SOURCES:
- Cleveland Clinic. Itchy Armpits (Symptom). Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 23 Oct 2022 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24327-itchy-armpits
- Cleveland Clinic. Razor Burn. Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 30 Jul 2022 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23583-razor-burn
- NHS. Heat rash (prickly heat). NHS UK; Last reviewed 09 May 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-rash-prickly-heat
- Pai D. Eczema in the Armpit: Causes and Treatments. HealthCentral; Updated 26 Aug 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/eczema/eczema-in-armpit
- Cleveland Clinic. Armpit Yeast Infection. Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 29 Apr 2022 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22908-armpit-yeast-infection
- Cleveland Clinic. Folliculitis. Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 01 Oct 2021 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis
- Cleveland Clinic. Intertrigo. Cleveland Clinic Health Library; Last updated 05 Oct 2023 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21693-intertrigo
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Psoriasis: symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic; Updated 2026 [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases‑conditions/psoriasis/symptoms‑causes/syc‑20355840
- Nall R, Ramachandran S, Patel P. Causes of itchy skin without a rash. Medical News Today; Updated 11 Apr 2025 [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325706
- WebMD. Facial eczema and skin care tips. WebMD; Medically reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on 26 Jun 2025 [cited 2026 Feb 26]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-face-manage
- Johnson J. Anxiety and Itching: Why It Happens and What to Do. Medical News Today; Updated 5 Sep 2025 [cited 2026 Feb 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-itching
