Why you have dark underarms and how to get rid of it? Read on👇

So many people are often embarrassed at the sight of their dark underarms and because of this, they dare not lift their arm when they put on sleeveless clothes or some don't even try putting on sleeveless clothes.

Naturally, the colour of the underarms should be the same shade as other part of the body. But, it turns out to be dark from other parts. 

Darkening could result from a skin condition known as "Acanthosis nigricans" which causes the skin to thicken and darken in fold areas of the body such as, armpits (underarms), knees, elbows, back of the neck, groin, etc. This might even cause such areas to itch or have foul odour.

The likelihood for one to develop dark underarms often depends on factors as health, race and family history.

The colour of the skin is determined by pigment cells called "Melanocytes". When these Melanocytes multiply in number, it can result to the darkening of the skin or a particular area of the skin.

In a family where Acanthosis nigricans runs, one is likely to inherit it via a faulty gene. If you have any member of the family or close relative with this condition, you are likely to have dark patches on your skin.

Sometimes, irritation from repeated shaving might stimulate excess production of melanocytes resulting to Acanthosis nigricans. To avoid this, one need to lubricate such areas with shaving cream or other mild soaps before shaving. 

Other factors that can influence Acanthosis nigricans are:

1. Hormone Syndrome: Certain conditions that disrupt insulin level may eventually lead to acanthosis nigricans. Such conditions are: hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.

2. Obesity: Individuals with extra weight makes their body more resistant to the effects of insulin. When the insulin is not effective on regulating the blood sugar, it results to increased level of insulin in the blood, which will eventually lead to increased production of skin pigment cells (melanocytes).

3. Medication: Medications such as hormone growth, corticosteroids, eg. Prednisone, birth control pills, insulin, etc. results to increased level of insulin, which can cause the underarms to darken. 

GETTING RID OF DARK UNDERARMS 

There are several ways of treating dark underarms: Change of lifestyle, combination of medicines and home/natural remedies. 

Most oftentimes, treating the condition that actually caused the darkening will eventually make the dark part to fade. 

Change of Lifestyle

For individuals with extra weight (obesity), losing weight can be a great deal to fixing the problem of dark underarms. 

Should you suspect that your medications could be the cause of your dark underarms, talk to your doctor to see how you can switch to another one.

Combination of Medicines

You are not expected to take any kind of medication all because to get rid of your dark underarms. Only a dermatologist is allowed to prescribe what medication you need after observing your condition. 

Such popular medications include: 

* Retinoid creams or pills, which help lighten the affected areas of the skin. 

* Calcipotriene, which reduces the production of melanocytes. 

* Chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid, which helps to remove thicker and damaged skin to reveal new and smooth skin. 

Home/Natural Remedies 

You can get rid of dark underarms using just these two simple ingredients: Baking soda (Bicarbonate of soda) and Lime Orange

Procedure:

After shaving your underarms, pour a half tea spoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) into a container. Then, squeeze a little bit of the lime orange juice into the container and mix properly. Apply the mixture to your underarms and allow to stay for about 20 minutes, then, wash it off. Mind you, you are not expected to use roll-on or any other product after washing off. Do this application everyday for 2 to 3 weeks for positive result.

Shave your underarms on a weekly basis.

Note: If you have allergy to the above mentioned ingredients, do not try this remedy. Talk to your doctor about it.

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