Skip to content
February 28, 2020Advice
Treating Underarm Pigmentation
Are you somebody that dreads wearing a sleeveless shirt, because you’re underarms are several shades darker than the rest of your body? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Many people suffer from dark underarms for a number of reasons. The appearance of dark underarms can be embarrassing at times and could also affect your self-confidence. We forget about taking care of our underarm skin. But this area can suffer from numerous problems such as pigmentation, ingrown hair, pimples, rashes, and rough bumpy skin.
Your underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your skin. But sometimes, the skin under the arms can turn darker. The medical reason behind this is the fast multiplication of pigment cells. Medically, this condition is known as Acanthosis Nigricans.
The causes of dark underarms – the science behind it.
- Obesity
Carrying extra weight makes your body more resistant to the effects of insulin. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar. High levels of insulin in your blood can lead to increased production of skin pigment cells.
More than
- Type 2 diabetes
Obesity is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a disease of high blood sugar.
People who develop type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of Acanthosis Nigricans.
- Hormone syndromes
This includes:
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cushing syndrome
- acromegaly
- hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland
This includes:
- insulin
- corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- human growth hormone
- birth control pills
When acanthosis nigricans is caused by cancer, it’s called malignant acanthosis nigricans. You’ll likely see dark patches around your mouth.
- acromegaly
- hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland
- Medication
This includes:
- insulin
- corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- human growth hormone
- birth control pills
- Cancer
When acanthosis nigricans is caused by cancer, it’s called malignant acanthosis nigricans. You’ll likely see dark patches around your mouth.
-
Genetics
Acanthosis Nigricans appears to run through families so you can become its victim genetically.
The treatment
Treating the medical condition that caused your dark underarms will often fix the issue. A combination of treatment products and procedures home could help lighten the color.Retinol is considered the first-line treatment for acanthosis nigricans. When used regularly, it can help thin and lighten the skin in affected areas.
Chemical Exfoliators help to remove the thicker, damaged skin to reveal new, smooth skin.
Dermal Health Science recommends DermExcel Retinol serum, and DermExcel Chemical peel spray.