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What Is a Deodorant Rash?

C. Mitchell
C. Mitchell

A deodorant rash is a red, often itchy inflammation of the skin that occurs at the site of deodorant application. The vast majority of deodorant rashes are caused by skin sensitivity and allergic reactions. Friction and medical conditions like blocked sweat ducts can also contribute to rashes. People who sufferer from frequent or recurring armpit rashes often switch to all natural or hypoallergenic products, though rashes that do not disappear with time or new products must usually be treated by a medical doctor.

Deodorants are products designed to mask the smell of body odor emanating from the armpits. They are frequently combined with antiperspirants, which actually stop the flow of sweat in the first place. Both deodorants and antiperspirants contain a number of chemical compounds. They often contain fragrances, as well. Perfumes and chemical additives are the main culprits of a deodorant rash, particularly in people with sensitive skin.

An allergic reaction to a deodorant may cause a rash.
An allergic reaction to a deodorant may cause a rash.

Nearly all deodorant products on the market have undergone intensive testing to ensure that they are safe for contact with human skin. These tests usually only consider normal, healthy individuals, however. Sensitive skin and dry skin are not always taken into account.

Individuals with sensitive skin often find that they react negatively to one or more of the ingredients in their deodorant. More often than not, this sensitivity manifests itself as a rash. Switching to a product specially manufactured for sensitive skin often clears up the problem.

Friction or problems with the sweat ducts can contribute to underarm rashes.
Friction or problems with the sweat ducts can contribute to underarm rashes.

Allergies may also be at the root of a deodorant reaction. With allergies, the skin reacts not because it is irritated, but because its histamine triggers have been set off by some ingredient or additive in the deodorant. Histamines are part of the body’s immune response to foreign substances. People with allergies suffer from histamine firings when exposed to one or more generally harmless substances.

A deodorant rash is common when deodorant is applied right after shaving the armpits.
A deodorant rash is common when deodorant is applied right after shaving the armpits.

Treating an allergy-induced deodorant rash is very similar to treating one caused by skin sensitivity. Most of the time, finding a new deodorant — one that does not contain the allergen — is the best bet. Hypoallergenic deodorants will usually do the trick, though the only sure way for a person to discover the root cause of allergies is to visit an allergy specialist.

A deodorant rash can sometimes be attributed to over-sweating.
A deodorant rash can sometimes be attributed to over-sweating.

A rash can also be caused by application of deodorant to broken skin. This most commonly occurs when people apply deodorant immediately after shaving their armpits, particularly if that shaving in any way nicked the skin. In this case, the rash is caused because the deodorant’s ingredients have penetrated into the body, resulting in irritation. These breakouts can generally be cleared up using a topical anti-itch or rash treatment cream, and the sufferer does not usually need to switch deodorants.

Deodorants are designed to mask the smell of body odor emanating from the armpits.
Deodorants are designed to mask the smell of body odor emanating from the armpits.

In rarer cases, a deodorant rash can be attributed to over-sweating, which can cause friction, or under-sweating, which can cause a heat rash. Both of these are sweat gland problems that are biologically based. Deodorant application exacerbates the rash but is not usually the actual cause of it.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I recently developed a deodorant rash. I had never experienced something like this before but my deodorant was the first thing I suspected because I had just switched to a new brand. I've switched back to my old brand and the rash hasn't occurred again. I guess I'm allergic to something in that particular deodorant. It's probably the fragrance but who knows.

serenesurface

@ddljohn-- I'm not a doctor and I think it's time for you to see a dermatologist about this if you haven't done so yet.

I'm inclined to think that you either have a skin yeast or bacterial infection causing the rash, or you are experiencing an allergic reaction to sweat. None of these are rare but you need to see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Do you get the rash anywhere aside from your armpits? Such as in the groin area? If you do, this is a sign of a sweat rash (miliaria). This often happens in hot weather when someone remains with sweat on their skin for a long time. The treatment is taking frequent showers and using corticosteroid ointments as necessary.

If you don't have the rash anywhere else, but if it is persistent despite changes in body wash, soap and deodorant, it could be a yeast infection or a bacterial infection. If so, you will need medicated ointments such as anti-fungal creams or antibacterial creams.

There are many possible causes of an armpit rash. A deodorant rash is common but other rashes can look very similar. So see a dermatologist and let the doctor diagnose the rash.

ddljohn

I frequently suffer from a deodorant rash. I have switched to an organic deodorant with all natural ingredients but the results have not changed. I still get the rash from time to time. It's a red, itchy rash with bumps. What could I be doing wrong? Has anyone else experienced this?

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    • An allergic reaction to a deodorant may cause a rash.
      By: karam miri
      An allergic reaction to a deodorant may cause a rash.
    • Friction or problems with the sweat ducts can contribute to underarm rashes.
      By: Dmitry Vereshchagin
      Friction or problems with the sweat ducts can contribute to underarm rashes.
    • A deodorant rash is common when deodorant is applied right after shaving the armpits.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A deodorant rash is common when deodorant is applied right after shaving the armpits.
    • A deodorant rash can sometimes be attributed to over-sweating.
      By: stokkete
      A deodorant rash can sometimes be attributed to over-sweating.
    • Deodorants are designed to mask the smell of body odor emanating from the armpits.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Deodorants are designed to mask the smell of body odor emanating from the armpits.
    • Perfumes and chemicals that are added to deodorants often trigger rashes in people with sensitive skin.
      By: studiovespa
      Perfumes and chemicals that are added to deodorants often trigger rashes in people with sensitive skin.
    • Blocked sweat ducts may lead to the development of a deodorant rash.
      By: adam88xx
      Blocked sweat ducts may lead to the development of a deodorant rash.
    • Baking soda may be used as a natural deodorant for individuals with sensitive skin.
      By: florinoprea
      Baking soda may be used as a natural deodorant for individuals with sensitive skin.