Underarms:
Everyone has 'em, but nobody really likes to talk about 'em. Why not?
Talking brings you knowledge, and knowledge is power, so let's discuss
some of the common questions you have about your armpits. Here, four doctors have lots to say.
[post_ads_2]1. Why do we sweat?
First off, there actually two different kinds of sweat glands that produce two different kinds of sweat, says Kenneth Howe, M.D. at Wexler Dermatology.
"Most of the sweat glands on our skin are eccrine glands, which control
our temperature and are present all over our body," Howe explains.
"They produce a watery, odorless perspiration that evaporates on the
surface of our skin, cooling our body when it's hot."
The
other type of sweat glands are the apocrine glands, and its purpose is a
little less clear. "Most scientists feel that the purpose of apocrine
sweat is to act as a pheromone — that is, the smell they give off can
act as a sexual attractant, territorial marker, or warning signal." Who
knew your sweat was so smart?
2. How do I know if I'm sweating too much?
If
your sweating is interfering with your quality of life, you're not
alone: Howe notes that almost 3% of the U.S. population suffers from
excessive perspiration, with "half of those cases affected in the
armpits." Yikes! While many of those cases are idiopathic — there isn't
an underlying medical cause — he says it can be hereditary, too.
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Howe explains that this condition, known as axillary hyperhidrosis, is diagnosed when excessive, visible sweating
has been going on for at least 6 months without an apparent cause, as
well as the presence of at least two of the following characteristics:
- Sweating affects both underarms equally.
- Sweating impairs daily activities.
- At least one episode occurs per week.
- The excessive sweating begins before age 25.
- A family history of the problem exists.
- The perspiration stops during sleep.
If
two of more of these symptoms are applicable to you, and your sweating
is impeding your life, talk to your doctor for potential solutions.
As
for odor: Your body is not totally odorless — a little scent is
perfectly natural. But if you're starting to feel like your personal,
ahem, fragrance is scaring people away, talk to your doctor about
potential solutions.
3. Okay, but how can I stop sweating?
First, try conservative treatments like deodorants and antiperspirants.
"When over-the-counter antiperspirants are not enough, a doctor can
prescribe a stronger one like Drysol," says Howe. "This product contains
a higher concentration of aluminum chloride, making it more effective
than over-the-counter picks — but it can also be much more irritating."
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If those
aren't effective enough, there are more drastic alternatives. "Some
patients require oral medications such as anticholinergic drugs, but
these have side effects like dry mouth and blurry vision," explains New
York City dermatologist and RealSelf contributor Michele Green, M.D..
Iontophoresis machines, medical devices which use electric currents to
curb sweating, have also been utilized but need to be repeated daily or
weekly.
For
folks who aren't afraid of needles, there's Botox, which is now
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of
excessive sweating. "Botox injections are used to disable the sweat
glands by blocking the release of acetylcholine, shutting down the sweat
process in any site that is injected," explains Green. The effects can
last from 6 to 12 months, depending where it's injected.
Another
new treatment: miraDry, a procedure done at a doctor's office that
takes about an hour. "MiraDry uses microwaves to treat the sweat glands
of the armpit," says Howe. Local anesthesia is usually injected into the
area prior to treatment, but there can be swelling or tenderness in the
area afterward.
Other
patients seek more natural solutions to their sweating, such as
chamomile, valerian root, sage root, St. John's Wort, acupuncture, or
relaxation treatments. Talk to your doctor to determine the best route
for you.
4. Why is the skin on my underarms dark?
If
you've noticed your underarm skin is a bit darker than the surrounding
areas, you could be affected by acanthosis nigricans. "This condition
can cause darkening in the body, including the underarms," explains San
Diego dermatologic surgeon and RealSelf contributor Sabrina Fabi, M.D.. "It causes a thickening of skin, which makes the skin look darker, but it's not necessarily because the skin cells are
darker." This is typically seen in patients who are overweight or
pre-diabetic due to an increased presence of a hormone called insulin,
which also stimulates the growth of skin cells. If you're experiencing
underarm darkening and you're not overweight, Fabi adds that it can also
be genetic and seen in patients who are totally within their ideal body
weight.
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Other possible
causes for underarm darkening: Eczema, obesity, fungal infections,
hormones, and certain medications can be to blame, says Green.
"Excessive exposure to UV light can encourage melanocyte cells to
produce the melanin that makes your skin darken, too," she adds.
5. Why do we have underarm hair?
It
does have a purpose! "Underarm hair reduces friction between the upper
and lower arm during vigorous labor or motion, covers exposed parts of
the body with vital arteries, and facilitates the release of sex
pheromones," explains Marta Camkiran, esthetician at Haven Spa.
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6. So...do I need to shave it?
Nope. "There is no medical necessity to shave your underarms,"
says Green. If you choose to shave 'em, that's totally fine, but don't
let anyone tell you that it's unhealthy or unclean to let that hair
grow.
"There's this
false association that hairlessness equals cleanliness, but that's not
actually true as long as you're clean," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D.. "Men wear deodorant, have underarm hair, and don't smell — there's no biological reason women can't do the same." Simple as that.
7. Is it okay to share razors?
If you do
opt to shave, there are some big no-nos you need to keep in mind. First
of all, never share razors with other people. Not even if you forgot
yours, not even if you two are best friends, not even if it's just
once. "It's bad enough that your personal blade is harboring your own
dead skin cells and bacteria — why introduce someone else's sloppy
seconds as a risk factor for infection?" says Shereene Idriss, M.D., of Wexler Dermatology.
[post_ads_2]8. Why do I have a rash on my armpits?
Speaking
of shaving, those little bumps under your arms could be caused by some
bad razor behavior. First, make sure to change your blades regularly.
"Old blades can harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin infections or
folliculitis," warns Idriss. Dry shaving is another underarm "don't," as
it can cause superficial nicks, cuts, and irritation (a.k.a. razor
burn). Be sure to clean the blade between passes, too, to ensure it's
nice and clear — not clogged with skin cells, hair, shaving mousse, and
so on. The cleaner the blade, the slower it will get dull.
On
top of your basic shaving mistakes, there could be more sinister causes
for your rash. Green cites dermatitis, psoriasis, intertigo,
candidasis, and folliculities as potential culprits — you could even be
allergic to your deodorant or soap. Talk to your doctor if you have a
rash that just isn't going away.
9. I found a lump but it's in my armpit, not my breast. Should I talk to a doctor?
Yes.
"Among the laundry list of things it can be, a lump in your underarm
can be as benign as a cyst, to a red flag for infections, or
cancer presenting itself as an enlarged lymph node," warns Dr. Indriss.
Better safe than sorry — get checked ASAP!
