Why do my underarms itch after shaving?

What causes itchy underarms after shaving?

Razor burn is one cause of underarm itching. Friction, sweat and contact with clothing can also irritate the area. Contact dermatitis means skin inflammation caused by something touching your skin, either through irritation or an allergic reaction. It can cause itching, burning, tenderness and dry or cracked skin, and the itch can start before a rash appears.13

Raised, itchy bumps can be ingrown hairs, where a hair grows back into the skin. Sometimes you can see the trapped hair. Coarse or curly hair makes ingrown hairs more likely. Bumps can look red on white skin; on brown or black skin, they can look a different colour from the surrounding skin.2

Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow. Shaving or rubbing clothing can damage follicles, which often become infected with bacteria. Itching with pimples or pus filled spots around hairs can fit this pattern. An infected ingrown hair can also become painful and contain pus, so appearance alone is not enough to identify the cause.24

How do you soothe itchy underarms?

1. 1Pause shaving until the itching goes away. Do not scratch, pick or squeeze ingrown hairs, because this can damage skin and cause infection.
2. 2Hold a cool, wet cloth against the skin to reduce irritation after shaving.
3. 3Wash your underarms daily and after sweating. If a product seems to trigger the reaction, rinse it off thoroughly with water and avoid applying it again.
4. 4Use a moisturizer to help irritated skin retain moisture and repair itself. Avoid clothing materials that irritate the area.
5. 5Ask a pharmacist about creams or lotions for itching if these steps are not enough. Treatment for an infection is different from treatment for irritation.

Can deodorant make underarm itching worse?

Yes. Deodorants and antiperspirants can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Fragrance is one possible trigger, and soaps or laundry detergents can also be responsible. Stop using a suspected product and try an unscented option. A product you have used for years can still become a problem: contact allergies can develop after long periods of use.135

An allergic contact rash often appears 24 to 48 hours after exposure, rather than immediately. Contact dermatitis usually clears within 2 to 3 weeks, but can return if the trigger remains. For repeated reactions, a clinician can use patch testing to help identify an allergen.5

How do you prevent irritation when shaving?

A shower softens skin and hair before shaving, so the razor does not need to treat the job as demolition.6

1. 1Wet the skin and hair, then apply shaving cream or gel. Choose a cream labelled for sensitive skin if your skin is very dry or sensitive.
2. 2Shave in the direction of hair growth, using as few strokes as possible. Rinse the blade after every stroke.
3. 3Use a sharp blade and replace it after 5 to 7 shaves.
4. 4If ingrown hairs keep returning, avoid daily shaving and leave at least 1 mm of stubble. An electric razor is another option.

Let your razor dry completely between uses and store it somewhere dry, rather than giving it a permanent address in the shower.6

When should you get medical help?

Get medical advice for very painful, hot or swollen skin, fever, a spreading rash or an underarm lump. Also seek help if itching worsens, disrupts sleep or does not settle with care. If folliculitis is suspected, contact a clinician when symptoms recur, worsen or last longer than 2 to 3 days.124