Embarrasing Body Acne

Hm, I'm not a doctor so take this with a grain of salt. However, you may want to apply some grapeseed oil to your arm pits after you're done shaving (this can be found in organic markets). If it persists afterwards, the dermotolgist may hbe your best bet.

If anything, it could also be your diet or environment as well. Have you been eating foods that don't agree with your body? Has your consumption of fats, salts, sugars gone up or done? Has your environment changed dramatically? All something to consider, in my opinion. less

Thinking about posting this thread also made me think that we should have a general health forum too...

Anyway, a few weeks ago, my armpits started getting itchy. Like the skin was dry/irritated. I tried to keep them moisturized and I use hypo-allergenic deodorant to avoid problems.

Well, now I seem to have either some severely irritated razor bumps or acne blooming all over my under arms. It's really gross and really embarrassing. I'm afraid to lift my arms when wearing a short sleeve shirt and I won't even consider wearing a tank top or spaghetti strap until this is cleared up.

I've tried not shaving the area for days at a time to see if it clears up, tried scrubbing it, tried popping and draining them (and they are super gross looking). I've also tried cleaning them with various things like witch hazel, peroxide, astringent, antiseptic, hand sanitizer (yes, don't judge me... desperate times...). I've also tried to use acne vanishing creams on them.

Nothing at all seems to be helping. I'd really like to get something done about this because it's embarrassing and painful. I can only wear certain bras with this breakout because most of my bras will rub against the bumps and further irritate them.

Does anyone have any advice for treating this at home? Though, if it goes on any longer, I think I will make an appointment with a dermatologist. less

Make sure that you are not having a reaction to the deoderant you are using. A lot of times whenn you shave, and then put deoderant on immediately after, a severe allergic reaction can occur. If it does not clear up I certainly go see a dermatologist. less

I'm not a dermatologist, but I think you're treating the area with too many products that are likely causing further irritation.

I would use a simple cleanser twice daily to clean the area. You can use a facial wash that specifically states that it is mild and gentle. Then if you want, you could apply a topical steroid cream to help with the inflammation. Many of the items you listed are drying agents which are further traumatizing the skin.

The location is unusual for a generalized allergy and makes me suspicious that either it's secondary to shaving or possibly a local reaction to a deodorant or other product you apply to your underarms. It would be unusual to develop an allergy to a product you've previously used, but it's still possible. Definitely consult with a dermatologist if it either doesn't improve in a few days or gets worse. less