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Underarm Discoloration

Underarm discoloration is an embarrassing skin issue that can
cause anyone to be afraid of wearing sleeveless tops, bathing
suits or other articles of clothing that expose this area.
Many people, especially women, are so ashamed of their
condition that they refuse to do any activity that causes
them to lift up their arms. But there are ways to treat
underarm discoloration so you?ll never have to avoid waving
or slapping somebody a high-five.

Underarm discoloration can be caused by a number of factors:
irritation from ingredients in the type of deodorant or
antiperspirant you use, existing skin conditions like eczema,
or skin friction that can occur from certain activities like
shaving. While women of African and Hispanic descent are the
most likely to suffer from this issue, just about anyone
regardless of ethnicity can be a target for underarm
discoloration. The underarm area is one that isn?t exposed
to the sun on a daily basis like the rest of the body. This
could be a contributing factor to why that particular area
of skin is the most common for discoloration.

If you have sensitive skin, be careful with the methods of
treatment you use to get rid of your underarm discoloration.
Within the past few years, there have been numerous skin care
products available on the market that claim to balance skin
tone and correct discoloration. Special antiperspirants and
deodorant have also been designed to keep your underarms
fresh without causing further discoloration to the area. Some
even use ingredients that can brighten up the underarm area
such as kojic dipalmitate and aluminum zirconium tetra
chlorohydrex glycine. Talk to your doctor beforehand to make
sure you choose a product that contains the right ingredients
for your skin type.

Skin bleaching and other skin lightening treatments are also
popular methods for underarm discoloration. Bleaching and
lightening products are available over-the-counter or
prescribed by your doctor. By blocking the melanin
responsible for the dark pigments, bleaching products
gradually lighten and brighten the area. It can take weeks
and even as long as a year to see visible results when using
these kinds of products so if you plan on going down this
route don?t expect overnight results. Sometimes the degree
of discoloration can prevent bleaching and lightening agents
from working. Genetics can also play a part in the cause of
underarm discoloration. In these instances, seeking treatment
from a doctor or dermatologist may be the best way to find a
solution.

More extreme methods include the use of chemical peels using
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs).
Doing a chemical peel on the underarm area literally peels
away the layers of dark skin, revealing brighter and newer
skin cells. Because AHAs and BHAs are very potent, this
treatment should only be performed by a licensed esthetician.


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