The skin under your arms is a very sensitive area, but it is easy to ignore. However, some underarm signs can sometimes reflect abnormalities in your health.
1. Armpits smell
Underarm odor is quite normal because bacteria often accumulate and grow in places where there is a lot of sweat like the armpits. One of the effective, easy ways to improve this problem is to take a clean shower and use a deodorant roller. However, if the underarms have a strong and persistent odor, this is a warning sign of your health problem.
If the underarm odor doesn’t go away even after you’ve showered, it’s a sign of a hormonal disorder and a thyroid disorder. If the skin under your arms smells like spoiled fruit or nail polish, it could be a sign that your liver has lost its ability to metabolize sugar in the body.
2. Itchy armpits
Itchy underarms after shaving or waxing is normal due to the growth of new hairs. However, if this itch persists for a while, there is a good chance that your health is in trouble!
This severe irritation can be caused by razors, clothing fabrics, or deodorants. If the itching is accompanied by redness and dead skin, you may have a fungal skin infection and need to see a doctor for prompt treatment.
3. Red rash
The wet and closed armpit area is an easy environment for harmful yeast to grow and you need to see a doctor to find out if you have a fungus or not. Therefore, if you experience any signs under your arms such as itching, redness or a rash, see your doctor immediately. This skin reaction can also be caused by friction from clothing, climate or allergies.
4. Pain under the armpit
Pain under the arm can be caused by heavy physical activity such as exercising or lifting heavy objects. In these cases, the pain is temporary and will go away soon.
However, if the pain under your arm persists for a few days, you should consult your doctor. Although rare, this pain may reflect the formation of tumors in the lymph nodes.
5. Pits or tumors
Lymph nodes located in the armpit are completely invisible. However, lumps or swelling in the armpits may reflect that the lymph nodes are fighting bacterial infections in the body.
It is best to consult a doctor if the skin inflammation in the armpit area does not go away on its own within a week. Lymph nodes may reflect a serious infection under the armpit area and even cancer.
6. Sweaty armpits
It’s completely normal to sweat a lot during exercise. However, if you’re sitting still, just walking or sleeping, sweating underarms is a noticeable sign.
Hyperhidrosis can signal a hormone imbalance, a symptom of perimenopause. Moreover, excessive sweating in the underarm area is also one of the signs of diabetes and gout.
To protect your health and prevent some diseases, you should clean regularly and keep your underarms clean. If you notice any unusual signs under your arm, go to the doctor immediately to detect the disease in time.