Deodorant and antiperspirantallergies can cause an itchy rash.
However, sometimesallergic reactionscan occur.
Allergies that result from something that your skin comes in contact with are calledcontact dermatitis.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies deodorants as cosmetic agents.
They reduce bacterial growth and include fragrances to mask odors.
The FDA classifies antiperspirants as drugs; they usually contain aluminum.
Some products are considered both cosmetics and drugs.
Contact dermatitis is often limited to the area that the offending substance touched.
With deodorants and antiperspirants, that’s usually the armpit.
Symptoms may occur within minutes of applying the product or as long as hours later.
Sometimes the effects resolve quicklywithin an hour.
But they can last for days and might not clear up until you completely stop using the product.
How Can Deodorant Cause an Armpit Rash?
Several chemicals can contribute to contact dermatitis from deodorants and antiperspirants.
The most common trigger is fragrances.
The only FDA-approved patch testing system in the United States is the T.R.U.E.
Unfortunately, this test doesn’t reliably detect allergies to uncommon fragrances and propylene glycol.
These products reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.
Avoidance
To manage and prevent allergy symptoms, avoid the chemical that’s responsible for the reaction.
If you are allergic to something in deodorant or antiperspirant, avoid products that contain that chemical.
If it’s unclear which substance triggers your allergy, you may want to try hypoallergenic deodorant products.
Always check the label for potentially irritating ingredients.
Summary
Allergies to deodorants and antiperspirants are a form of contact dermatitis.
Often these allergies are sparked by fragrances, but other chemicals in the product can also cause them.
If you have a deodorant allergy, you may find that hypoallergenic or natural products keep you from reacting.
In the meantime, topical corticosteroids can also reduce redness and inflammation.
If your allergies persist, be sure to contact your healthcare provider or see a dermatologist.
They will rule out other potential causes and help you with a plan to manage symptoms and avoid triggers.
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American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.
Gabros S, Zito PM.Topical Corticosteroids.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Reeder MJ.Allergic contact dermatitis to fragrances.Dermatologic Clinics.
