AN causes thicker, darker, often velvety patches of skin, typically in skin creases and folds.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
What Causes Dark Underarms?
They can be a sign of an underlying condition, or they can happen in otherwise healthy people.
AN without an underlying condition is more common in people with darker skin tones.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
The patches typically appear on the chest, upper back, neck, underarms, and upper arms.
On lighter skin, the patches tend to be pink, red, or pale brown.
On darker skin, the patches tend to be lighter in color than the surrounding skin.
Patches may join together to form larger areas, and can sometimes look scaly or feel itchy.
Tinea versicolor is treated with topical or oralantifungal medication.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis a skin condition that causes a scaly rash.
Seborrheic dermatitis can appear on the skin in several different ways and may look like another skin condition.
On lighter skin tones, it tends to be a red, raised rash.
Is Armpit Discoloration Worrisome?
It is important to know what is causing the hyperpigmentation.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any color or texture changes in your skin.
AN usually develops slowly over months or years.
A dermatologist can also diagnose AN or other causes of hyperpigmentation.
How to Treat Dark Underarms
Treatment for hyperpigmentation of the underarms depends on what is causing it.
AN can clear up once the underlying condition causing it is addressed.
you’re free to’t wash AN patches off, and scrubbing can make the area worse.
Acanthosis nigricans is a common cause ofdark patchesin the armpits.
Treating hyperpigmentation in the armpits involves addressing any potential underlying conditions.
This may cause the darkened patches to fade.
Your dermatologist may suggest other treatments, such as lightening creams orlaser treatment.
National Health Service.Acanthosis nigricans.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans: overview.
Nationwide Childrens Hospital.Acanthosis nigricans.
National Health Service.Pityriasis versicolor.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.
Australasian College of Dermatologists.Acanthosis nigricans.
Chroma Dermatology.Dark armpits: causes and treatments.
