Underarms that are black can make a person feel insecure. Especially if the armpits suddenly turn black, even though they weren't before.
Surely you are wondering why this could be. To find out, here are some of the causes of black armpits launched by Rompers:
"You're more likely to experience it because the armpits are part of the folds of the body that can get irritated easily," explains Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD.
"The darker a person's skin type, the easier it is for mild irritation to leave discolored afterward," continues Friedman.
This irritation-induced darkening is called post-inflammatory pigment change, and it is very common. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology estimates the condition affects 45 to 83 percent of people.
Skin discoloration due to hormonal imbalance is called melasma, and it occurs when melanocytes (which are cells that cause skin pigmentation) are stimulated by abnormal levels of progesterone and estrogen which cause increased pigment in various parts of the body.
"The good news is treatment-induced discoloration is unlikely to be dangerous. Dark underarms are only harmful when they are associated with an underlying and untreated medical problem," explains Friedman.
Surely you are wondering why this could be. To find out, here are some of the causes of black armpits launched by Rompers:
1. Mistakes in using deodorants
Some types of deodorants can irritate the skin. So that irritation can cause a rash that eventually turns the skin black."You're more likely to experience it because the armpits are part of the folds of the body that can get irritated easily," explains Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD.
"The darker a person's skin type, the easier it is for mild irritation to leave discolored afterward," continues Friedman.
This irritation-induced darkening is called post-inflammatory pigment change, and it is very common. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology estimates the condition affects 45 to 83 percent of people.
2. Experiencing hormonal disorders
Hormonal changes can affect the skin, and it turns out that an imbalance in hormone production can cause skin discoloration.Skin discoloration due to hormonal imbalance is called melasma, and it occurs when melanocytes (which are cells that cause skin pigmentation) are stimulated by abnormal levels of progesterone and estrogen which cause increased pigment in various parts of the body.
3. Drug side effects
Friedman says there are many drugs known to cause underarm darkening. Such as nicotinic acid, insulin, pituitary extract, systemic corticosteroids, and diethylstilbestrol."The good news is treatment-induced discoloration is unlikely to be dangerous. Dark underarms are only harmful when they are associated with an underlying and untreated medical problem," explains Friedman.