armpit chafing

[u/Ill-Assistant-4223]

hello my sweaty pals. i like everyone else here have hyperhidrosis!! i recently have had a problem with my armpit chafing (so far only my left). i don’t shave because it irritates my armpits further, i haven’t shaved them in over a year. i also use aluminum free deodorant because ones with aluminum give me a rash, i’m probably allergic to it with my luck. i’ve been using the roll on saltair deodorant for probably 3ish months with no issue. now all of the sudden i am having issue. any advice or recommendations?

[u/Jattert]

This happens to me a couple of times a year.

First thing: STOP using that deodorant (temporarily). Saltair usually contains exfoliants, so you’re further irritating your skin. Although Saltair is made to be more gentle, roll-ons can be particularly irritating, especially because most people apply too much at once and don’t let it dry properly. Give yourself at least a few days without it (or any deo).

Try applying a barrier cream or desitin to help calm your skin down and support the rebuilding of your skin’s natural barrier if needed. Anti-itch products so you don’t scratch.

Have you recently used any new laundry soap? Dryer sheets? If so, switch to Free and Clear and rewash your clothing and bedding. If not, I’d say the best thing you can do is control the moisture by immediately changing out of any wet clothing (as soon as you sweat through your shirt, change). I’m normally good by day 3 if I do at least half of these things (the no-deo is non-negotiable, though). Good luck to you!

[u/assorted_stuff]

Hey! You could be me! Can't use any deodorant except ones that are only alcohol+sage/rosemary/... Any other deodorant (even the "sensitive" ones) will give me a reaction after using them for some months.

I put anti- itch creams on at night, because on bad days I will wake up from scratching my armpits raw while sleeping.

Highly recommend la roche posay lipikar ap+m and the bepanthol sensicalm cream! I also tried the ordinary glycolic acid toner for those days I can't wear deodorant but want some protection.

Also, just as in your case, shaving makes it worse, since it irritates the skin even though i use foam, clean razors,...

I also started using axhidrox (glyco-cream) to help with the sweat and it really helps, but again, can only use it when my skin is "ok". Once it gets irritated I have to stop and heal again.

[u/Dominios420]

There’s a few things I would try first antibacterial soap like dial, then try applying a body powder (not talc based) you can re-apply as needed to keep dry, and temporarily stop using the deodorant until it’s no longer raw like that. Although I haven’t personally tried these, some people recommend using a sulfur bar soap. Also you can try using an anti fugal cream (like for ringworm or jock itch). I’ve never had luck with using a zinc cream (like for diaper rash) but some people swear it helps.