What is the cause of my dark underarms?

by Liz
(Australia)

Dear Maria, I'm Asian, 19 and have had dark underarms since I was in primary school. I have never shaved, waxed or used deodorants, though I occasionally pluck from time to time. I've always been a bit chubby but never overweight.

I've researched a lot on the internet about the possible causes and found acanthosis nigricans and hyper-pigmentations to be the most probable causes in my case. However I am leaning towards the first as it is related to weight and I think my neck area was somewhat darker when I was younger (but it's gone now).

Do you think you can help me figure out what has caused this? And recommend the right treatment? Thank you so much in advance.

Answer:

Hi Liz, you can disregard Acanthosis Nigricans as a probable cause for your dark underarms, because it is manifested by dark underarms, sides and back of neck, and groin. It is caused by obesity and reaction to certain medications such as oral contraceptives, niacinamide, corticosteroids, or endocrine abnormalities.

If it is just dark underarms, it is not an uncommon problem because friction is mainly the cause of skin darkening - rubbing against surrounding skin and clothing we wear. Since you mentioned you're a bit chubby, this increased presence of extra skin can also contribute to added friction on the underarms.

Try the Diana Stalder Whitening Cream and apply daily at bedtime.

Dark underarms are a little difficult to treat because these are constantly exposed to friction. When skin starts to peel, it is actually more prone to skin darkening when again exposed to friction. Try to wear loose clothing during the process, and apply whitening cream at bedtime when skin is at rest.

Maria