Generally, small bumps that resemble pimples in the armpits are caused by a buildup of oil and bacteria or the presence of hair growing into the skin. In some cases, the lump is a cyst or even a form of skin cancer! To get rid of it, make sure you always maintain personal hygiene, use proper shaving technique, and apply topical medications if necessary. If the lump is severe enough, don't hesitate to see a doctor!
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Method 1 of 4: Keeping Yourself Clean
Step 1. Clean the underarm skin regularly
In some cases, underarm skin can break out due to the buildup of oil and bacteria in the area. Therefore, clean the armpits at least once a day. If you sweat a lot, increase the frequency of cleaning your armpits to prevent the risk of acne formation!
Also, make sure you always clean your underarms after exercising to remove any oil and bacteria that remain on the skin's surface
Step 2. Put on a natural deodorant
Some deodorant products can irritate the underarm skin and clog pores. Therefore, try to always use a deodorant that is fragrance-free and contains hypoallergenic ingredients to reduce the risk of acne formation. If you want, you can also buy a deodorant that doesn't contain aluminum.
Step 3. Wear clothes that have good fibers and allow the skin to breathe
In fact, acne can also arise from wearing clothes that are too tight, especially because sweat trapped under clothing can trigger the growth of bacteria on the skin. If you have a pimple-like bump on your armpit, try to always wear cotton clothes so your underarm skin can breathe well and stay dry throughout the day.
Method 2 of 4: Shaving Armpit Hair Properly
Step 1. Apply warm salt water to the underarms before shaving
To reduce irritation from shaving, apply a mixture of warm water and salt to the underarm skin beforehand. First of all, mix tsp. salt with 250 ml of warm water, then stir until all the salt is dissolved. After that, dip a cotton swab or cotton swab into the salt water solution, and immediately apply it to the armpits. Leave it for 10 minutes.
This method can soften the texture of the underarm hair and reduce the chances of skin irritation or breakouts after shaving
Step 2. Use a special cream to shave as much as possible
To reduce the possibility of irritation, use as much cream as possible when shaving. In other words, never dry your armpits! This action is at risk of making the armpit skin irritated, red, and have bumps that resemble pimples.
Step 3. Shave the armpits in the direction of hair growth
So that the skin does not become irritated and form pimples, make sure you always shave your armpits in the direction of hair growth. Most likely, this method will be difficult to do because there are some areas in the armpit that are difficult to see by the eye. In addition, not all hair grows in the same direction. Alternatively, try shaving in a T-like motion:
Start shaving from the top to the bottom of the armpit in a vertical motion. After that, continue the process of shaving from the left to the right with a horizontal motion
Step 4. Change razors regularly
Make sure you always use a clean, sharp razor to shave! Dull blades need to be pressed harder against the skin for maximum results. As a result, the skin is prone to irritation because of it. In general, it is recommended that you change your razor every two weeks.
- If the irritation does not subside, stop shaving and see a doctor immediately.
- If your armpits are prone to breakouts, try to always shave with a disposable razor.
Step 5. Try the laser hair removal method
If acne on the armpits appears due to the wrong way of shaving, you should try another, safer method to remove armpit hair. For example, you can try the laser method to relieve skin irritation and remove ingrown hairs from shaving. However, always remember that you need to spend quite a lot of money and spend a long time to get maximum results.
- Generally, one laser therapy session lasts for 10 minutes, and each person has to do more than 10 treatments to get permanent results.
- Although the prices offered by each clinic vary, on average you need to spend 500 thousand or more for one therapy session.
Method 3 of 4: Using Over-the-counter Topical Medicine
Step 1. Apply aloe vera gel
Pimples that grow in the armpits are prone to irritation and swelling. To soothe your skin and treat acne, try applying aloe vera gel to the affected area.
Step 2. Make an exfoliant from baking soda
Besides being able to treat acne on the body, baking soda is useful for exfoliating the underarm skin and making it feel softer, cleaner, and smoother. To make it, mix 2 tbsp. baking soda with enough water. Then, mix well until the texture resembles a paste and add a measure of water if necessary. Apply the exfoliant to the underarm skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. After that, rinse the underarm skin with warm water until clean.
Don't use an exfoliant from baking soda more than twice a week
Step 3. Treat acne on the armpits with a mixture of honey and turmeric
The combination of natural honey and turmeric is very effective for treating acne, you know! In particular, turmeric is effective in controlling sebum production, while honey is beneficial for moisturizing the skin. To make it, mix 1 tsp. turmeric powder and 2 tbsp. natural honey.
- Apply the mixture to the surface of the pimple and leave it on for 15 minutes. After that, rinse the underarm skin with warm water until clean.
- Do this process every two days to get maximum results.
Step 4. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the armpits
If you have acne under your armpits, try applying hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Do this process for a few days until the irritation in the armpits is reduced. The cream is also able to relieve itching and redness caused by acne.
Method 4 of 4: Doing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Ask the doctor to give a proper diagnosis
If the lump in the armpit hurts, itch, or bleeds, see a doctor immediately. Chances are, the lump that resembles a pimple is a cyst or even a symptom of skin cancer! Therefore, ask the doctor to identify the severity of the lump.
Step 2. Drain the cyst
If the lump in the armpit is identified as a cyst, the doctor will most likely drain the fluid inside. Remember, never squeeze or try to get the fluid out of the cyst without a doctor's help! Doing so risks spreading bacteria and making the skin infected. Instead, ask your doctor to help drain the fluid inside the cyst using a sterile needle or scalpel.
- This procedure won't make the cyst go away completely, but it will at least reduce the swelling of the pus-filled cyst.
- If the cyst keeps coming back, your doctor will likely prescribe a low dose of antibiotics for you to take.
Step 3. Remove the cyst
In some cases, a doctor or dermatologist may feel the need to remove a cyst, especially if it is large enough and the growth is accompanied by painful symptoms.
