Deodorant is definitely one of those things most of us don’t leave home without. But what if your deodorant leaves your skin feeling itchy, bumpy or red? If it does, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to your deodorant.
Allergies to deodorants and antiperspirants are very common. There could be several different ingredients you may be allergic to, but the most common one is fragrance. Fragrances and perfumes are ingredients in many cosmetic and skincare products that cause people to have allergic reactions.
You may notice that a lot of cosmetic and detergent products now come in a “fragrance-free” option. The increase in allergic reactions to fragrances has forced manufacturers to offer a less harsh option to those with sensitive skin.
Deodorants are a common culprit. The good news is that there are many deodorants made for sensitive skin that you can try.
If you find yourself dealing with an underarm rash, or a single large lump, here are some tips to help you find relief.
If you currently have a bumpy rash under your arms, then you’ll want to clear that up before exposing that sensitive skin to new products. An over-the-counter cortisone cream should clear up the rash. If it doesn’t, be sure and see a dermatologist for treatment.
Try using a fragrance-free deodorant. Eliminating the fragrance ingredients may solve the issue. If not, then you know it’s not the fragrance, but rather a different ingredient that is causing your allergic reaction.
In that case, try a deodorant made for sensitive skin. There are many on the market to choose from, so experiment to see which one will work best for you.
If you are still having skin issues from your deodorant, try moving to a natural deodorant. There are more and more of these on the market to choose from. Natural deodorants remove harsh chemicals like aluminum, which is common in antiperspirants, but will keep sweat odor away.
If you have switched to a natural, or sensitive skin deodorant and you’re still experiencing bumps, itchiness or rash, you should see a dermatologist to get further evaluated. Not all rashes are contact dermatitis. See a doctor to find out what the root cause of the rash is and how you should treat it.