Undearm Skin Discoloration

There are three common causes of underarm skin discoloration. The simplest cause is dark hair growing under the skin that shows through your thin skin layers -- this isn't actually underarm hyperpigmentation.

Another common cause of underarm skin discoloration occurs when dead cells build up beneath the skin. As new cells grow, they typically push the old cells to the surface where they fall off, but sometimes these old cells can get caught in tiny crevices under your skin [source: Cosmopolitan]. If you have too many cells in one spot, you also have more melanin in that spot, which can make skin appear darker.

The third cause of underarm skin discoloration is documented in a study performed in Southeast Asia [source: James, et al.]. Scientists found that darker underarms can be caused by a chain reaction that begins when sensitive underarm skin becomes irritated. The irritated skin makes melanocytes produce more melanin, which causes skin to darken. Shaving, waxing, plucking and using certain deodorants and antiperspirants can all irritate the skin and stimulate melanin production [source: Skincare-news].

Avoiding skin irritants can help you prevent underarm skin discoloration, but what do you do if your underarms are already dark? Read on to learn about treatment options.

If your underarm skin discoloration is actually hair showing through your skin, having the hair removed by a cosmetic waxing procedure will probably take care of the visible darkening.

If you suspect that dead skin buildup is the culprit, talk to a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the condition and prescribe a strong exfoliant that will remove the dead skin without irritating healthy skin. Remember that this can take several weeks. Contact your dermatologist if the dark skin itches or becomes inflamed -- these could be signs of an allergy to the treatment or an infection [source: Cosmopolitan].

If your skin is discolored because stimulated melanocytes are producing extra melanin, the treatment process is more involved. You need to prevent the melanocytes from making more melanin, so you'll have to see a dermatologist. He or she may prescribe a topical ointment that contains hydroquinone, an ingredient that blocks one of the steps in melanin production. It's safe to use on a short-term basis in low- to medium-strength formulas, but it's not recommended for long-term use [source: Todorov]. Topical creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids are also often prescribed to treat this condition because the acids help remove old cells [source: Todorov].

If you know you're susceptible to darker skin caused by melanin overproduction, avoid irritating your skin. Don't use harsh hair-removal techniques, such as waxing or plucking, and try using a deodorant or antiperspirant that's designed for sensitive skin [source: Skincare-news].

For more information on underarm discoloration, check out the links on the following page.