Q: I have a question from both my daughter and myself. I have dark discolored skin underneath my arms (armpit area). I have had this problem for as long as I can remember. When wearing tank tops, it can be embarrassing. I have always thought that it had something to do with being overweight. It became something that I just lived with but now my 11-year-old daughter who just started shaving has come to me with the same problem. I do not know what is causing this problem or if it is possible to do anything. Do you have any ideas?
A: Skin discoloration can have many causes including deodorant/antiperspirant, shaving, bacterial infections, and acanthosis nigricans. Given that your daughter’s skin discoloration started after shaving, there is a strong possibility that this is the cause.
Shaving can cause discoloration, primarily in individuals with light skin and dark hair. It results from the blade cutting the hair and leaving a blunt edge behind that becomes visible through the skin. This possibility also the most likely explanation for your underarm discoloration as well, especially given how long it has been present.
The easiest way to combat this is the wax or use a depilatory cream so that the hair isn’t blunted. There is also at least one brand of deodorant/antiperspirant now marketed to reduce underarm discoloration due to shaving.
If a bacterial infection where the cause, you would likely have had other symptoms present and it is highly unlikely that it would have persisted for so many years without causing problems. However, it could be passed on to your daughter if you share the razors that you use for shaving.
If your deodorant/antiperspirant is to blame, try switching to another brand or trying the one I mentioned above marketed toward this embarrassing problem.
Finally, acanthosis nigricans (which I don’t believe is your problem, given that only your and your daughter’s underarms are affected) is a skin condition that causes dark, velvety discoloration of creases in the skin, such as under the arms, the groin and the neck. The affected patches of skin may become thickened and emit an odor. The condition is most common in overweight or obese individuals and those with diabetes. When children are affected, it signals an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Native Americans, hispanics, and those of African descent are the most commonly affected by acanthosis nigricans. There is no specific treatment but treatment of any underlying medical conditions and weight loss may help reverse some or all of the discoloration.
If making the changes I recommended above, as well as incorporating daily exercise and weight loss into your daily routines doesn’t bring about change, speak to your doctor and your daughter’s pediatrician.
