Itchy armpits

[5ft Diva]

Okay ladies, kind of a personal question here but I've got issues. Every time I shave my armpits w/in a day or two they are itching like crazy and it drives me nuts. Know of any remedies?

[Dia Minha]

To funny. It isn't something I have given much thought. However, when I think about it I have the same problem. Usually some anti-itch, cooling lotion, or even spray works for me. We have a lot of it around, because of excema.

The Melaluca Renew lotion is the best, because it won't sting right after shaving. It is kind of expensive and can't be bought in the stores, but I can order some for anyone who wants it.

Dia

[5ft Diva]

So, just lotion? I guess I worry that would clog my pores but if my deoderant doesn't, why would my lotion.... Anyone tried this...I'm a little nervous to be my own ginnie pig.

[Dia Minha]

No not just any lotion, an anti-itch lotion. If you are worried about using lotion there are anti-itch sprays out there.

And yes I do use lotion. I use a lotion called Renew, made by Melaluca. It is amazing stuff. I use it all over, even my armpits. I like it better than anything else on the market, because it never stings. You know how sometimes you apply lotion when your hands are very dry or cracked and it stings. This lotion does not do that.

Oh, and heads up, you will want to use the lotion before putting on your deoderant. If you do it the other way around the lotion will clump your deoderant and make little, fuzz, looking balls that just kind of stick to you.

Dia

[Erudite]

Well, there's something you don't learn about a friend very often...

I actually "discovered" lotion just this year. I've always had minor flaky skin on my legs that I just never really worried about. The rest of my skin is pretty soft, but not there. But one day I put my hand on the arm of another woman, just in conversation, and went "wow, you have amazing skin!" Later I found that if I put lotion on everywhere, so did I!! I feel kinda dumb for having just figured that out, but there it is.

These thoughts are for skin in general, but it seems that if the problem is not related to bacteria (which it could be...fun, fun, huh?), then it's just dry skin.

We need missypoohsticks to really tell us about this, I think, but often itchy skin, no matter where it is, is a result of dryness. You can treat that from the outside and the inside. The outside needs a moisturizer and it sounds like Dia has some good ideas on that and the inside needs hydration...ie water. You also want to be aware of some of the soaps you use on the outside. Certain kinds are made to dry up oil...stuff with laureth sulfate, if I remember correctly. If you have oily skin and hair, that's a good thing. If you don't, it's not the kind of stuff you should be using, because it will dry up as it cleans. And last, consider the temperature of the shower you're taking, if that's when you shave the area, because too hot also will take away the oils in the skin that help to keep it moisturized. But I bet you knew all that?

My other thought on the bacteria one...is this a recent problem? Because it could be as simple as changing the razor you're using, which you might have to do a couple of times until the problem clears up. Or have you recently changed deodorants? It could be that one is causing the problem...or it may mean that you need to change deodorants.

Anyway...there it is. Hope it helps!

[5ft Diva]

No, I guess that isn't something you learn about a friend every day.

I hadn't considered bacteria. It may be a possibility but I don't think so because this has been something I've dealt w/ for years. I do have dry skin and don't know why I didn't put that together before. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Erudite]

I had another thought, while I was in the shower this morning. I used to notice that I had areas (those that don't get enough air which includes the armpits) that didn't smell so good when I would sweat. It isn't all the time though. I said something about it to my Mom once a long time ago and she said to use a deodorant soap in just those areas. So now, when I do notice the problem, I use DH's soap in just those spots. You don't want to use it in all areas because it does tend to dry the skin. But I would guess you're like me in using a moisturizing body wash rather than DH's soap, yes? You didn't mention odor as the problem, but if the problem were bacterial, what you'd need is an anti-bacterial soap, just for the problem areas. It is possible that it could be going on for years and the bacteria just isn't ever killed off in normal washing.

Just a thought! We're all good friends here, right?

[5ft Diva]

[missypoohsticks]

Sorry gals, I know nothing about skin stuff. All I can tell you is from my perspective in dealing with my DD's eczema. Eucerin Calming Creme, love it for her dry itchy skin. Other than that, I've never had a problem. Sorry!

[5ft Diva]

I appreciate the response. Thanks for the thoughts.