Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My underarms are dark brown-greyish in color. I have tried treating them with Hydroquinone and Glycolic acid, but the pigmentation only became worse. Whenever I apply chemical peels, my underarms darken further, and I also develop rashes.
I have brown (morena) skin. I have been dealing with this issue since I was 15 years old, and I am now 26, but I have not seen any improvement. I do not have the money for consultations, so I can only use the resources I already have available at home.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Based on what you have described and the photo (the attachments were removed to protect the patient's identity), this appears most consistent with chronic post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with irritation, possibly combined with friction and skin sensitivity, rather than a simple pigmentation disorder such as acanthosis nigricans. In acanthosis nigricans, the skin typically has a thick, velvety texture, which you do not have.
In brown skin, the underarm area is extremely reactive, and strong agents such as Hydroquinone, Glycolic acid, and chemical peels often backfire exactly as they did in your case. Instead of lightening the skin, they cause inflammation, small rashes, or itching, and this inflammation leads to further darkening. The grey-brown color and scratch marks you describe are classic signs of this vicious cycle.
Glycolic acid and Hydroquinone are more commonly used for acanthosis nigricans rather than for irritation-driven post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The most important step right now is to stop trying to lighten the area aggressively. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but every time the skin becomes irritated, pigmentation deepens. Your underarms are signaling that they need calming and protection, not peeling.
For now, your focus should be on barrier repair and zero irritation. Avoid Hydroquinone, Glycolic acid, chemical peels, scrubs, lemon, baking soda, or any remedies, as these will only worsen the condition. If you shave, try to stop for a while and switch to trimming if possible. Avoid tight clothing that causes friction, and if you can, skip deodorants containing fragrance or alcohol, as these can also trigger inflammation.
Use a mild cleanser and apply a gentle, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier. For itching, you may take Cetirizine 10 mg once daily for seven to eight days. After two to three weeks of regular moisturization, you can safely introduce an AmLactin moisturizer (Lactic acid) to help gradually improve the pigmentation of the underarm area.
I hope this has helped you.
Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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