More than half of adults who are 200 percent or more over their ideal body weight experience darkening in their underarms and other skin folds. High levels of insulin in your blood can lead to increased production of skin pigment cells. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar.

You may also be more likely to develop AN because of: ObesityĬarrying extra weight makes your body more resistant to the effects of insulin. Apply an unscented moisturizing cream afterward. To avoid irritating your underarms, lubricate the skin with a gentle soap or shaving cream before shaving. It’s thought that irritation from repeated shaving or plucking might stimulate excess melanocyte production. You’re more likely to have dark patches on your skin if you have a parent, sibling, or other close relative with the condition.Īlthough AN is usually genetic or tied to an underlying condition, there’s some evidence to suggest that hair removal may also be a culprit. People who have darker skin are more likely to have darkening under their arms than people with lighter skin.ĪN sometimes runs in families. When these cells multiply more, they can turn the skin a darker color.Īnyone can develop AN, but some people have a greater risk. Your skin color is determined by pigment cells called melanocytes. What causes this condition, and who’s at risk? Keep reading to learn more about why this happens and what you can do. The likelihood of developing dark underarms often depends on factors like race, health, and family history. Your skin might also itch or have a foul odor in those areas.Īnywhere from 7 to 74 percent of people experience some form of AN, according to a 2014 overview of the condition. It causes skin to thicken and darken in folds around the body. Dark underarms usually aren’t a sign of anything serious, but some people may find them embarrassing - especially during tank top and swimsuit season.ĭarkening is often due to a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans (AN). But sometimes, the skin in the armpits can turn a darker hue. Your underarms should naturally be about the same shade as the rest of your skin. Treatment may not be needed but can include medications and procedures. Having underarms that are darker than the rest of your skin can result due to acanthosis nigricans.

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