Always Looks Dirty

I don't have any solutions or suggestions for you, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for posting this. I was just wondering the same thing yesterday morning as I was SHAVING my underarms. I was considering asking my doctor (blood test last month did indicate slightly higher blood sugar than I normally have). I'm already working on the weight loss, and I'm going to lay off shaving and start using either Nair or wax again, so hopefully I'll see a difference for one reason or another!

Thanks again for the post!

hi D.,
I can't tell if this works for the dirt but sure works for the odor, so no deodorand is necessary.
Natural Deodorant -- Store-bought deodorants and anti-perspirants contain harsh chemicals. Instead, try baking soda. Sprinkle a bit on a damp washcloth and apply it on your underarms; it should neutralize the smell and keep you cool all day!
Or you can add some water in a portion almost 1 tablespoon and wash your underarms before your regular shower routine. After finishing shower, I also use a couple drops of tea tree oil, so I never experienced any dirt. Oh, another thing, your clothes get no stains like when using commercial deodorands.
Hope this works for you

I've also heard that rubbing a lemon on places like knees and elbows helps to lighten the skin naturally - maybe try that?

Exfoliate with a loofah on your neck. Use a wash cloth under your arms, the loofah may be too rough but you could try it. Also there are shower gels out there with little micro beads that also exfoliate. Dry completely.

Try exfoliating with either exfoliating gloves & or a good body salt scrub.

It sounds like you've got hyperpigmentation. If you stop shaving your underarms and start waxing, over time, it might go away and you'll get that 'celebrity pit' look. :) I'm not sure how to handle the back of your neck but I can almost guarantee that if you're scrubbing at it, it's making it worse... I've heard that being on the pill can cause that, too. Try a skin-tone evener like Palmers Eventone Fade Milk. (Walgreens, Walmart). Good luck!

I've always had that under my arms; in fact every one of the women on my dad's side of the family have it. So I always thought it was a pigment thing, a genetic thing. Recently I was diagnosed with diabetes, and have been told by both a dermatologist and gynecologist that the dark pits are definitely a sign of diabetes. If only I'd known that before. Please follow up with your doctor. I've been in denial since my daughter was born four years ago -- after taking care of my gestational diabetes -- and have only just started to take care of myself. Do the same for you and your kids.

Hi, D.:

Darkened skin in the armpits and neck area could be a sign of excessive insulin production and insulin resistance-- or pre-diabetes. Try talking to your primary care doctor and/or visiting an endocrinologist who specializes in pre-diabetes. With oral medication and/or diet/exercise changes, it should take care of itself.

Good luck!

D. I'm not sure how you are removing hairs from the underarm. However, I've noticed that Nair or even waxing over using a razor seems to give the underarms a more clean look.

Dear D.,
I believe there is a kind of "tattooing" where the skin in some areas of the body take on addtional coloration. I would suggest that you speak with and herbalist or a dermatologist.It is not a factor of cleanliness, so do not be hard on your self.
Barb Becker ( a mom of two young adults- aged 18 and 21)

If it always looks dirty, Asma is right. acanthos nigrans is the technical term for it. It needs to be worked up by your doctor as it could be due to diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity, or even cancer (although rarer). It may or may not reverse itself with weight loss. It will NOT come off with any scrubbing or OTC bleaching product, so please don't bother putting yourself through the discomfort of injuring your skin trying to do so. This is a metabolic disorder. It is coming from the inside out.

I don't know what your health or medical situation is, but I had this problem too for many years and it was indeed acanthosis nigricans. Recently I lost a lot of weight due to diet and exercise and the darkness disappeared. It is indeed a sign of pre-diabetes. Go to your doctor to make sure we are not alarming you for no reason, but your situation sounds very familiar to me. Good luck!

You can try 70% rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball everyday.