How Hormones and Eczema Affect Underarm Skin in Women

If your underarms are itchy, red, or bumpy, and nothing seems to help, hormones might be part of the problem. For many women, underarm eczema is more than just a skin issue. It’s often tied to hormone changes, shaving habits, and even pregnancy. Let’s break down how these factors affect your underarm skin and what you can do to get relief.

Understanding Underarm Eczema in Women

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, and itching. When it shows up in your underarms, it can be extra uncomfortable. That’s because the skin there is thin, sensitive, and often exposed to heat, friction, and products like deodorant.

Women are more likely to deal with underarm eczema due to a mix of hormone shifts, hair removal routines, and skin sensitivity. If you’ve noticed breakouts or rashes that come and go with your cycle, pregnancy, or new skincare products, your hormones might be playing a role.

Common signs of underarm eczema in women:

• Red, inflamed patches under the arms
• Itching or burning sensations
• Dry, flaky skin that may crack or peel
• Bumps or small blisters

These symptoms can be worsened by shaving, sweating, or using harsh deodorants. And for many women, they seem to flare during certain times of the month or during pregnancy.

How Hormone Changes Affect Underarm Skin

Hormones are powerful messengers in the body. They regulate everything from your mood to your skin’s oil levels. For women, hormone levels shift throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and around menopause. These changes affect how your skin looks and feels.

Hormonal eczema in females often flares during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle the week or so before your period. That’s when estrogen drops and progesterone rises. This shift can weaken your skin’s barrier, making it more likely to react to triggers like shaving or fragrance.

How hormone changes can trigger eczema:

• Lower estrogen levels can dry out your skin
• Higher progesterone may increase inflammation
• Stress hormones like cortisol can weaken your skin’s defenses

If you’ve noticed an underarm rash from hormonal imbalance, you’re not imagining it. Your skin is responding to internal changes, not just external irritants.

Pregnancy Eczema and Sensitive Underarm Skin

Pregnancy is another time when hormones surge. Many women experience pregnancy eczema underarms or other skin changes during this time. Your body is flooded with hormones like estrogen and progesterone, and these can increase skin sensitivity.

Even if you’ve never had eczema before, pregnancy can bring it on. Your immune system shifts to protect your baby, and that can change how your skin reacts to everyday products. The result? Itchy, irritated, or inflamed underarm skin.

Why pregnancy can affect your underarm skin:

• Increased hormone levels cause more sensitivity
• Skin stretches and sweats more, especially under the arms
• Immune system changes can trigger eczema or worsen it

If you’re dealing with eczema during pregnancy underarms, look for gentle, fragrance-free products. Avoid deodorants with alcohol or baking soda, which can sting or dry out sensitive skin.

Shaving and Eczema: A Rough Combo

Many women shave their underarms regularly. But shaving can cause microtears in the skin, especially if the skin is already dry or inflamed. These tiny cuts can lead to irritation, razor burn, and even infection.

For women with eczema from shaving underarms, the friction of the razor and the ingredients in shaving creams or gels can make things worse. Skin that’s already sensitive from hormonal shifts is more likely to react.

Tips to protect your underarms while shaving:

• Use a clean, sharp razor every time
• Shave during or after a warm shower to soften hairs
• Apply a soothing, non-irritating moisturizer afterward
• Skip shaving during eczema flares to avoid more damage

Choosing the Right Deodorant for Eczema-Prone Skin

If you have sensitive underarm skin, the wrong deodorant can trigger a flare. Many formulas include alcohol, fragrance, or baking soda ingredients that can burn, itch, or cause a rash. For women dealing with female hormone skin sensitivity, it’s even more important to choose the right product.

Look for a deodorant for eczema-prone skin that skips harsh ingredients and uses soothing alternatives. Magnesium hydroxide, for example, helps stop odor without blocking sweat or irritating your skin. It balances pH and keeps the underarm area calm and fresh.

What to avoid in deodorants:

• Fragrance or essential oils
• Baking soda (can be too alkaline for sensitive skin)
• Alcohol (dries and stings)
• Preservatives like parabens

Your underarms deserve the same care as the rest of your skin. Make sure you’re using products designed for sensitive skin, especially during hormonal shifts or pregnancy.

Quick Takeaways

• Underarm eczema in women is often linked to hormones, shaving, and product irritation
• Hormonal eczema in females tends to flare before your period or during pregnancy
• Shaving can trigger eczema from shaving underarms by irritating already sensitive skin
• Pregnancy eczema underarms is common and linked to hormone changes and increased skin sensitivity
• Use a gentle deodorant for eczema-prone skin to avoid flare-ups

FAQs: Hormones, Eczema, and Underarm Skin

Can hormones cause eczema under the arms?

Yes. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect your skin’s moisture and inflammation levels. This makes your underarms more prone to eczema, especially during your cycle or pregnancy.

Is it safe to use deodorant during pregnancy if I have underarm eczema?

Yes, but choose one made for sensitive skin. Look for formulas without fragrance, alcohol, or baking soda. Ingredients like magnesium are gentle and effective.

How can I soothe eczema after shaving my underarms?

Use a fragrance-free moisturizer right after shaving. Avoid deodorants for a few hours and skip shaving during eczema flares. Stick to gentle skincare products to help your skin heal.

Will my underarm eczema go away after pregnancy?

For some women, yes. Hormone levels often return to normal after pregnancy, which can help calm the skin. But it’s still important to use products that support sensitive skin.

Your Skin Deserves Support

Hormones, shaving, and pregnancy all affect your underarm skin. If you're dealing with irritation, dryness, or flare-ups, you're not alone. Understanding the connection between hormone changes and eczema helps you care for your skin with more confidence.

Switching to gentle products, adjusting your shaving routine, and listening to your skin during hormone shifts can make a big difference. With the right care, your underarms can feel soft, calm, and healthy no matter what your hormones are doing.