Underarm darkening

Ever since I can remember I've had this condition. dark underarms. I'm hispanic so I have brown tan skin. I've tried several creams and nothing worked. I've started going to a spa for laser treatment. I've had 2 sessions so far. Recently I've noticed that a different spot near my underarms has gotten darker and kind of reddish. I don't think it's a spot that she goes over with the laser. That's why it's so confusing. It looks irritated. It burned a little when I put some lotion on it. I'm not sure where to go from here. I haven't seen a difference in the skin tone with the laser treatment. Then again, it's only been 2 sessions, and i've read that darker skin requires more treatments. help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This darkening of underarms can be due to hyperpigmentation of the skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

Treatment involves hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment which you are already having.Dark skin may require more sittings.The burning spot that you have noticed can be due to irritant contact dermatitis.Just wash it with water and apply calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like Dermacort.

If the symptoms persist then pls get acanthosis nigricans ruled out for your dark underarms from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.