Underarm Bumps
Skin friction caused from clothing, movement or shaving (which can also break the skin) makes the underarm skin susceptible to bacterial attack. The skin under the arms is sensitive and susceptible to invading micro-organisms. Sweat encourages bacteria to breed, so a dark, sweaty armpit is a prime breeding ground for staph bacteria to breed and grow. Any miniscule nick in the skin provides an entry point for the bacteria and can results in an angry red boil or pimple. While shaving you may cause a small abrassion, then applying a layer of deodorant may force bacteria into the skin nick, then trap it under the skin resulting in the formation of waste products, infection and a painful pimple.
Diet tips for skin bumps
Eat more zinc rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, oysters, red meats, parsley and pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• Increase your intake of essential fatty acids by consuming more oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, raw olive oil and avocados
• Ensure that you are properly hydrated (at least 2 litres of water/ day). Water is the solution to pollution in the body as it allows more metabolic wastes to be removed from the body and filtered by the kidneys
• Reduce acid forming foods and increase alkalising foods. An acidic environment in the body occurs due to eating too much sugar, dairy foods, wheat, alcohol, preservatives, processed and refined foods and not enough alkalising foods such as water, lemon juice, vegetable juices, miso soup, fresh fruits and vegetables and brown rice
Avoid heating foods which aggravate skin conditions such as spices, preservatives and processed foods
Lifestyle factors for skin bumps
- A simple home treatment is to soak a clean wash cloth in warm salty water and apply to the affected area for ten minutes three times daily. The warmth will help the pimples to loosen and the salt will help the small pimples to drain
- You may also consider applying a small amount of diluted Tea Tree oil over the area
- Avoid wearing synthetic clothing which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Cotton clothing is the best alternative
- Keep the area free from sweat by wearing clothes which help to keep the area aerated
- Make a poultice out of cabbage leaves and slippery elm powder (which is available from health food stores). Mix the two together in a blender until it resembles a mash and apply it topically to the infected area. This will help to draw out the excessive discharge and also regenerate and heal the wound
Natural remedies for skin bumps
• Check your Zinc levels; you can do this by enquiring at a health food store that performs Zinc tasting test
• You may use a topical cream to ease the irritation and help to promote healing. Some herbs which you may find to be beneficial are Lavender, Comfrey, Hypericum, Chickweed, Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose hip in a base of aqueous cream
• Seabuckthorn oil which can be rubbed into the affected areas may help to promote healing while providing nourishing effects to the hair follicles
• Liver cleansing herbs may help to reduce redness and irritation such as Red Clover, Cleavers, Burdock, St Marys Thistle and Bupleurum
• Anti-puritic (anti-itch) herbs are Chamomile, Marshmallow, Chickweed, Oats, Aloe Vera, Nettle and Calendula
• Specific nutrients for skin health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C, Bioflavinoids, probiotics and antioxidants