Why have I suddenly got 'pitne'?

[PrincessOfPreschool]

This is what I call it. Basically I'm getting spots in my armpits 🤮 (armpit acne = pitne). I have about 8-10 spots on each side. I'm 53 and never had this in my life. It started when I shaved my armpits this summer (didn't bother until I was wearing sleeveless tops). Razor is the same as always (obviously a new head). What do I do? It's so gross. Has anyone else had this? What did you do?

Oh me too! Noticed sore itchy armpits but mine is more like shaving rush, tried a steroid but no change. Thinking it’s another delightful side effect of menopause

Do you have a new deodorant?

I really like This Works smoothing wash, helps remove deodorant and sweat etc which can build up in this weather.

I haven't had this but I've had acne pretty much everywhere else obviously check with a derm or doctor if possible

I went to tik tok and made up my own routine I got rid of mine but using glycolic acid from the ordinary with a spray top before shower, then a bar of soap (I use camomile soap from waitrose essnetial) lathered on a shower puff, then I got over again with bioma body oil wash lathered on a shower puff, then I use an exfoliating glove and then I finish with a wet flannel to get all the residue off, I use a fresh one everyday. Once I'm out I use the cervae salicylic acid body lotion. It sounds like a lot written out but it's probably what you are doing already just diffferent products. If I shave I do it after exfoliating and then top up the glycolic acid and then sa lotion. Also upgrade your razor to a man's and get proper shave soap and balm. I can recommend these products too. I had spots on my chest, back, bum and fanjo. Good luck!

Oh dear@TofuTuesday, I was wondering whether it was another delightful gift from peri. It's just so out of the blue and actually quite sore.

But thanks for making me feel like I'm not totally weird and disgusting! How are you treating yours?

Wow that's a routine and a half @Witnesstheshitness! I literally put some Neal's Yards body wash on my armpit, shave and rinse. The deodorant is different to one I was using last year (my mum gave me a posh one). Maybe I need to go back to my cheapy Sanex. Posh Deo not caused any problems before though, been using it for a while.

My Dad used to get this once he hit his 60s. He found the best way to tackle it is to use bar soap like dettol or very basic own brand. It improved a lot, but what really knocked it on the head was when he then stopped using antiperspirant. He switched to deodorant instead and it fully disappeared.

Oh that's interesting. Aren't ageing bodies weird? ! So it could be the product. I'll try my old deodorant again. 🤞

A severe allergy to all but one deodorant was one of menopause’s many gifts to me!

I stopped using Mitchum antiperspirant, which I’d used for years and switched to Fussy natural deodorant. It sinks in like moisturiser and works better than Mitchum for combating sweaty smells.

It will be something in the new deodorant that’s irritating you now you are shaving and the pores are more open. Go back to your old one until autumn (or whenever you stop with the shaving) and I bet it stops. I’d probably skip sleeveless tops/shaving for a week or so to leave it to settle if you can.

I’ve finally got rid of this after trying all sorts of for a year. I’d recommend inkey glycolic acid exfoliating body stick, build up to using every day and have finally cracked it!

Thanks all. I'm not going to shave for a week whilst using the deodorant I always used to use. Then I'll try again and see if it's just the 'new' deodorant reacting with more open pores. It constantly surprises me how much my body can change due to hormonal change.

Thanks. If the above trial doesn't work, I will do this next.

At a guess, it might be a touch of folliculitis but I'm not a doctor.