Dealing with irritated skin in a newborn’s armpit is a common experience for many parents. This irritation is medically referred to as intertrigo. It develops in skin folds where surfaces press together, trapping moisture and increasing friction. While the sight of a raw area can be concerning, this condition is typically manageable at home with focused care.
Why Newborn Skin Folds Become Raw
The primary factor contributing to irritation in a newborn’s armpit is the combination of moisture retention and constant friction. The deep creases in a baby’s skin folds, especially in the armpits, easily trap moisture from sources like sweat, bath water, or milk residue. This warm, damp environment weakens the skin’s natural barrier, making the outermost layer vulnerable to breakdown and inflammation.
When skin surfaces continuously rub against each other in this moist state, the friction causes mechanical damage, leading to the characteristic raw, red appearance. This compromised skin barrier creates an ideal breeding ground for secondary issues, most commonly an overgrowth of yeast, specifically Candida. A fungal infection can complicate the rash, often causing it to become brighter red and more persistent than simple chafing alone.
Immediate Care and Soothing Strategies
When the armpit skin is already raw, the immediate focus must be on gentle cleansing and ensuring complete dryness. Begin by gently washing the affected area using only warm water or a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser, avoiding any harsh rubbing action. The most important step after cleansing is thorough drying; instead of wiping, use a soft towel or cotton pad to gently pat the area completely dry, or allow the armpit to air-dry for several minutes.
Once the skin is clean and fully dry, apply a protective barrier ointment to shield the raw skin from further moisture and friction. Products containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly form a thick, water-repellent layer over the skin. This protective layer seals out irritants while reducing the skin-on-skin friction that caused the initial damage. A thin but complete layer of barrier cream should be applied with each clothing change until the irritation resolves.
Preventing Recurrence and Maintaining Skin Health
Long-term skin health depends on consistent moisture management and proper hygiene practices. During bathing, ensure that any mild soap or cleanser used is completely rinsed away from the armpit folds, as residual products can become irritants. Making a habit of checking and drying the armpit folds should become a routine part of your newborn’s care, similar to checking the diaper area.
Air exposure helps maintain a healthy skin environment, so allow the armpits to air out whenever possible, such as during tummy time or after a bath. Dressing your newborn in loose-fitting, breathable clothing, preferably cotton, helps minimize heat and moisture buildup. Avoiding tight sleeves or overly warm clothing reduces the heat and lack of air circulation that intensify friction and moisture retention.
When Professional Medical Advice is Needed
While most intertrigo cases resolve quickly with diligent home care, certain signs suggest the irritation has progressed and requires a medical evaluation. You should consult a healthcare provider if the rash does not show significant improvement after 48 to 72 hours of consistent home treatment.
Seek professional advice if you observe signs of a secondary infection, such as bright red, spreading lesions with smaller “satellite” bumps nearby, which can indicate a fungal overgrowth. Other concerning symptoms include yellow crusting, pus-filled spots, a foul odor, or increased warmth and swelling in the affected armpit. These signs may require prescription treatments like antifungal or antibiotic creams to fully resolve the skin issue.