Putting hand sanitizer on your armpits may seem like an unusual thing to do. However, some people are curious if doing so could help combat body odor or have other effects. Hand sanitizers are commonly used to kill bacteria and viruses on the hands, so could they serve a similar function in the armpits? Let’s explore what happens when hand sanitizer meets underarm sweat and bacteria.
What is hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizers are liquids, gels, or foams that are used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, often ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, as the active ingredient. Alcohol solutions containing 60-95% alcohol are most effective at killing germs on the skin.
The alcohol in hand sanitizer works by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids in the cell membrane of microbes. This disrupts the cell and essentially ruptures it, deactivating viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Hand sanitizer can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands and is an easy way to sanitize hands when soap and water are not available.
What causes body odor?
Body odor, especially underarm odor, is produced when bacteria on the skin break down sweat into acids. Eccrine sweat glands all over the body secrete sweat to cool the body. This type of sweat is mostly water and salt and does not cause odor.
However, apocrine sweat glands in the armpits and groin secrete a thicker sweat that contains proteins and lipids. Bacteria naturally present on the skin metabolize and break down these compounds, producing pungent fatty acids that cause underarm body odor. The main bacteria involved are Staphylococcus hominis and Corynebacterium species.
Will hand sanitizer kill underarm bacteria?
Yes, applying hand sanitizer to the underarms could help kill some of the odor-causing bacteria. Since the alcohol in hand sanitizer can disrupt bacterial cell membranes, it is effective at reducing bacterial populations on the skin.
Studies have shown that using hand sanitizer on the armpits can decrease counts of odor-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium by up to 98%. This significant reduction in bacteria can limit how much smelly fatty acids they produce, reducing underarm odor.
Is it safe to put hand sanitizer in your armpits?
Using hand sanitizer in the armpits is generally considered safe and non-toxic when done occasionally. The armpits have thinner skin than the hands, so they can absorb chemicals faster. But the amount of hand sanitizer used in the armpits is very small, limiting exposure.
However, the high alcohol content can be very drying and irritating to the sensitive underarm skin. Frequent use could potentially cause itchiness, rashes, and skin cracks. It may interfere with the skin’s natural pH and protective microbiome.
To be safe, hand sanitizer in the armpits should only be used sparingly when needed. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. It is not recommended as a daily, ongoing hygiene regimen.
Are there risks or side effects?
Using hand sanitizer on the armpits should have minimal risks when used in moderation. However, potential side effects can include:
- Skin irritation – redness, stinging, itching, or rash
- Dryness or cracking
- Disruption of natural skin pH
- Changes to natural armpit microbiome
- Increased absorption of alcohol or other ingredients
- Contact dermatitis – skin allergy to ingredients like fragrances
Stop using hand sanitizer on armpits if any irritation, discomfort, or changes occur. Seek medical treatment if a rash or infection develops.
Does it cause hormonal effects?
There is no evidence that putting hand sanitizer in the armpits causes hormonal or endocrine effects. The amount of absorption into the bloodstream from this use is negligible. Hormones like testosterone or estrogen are not significantly altered.
Some hand sanitizers may contain chemicals called parabens, which can mimic estrogen. However, the low exposure from occasional armpit use makes hormonal effects very unlikely. Unless someone is extremely sensitive, the tiny exposure to parabens or alcohol is not enough to cause hormonal issues.
How to use it on armpits
If using hand sanitizer on the armpits, follow these tips:
- Wash and dry underarms first – This removes sweat or dirt that could interact with the sanitizer
- Use a small dab – Only a pea-sized amount is needed for each underarm
- Let it dry fully before dressing – Prevent irritation or rashes from wet sanitizer
- Start with every few days – Limit to 2-3 times a week to check for irritation
- Stop if any discomfort occurs – Discontinue use if it causes itching, burning, rash, etc
- Rinse after a few minutes if needed – To remove residue or irritation
- Moisturize after to prevent dryness – Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
What are the alternatives?
If hand sanitizer is too irritating or drying when applied to the armpits, there are alternatives to try:
- Aluminum-free antiperspirant – Can reduce sweat and bacterial growth
- Natural deodorant – Look for options with less irritating ingredients
- Witch hazel or apple cider vinegar – Have antimicrobial properties to kill some odor-causing bacteria
- Probiotic sprays – Can balance armpit microbiome and prevent odor
- Baking soda – Reduces odor by making the armpits less acidic
- Activated charcoal – Absorbs sweat and bacteria
- Essential oils – Teatree, lemon, rosemary, etc can provide a deodorizing effect
For ongoing body odor issues, maintaining good hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, shaving armpit hair, and addressing any underlying medical conditions can also help.
The takeaway
Here are the key points about using hand sanitizer on underarms:
- The alcohol can kill odor-causing bacteria on the skin
- It should only be done occasionally due to potential irritation
- Discontinue use if any discomfort or changes occur
- It is generally safe in small amounts but can dry out the skin
- Consider alternatives like natural deodorants if irritation persists
- Practice good hygiene habits to combat body odor issues
While hand sanitizer may temporarily reduce armpit odor by decreasing bacteria, it is not a recommended solution for ongoing use. Mild, non-irritating alternatives are preferable for managing persistent body odor issues. Always check with a dermatologist if rashes, significant irritation, or infections occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it unhealthy to put hand sanitizer in your armpits?
No, occasional use of small amounts of hand sanitizer in the armpits is generally not unhealthy. However, frequent use or using too much could lead to skin irritation, dryness, rashes, etc. It may also disrupt the natural microbiome. It’s best to use it sparingly.
Does hand sanitizer stop armpit sweat?
No, hand sanitizer does not appear to have any effect on the amount of sweat the armpits produce. It mainly works by killing some of the bacteria on the skin that cause odor when they break down sweat. But the sanitizer itself does not stop sweating.
Can I put hand sanitizer on my armpits every day?
It’s not recommended to put hand sanitizer in the armpits daily. The skin in the armpits is delicate and sensitive. The drying alcohol in hand sanitizer could easily irritate and damage the skin with daily use. It may also alter the natural pH balance and microbiome. Use no more than 2-3 times a week.
What happens if I put too much hand sanitizer on my armpits?
Using excessive hand sanitizer in the armpits can increase the risk of irritation, rashes, and burns from the alcohol. It can remove too much natural oil and moisture, causing dryness and cracking. The alcohol may also be absorbed into the bloodstream at higher than normal levels. Use only a small pea-sized amount.
Is it OK to put hand sanitizer on armpits after shaving?
It’s best to avoid applying hand sanitizer to the armpits immediately after shaving. The alcohol can sting and severely irritate freshly shaved skin. Allow any nicks, cuts, or scrapes time to heal first before attempting to use hand sanitizer on the armpits.
Summary Table
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Conclusion
Applying a small amount of hand sanitizer to the armpits can help reduce odor by killing bacteria that break down sweat. However, frequent use often leads to skin irritation and dryness. It is not generally recommended as an ongoing hygiene solution. Mild, non-irritating alternatives like natural deodorants are preferable for long-term body odor management. Maintaining good hygiene habits also helps prevent unpleasant armpit odor. But for occasional odor emergencies, a dab of hand sanitizer in the armpits can be an effective quick fix.