"You don't have an allergy," the doctor said. "You have blocked pores — specifically, miliaria and clogged hair follicles. You’ve essentially built up a layer of deodorant residue, dead skin, and sweat that can't escape."
The doctor explained: "Armpit skin is thin and folded. Many natural deodorants use baking soda, shea butter, or coconut oil — great ingredients, but they can cake up in the pores. Add tight shirts rubbing all day, and the sweat gets trapped under that layer. That’s why you’re bumpy and itchy — it’s not an infection, just a traffic jam." blocked armpit pores
She assumed it was an allergy. She switched deodorant brands. No change. She scrubbed harder in the shower. Worse. "You don't have an allergy," the doctor said
Finally, she saw a dermatologist.