Hi Lise, yes I'm a victim of bicarb armpits- I test most products I produce on myself before asking for volunteers, and this deo-paste formula sounded wonderful on paper, but talk about sleepless nights! Itchy, sore, swollen and BROWN! Solution as you said, cool compresses and the opposite of an alkali? Apple cider vinegar, diluted 1:1 in water 3 times a day. Took nearly a month to heal and a year later, my armpits are still just barely discoloured. I have no sensitivities on my "body" skin, as opposed to facial, so folks, DON'T use bicarb! Try diatomaceous earth(food grade) with kaolin, shea, coconut oil and Kunzea EO. It works!
Hey there Grazina - thanks for sharing this! It is so disconcerting to see how many people have had to suffer baking soda burn because of misinformation. I hope your pits are soon back to their perfect normal self. :)
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the info. I'm currently suffering after trying to go "natural" and can't wait for things to get back to normal. It all started with a change of soap a month or so back, then aluminium deo was a no-no. Switched to "natural" brand currently heavily advertising on-line and they are 200% worse plus painful and swollen. Currently using my face cleanser and toner which is providing relief. In the middle of summer here at the moment with singlets and short sleeves to wear - bring on winter so I can hide them while they recover!
Lise, thanks my aloe leaf will do just fine. I hate that so many of us are victims but aloe leaf has never steered me wrong when it comes to topical healing. Thank you for all of your efforts and your honesty.
HI Unknown - Aloe leaf is indeed a gentle and soothing ingredient for rash and burns. I hope your pits heal quickly!
Anonymous said…
I wonder if the problem is the baking soda itself, or the PH level of baking soda. Baking soda is approx. 8 or 9 towards alkaline. Our skin is more acidic at 5.5. If these DIY deodorant products were PH balanced, they might not have these problems. I've balanced a recent batch (inclusive of baking soda) and seems to be just fine for me and others so far. One can use citric acid to lower PH, but I tried colloidal oatmeal (which is acidic), and seems to have worked. Has anyone else duplicated these results, or does this make sense to any science types out there?
Hi Anon - balancing the pH is definitely a help. May I ask if you are using a water based solution? Interesting use of colloidal oatmeal! Thanks for your input.
Jody said…
When I use the Potassium Alum stone/stick, can I handle it with my hands or should I get one that is in a container so I don't touch it? I too am experiencing with DIY deodorant and am suffering baking soda burn, but I quit using it before it got too bad. So now I'm going to try your DIY deodorant with the potassium alum stick and want to do it right. Can you also recommend a good place to get the potassium alum stick/stone? Thanks.
Hi Jody - you can handle the stone directly. These are exactly the same thing as the small stones sold with mens shaving kits to stop bleeding from shaving nicks. Where I live (Denmark) , the stones are available at drugstores and healthfood stores. They gave many common names, so look for the INCI name: potassium alum. Best of luck with your pits!
Anonymous said…
i have a question, does the rash have to be specifically on th underarms? I ask because i too have been using diy deodorant for months and broke out in an intensely itchy rash on my arms, chest, back even legs but not my underarms. Im trying to figure out what has caused it.....
Hi Anon - this sounds like a pretty serious reaction and I would probably want my doctor to check it out if it were me. I've heard from some people who had quite serious reactions and ended up in hospital, so until you have a professional look at it, you can't be sure. I hope you are back to normal soon
Hi Joan - Oh interesting! I hope this works for you. Would you mind sharing a bit more? How bad it was to begin with and how quickly it healed?
jally said…
Hi, I'm wondering how I can resolve my current complex situation. Are tears (from constant crying) similar to the underarm baking-soda situation? Because I've developed painful burn surrounding my eyes due to crying. The damage is at outer sides and under the eyes. I especially feel the burn when I'm on the computer prolongedly. The right eye is worse - feeling more like dry/rough crocodile skin. And sometimes those compromised parts appear red, like a rash. Note that overall, there's no puffiness, rather dark deep shadows under my eyes. (I don't know why some people call them rings, if they're shadows). I've already tried milk/yogurt/cukes/aloe. Also Calendula. Also grated potato. May soon try raw egg. Many parts of me are similar to geriatrics in their 90's - no exaggeration. I also have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, as well as Bowman's Layer Dystrophy due to combo of crying, UV, and chemical outgassing from computers over the years. So many of my problems were caused by environmental stress in my life, much more so than genetics.
BTW, on the topic of baking-soda, years ago, I also had tried the misguided baking-soda deodorant advice, but I stopped upon feeling itchy. I've learned to listen to my body, after many sad experiences listening to authorities at either end of spectrum. For example, I stopped doctor's creams for poison ivy when those creams made me burn, replacing them with simple Calamine & Aveeno-anti-itch on most of my body. However, on the =worst= Ivy-Burns I used Calamine+WoundHoney. Also took a few Tepid mild bleach baths, minimizing the bleach due to stinging. And also kept gently applying some Dark-Brown/oily soap (not naphtha) which had probably been in this house since the 1960s. I've no idea what soap it was, but it was shiny/and/tacky and with its own smell (i.e. no additives).
Hi Lise thank you so much for your article, especially highlighting "prolonged skin contact". I've been making and using the exact same blend of equal parts coconut oil, bicarbonate soda, arrowroot powder with a few drops of essential oil eg lavender or tea tree for about 2 years and only just started getting random red itchy spots in the area around my armpit. It's really odd it's not actually the area I apply it rather, around the area (like the outer ring). I couldn't really work out why given I've been using it for so long then I stumbled upon your article and it made sense that prolonged use could have this affect. I'm going to drastically reduce the bicarbonate soda or use diatomaceous earth which I think another reader suggested. Also going to check out your bicarbonate soda free recipe! Thanks again, you're a superstar!
HI Sass - Thanks for your kind words! I hope your pits are soon happy and rash free. You may find (as many do) that your sensitivity to the baking soda is more easily irritated once you have experienced a reaction.
Thanks Lise, that makes sense too, perhaps another build up on my body triggered a sensitive reaction to the bicarb. Shame as the mixture was so effective but thankfully there are bicarb free alternatives. Thanks again, without reading your article my armpits could have gotten a lot worse. :)
Hi Jally - thanks for your input. Your rash around your eyes could very well be from crying. I hope you find a solution to the tears! It is great that you are listening to your body. It's the best way! I wish you the very best and hope you are tear-free soon.
jally said…
So what's the solution for the burny skin at my eyes? ....(btw, even the whites of my eyes get pink).
I've a hunch that many conditions are ONLY SECONDARILY GENETIC, despite the hype about genetics. For example, it could be that the minority of people who DO NOT NEED GLASSES for distance viewing when they're young - may be predisposed to macular.degeneration for exactly that reason.
In explanation:
Glasses (and contacts) tend to protect the eyes from cold wind.
So...
Imagine that hypothetically EVERYONE would wear glasses or contact-lenses, starting from when they're young. Not necessarily magnifying ones, BUT RATHER protective ones.
That would be the true acid-test of whether macular degeneration is TRULY genetic, or rather due to LACK OF PROTECTION.
Now do you see how much is subject to hype? The vast majority of doctors are so superfically arrogant - thinking they know it all - instead of deeply taking in the whole picture. It's they who have been perpetuating a failed system for the past century, refusing to acknowledge QXCI & other such quantum physics diagnostics. Leaving us victims to try as best we can to fend for ourselves. My feelings toward them can only be described as cold fury.
The problem with baking soda deodorant is: The PH of baking soda is very strong... that means it will dry out your skin(dehydration) and will eliminate odor. If you are looking for a good natural deodorant, you will have to make sure your recipe will have a good source of moisturizer, such as, Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter or others that you might like it better. Also remember: Aloe Vera is great for Hydration. I do homecare products as well. My armpits got really bad burned when I first started my trials. Now I got just the perfect match for my those problems. My homemade recipe has Baking Soda and the results are great. No rash, no itch, and no pain.
@jally - I wish I had an answer for the itching and burning around your eyes. It does sound to me like you need to find a new doctor - one who is willing to listen and take your condition seriously. I think your theory about the protection contacts might offer is an interesting one! Best of luck to you!
@Giovana - It sounds like you have done all the necessary trials and testing to make your own perfect deodorant solution. Good for you! A lot of people might have given up. I wish you forever happy pits!
Hi! I just found an at-home-facial recipe for curing acne that had two parts oatmeal and one part baking soda with water as needed to make a paste. Immediately after I put it on my face starting burning. I have a big event coming up in the next week and was wondering if it would have any noticeable effects (such as redness, puffiness, or scarring) and how long it would take to heal. Any input would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Hello Grace - I truly apologize for this terribly tardy reply. Your comment managed somehow to slip between the cracks. I hope you found a speedy relief for your situation. I would have suggested to mist the area with pure aloe vera juice or apply a light layer of aloe vera gel to help soothe and calm the skin. I'd love to hear if you managed to heal quickly enough for your event.
Tina said…
Lise! Thank GOD I came across your information...I am certainly a victim..after even asking my Dr who said not to change deodorant ..I tried toms but needed help with sweating my sis in law told me baking soda and someone said to mix it with an oil so that it's not so harsh on your skin...guess I did it wrong..my pits are on fire.. embarrassed a friend in the store putting the ice cream under my arms to soothe them..they are painful and it looks blistery...help if you can....
Hello Tina - Oh dear! Quickly get some cooling aloe vera on those sore pits! try and let them heal without using any deodorant on the meantime. I hope you are soon pain and rash free!
Anonymous said…
How much water do you drink? Rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces a day. Your tears may be too acidic. Do you eat a lot of red meat and pork? Just as the baking soda is leaving an imbalance on the ourside. Your tears may be imbalanced caused by conditions on the inside. When my tears burn I try to drink more water and it clears up. I drink distilled water. I know their is a lot of info pro and con about distilled. .but hey.. nature makes it everyday with the intention of us drinking it. .
Anonymous said…
Hi Lise.. I fell victim to the baking soda burn , my armpits are red , rashy and very sore , not only did I use underr my arms I used as a feminine deodorant , well I'm sure you can imagine what happened , I'm currrently using Neosporin cream in both places to release the burning and itching , I read that using Alovera will help but not to sure about using on my private area, do you have any tips ?
Hey there Anon - Ouch! That sounds seriously painful! Pure Aloe Vera is safe to use in the private area (stick to external area). Best of luck with it!
Hi, I used Schmidt’s Charcoal & Magnesium since I’m trying to go natural. I’m experiencing slight discoloration, reddening, and bumps, but no pain. Should I quit and go back to regular antiperspirant? Ive tried Alaffia also (no baking soda), and I ended up getting a rash from the moisture and chafing because it didn’t dry the sweat. I’d really like to stay natural, but not if it’s going to cause my skin as many problems as not going natural did.
Hi Britni - Thanks for your comment. If you are experiencing a reaction then it is probably best you stop using the product causing the reaction. Have you tried using a crystal deodorant? This is generally very well tolerated and works well too. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
I think u should stop. Redness is a sign of inflammation. Try using zinc oxide and a tiny be of baking soda. I can send one sample to u...so u can try. Due to so many trials, I became super sensitive with baking soda... But zinc oxide gave me a great result. Its not harm for the skin, but will be 95%organic product, since zinc oxide is not naturalistic...but has no harm for human body.
So glad I found your blog! Back in July I switched to a DIY deodorant (equal parts coconut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda), and that first night I had pain, but assumed it was cause I shaved my pits. They just got worse, burning blisters, and eventually they were oozing and raw. Internet told me detox, then hormones (I was pregnant) then I thought it was a really bad eczema reaction, cause it got better when I took an oatmeal bath, then someone suggested it was yeast, cause it got worse after getting antibiotics while giving birth and sure enough it cleared up when I started using vinegar, and stopped using the deodorant (just stopped earlier this month). Figured problem solved. Used it again for the first time since healing and tonight I notice my pits are red and oozing again, and put it together that the DIY deodorant is causing my issues. Your blog just confirmed my suspicions. Fortunately for me i don't care about using a green deodorant, I just needed something to combat my stink while pregnant, since regular deodorant (and perfume) reacts oddly with my hormones while pregnant, and leaves me smelling disgusting.
Aleasha said…
I decided 4 years ago to try a greener deodorant and well since then yes 4 years I have been dealing with a baking sofa burn! I have seen multiple drs! I even saw a dermatologist that flat out said he couldn’t help me because all of the creams and arm pit injections that I’ve been given haven’t helped at all! Everyday I am constantly scratching my armpits. They are sore, itch, red and leathery! I’m so miserable because of this. Is there any way to heal this?! I feel completely broken over this! Thanks.
Hello Aleasha - Oh dear! How terrible to have to suffer through so much! I hope the following can be of help. Bathe your pits with oatmeal water to help alleviate itching: this is made by dispersing colloidal oatmeal into water, or soaking rolled oats in room temp water for a few minutes then straining. Do not make more than you use per application as this liquid will not keep. Then apply pure shea butter. Melt the buttering your palms and gently massage into the skin. Meantime: no deodorant, no perfume and nothing near your pits that might irritate the skin. I'd love to hear from you if you try this. I hope it helps.
Hi I believe I used too much for a foot powder in my work boots. The tips of my feet are red,rashy,peeling and almost look burned in certain spots,might I also add that my feet burn like neck and its almost in bearable :( what do i do?:(
Hi Jessika - That sounds painful and with that reaction I suggest you visit your doctor. To soothe the burning feeling in the meantime, try applying aloe vera gel. or making a footpath with oats in tepid water. Place oats in an old sock or something you can discard. Drop the oat sock into the water and squeeze to activate the oats. Discard the sock and oats after use. Best of luck!
Anonymous said…
Hi Lisa, I was experimenting with DIY deodorants as I wanted to get away from regular deodorants, so I start using coco butter, coconut oil and baking soda and I was amazed!! No ordors......then my armpits started to get brown and itchy and I was in pain. So I tried what I had in the house....I washed my armpits gently with warm water and then applied witch hazel and then coconut oil and some tea tree oil.....more tea tree than coconut...it was burning for a minute but I made it through. So when I woke up next day my pain and burn was gone also most of the discoloration. I think the witch hazel and tea tree oil did the trick. I still want to use a natural deodorant....I think I will opt to purchase one.😊
Hey there Anon - thank you for sharing this! It sounds like you were able ti nip the problem in the bud :)
Anonymous said…
Thank you for this information , I wish I had seen before applying b.soda I am a sufferer of T.m.a.u and bromhidrosis I've exhausted all possible tips and ideas however nothing has work as yet . now I'm sitting here typing with 3rd degree burns , well it feels like it #baking soda is painful .
Hi Lise! 5 days after my first session of diode laser hair removal, I’ve decided to use baking soda as deodorant because they say it has natural ingredients. However, I had some sort of discoloration in the underarm area and slight rashes. I’d probably use a commercial deodorant again like Nivea, but it has a whitening ingredient. Would it be safe to use such product while I’m in between of my diode laser hair removal sessions? Thank you!
Hi Anon - thanks for your comment. I would start by asking where I received the treatment to be honest. I imagine you would get some suggestions relevant to your area of the world (local brand names etc). Best of luck with it!
Anonymous said…
I am starting to get a rash from the salt deodorant I have used for two years. Not sure why it’s just starting to give me a rash. I have been using a mixture of Manuka honey, coconut oil, aloe and powdered oatmeal to try and calm it down. But I just ordered tamanu oil because they say it’s just as powerful as a prescription when it comes to healing properties. I will keep everyone updated and I hope this works so it can work for you too!
Thank you for this article! I’ve had this reaction and thought it was just weird for me to be doing this but it sounds like a common problem. I currently am using a natural deodorant without baking soda under one armpit and a new deodorant with baking soda under the other. It was kinda my own way to test if i was detoxing like people keep telling me or if baking soda truly is the problem. Yep, it’s baking soda! My question for you is, if I’m having this issue with bakin soda, will it always cause me problems? Or will it get better if I keep using the deodorant? My coworker told me I just need to tough it out and eventually my skin will heal and I’ll be able to use the deodorant with baking soda. Thoughts?
HI Tomi - Thanks for sharing your experience. Clever idea to try one deodorant on each pit to see what the problem was from. You are correct in that baking soda is in all likelihood causing the problem. I wish I could tell you that the problem will forever be gone if you just 'tough it through', but continuing to use the baking soda deodorant is probably the worst thing you could do. Some people are more sensitive than others and if you have a problem with it now, it is not likely to go away with time - it could even get worse. I wish I had better news for you, but I figured you'd probably rather have a straight answer. :)
Anonymous said…
With good intentions, I tried Soapwalla and Schmidts --and I tried on more than one occasion with much time between, just in case, and had the same bad reaction to each, which I presumed was from the baking soda, and after finding your post, that seems to be borne out. Thank you for sharing. I'd like to try something more natural, but this has me back on the usual store-bought brands. The baking soda issue was painful and distracting... and did I say painful? ;-)
Hey there Anon and thanks for your comment - You are definitely not the only one who has been through this. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
Anonymous said…
Your blog was helpful. I didn't skim through like I do most blogs. I got a burn not on my pits but I was using the baking soda to clear up my face. Sadly, only to find out it peeled the first layer of skin of my lips and burned part of my forehead. It hurts and I hope to find a better solution.
Hey there Anon - thanks for your feedback. So sorry to hear you had such a reaction to baking soda. I hope your skin heals quickly. Pure Aloe vera will help soothe the skin. Best of luck to you!
Lisa, another victim here of alkalinity burn in my pits. This was after a year of use, always the same brand. I cleared it up with cold compresses and vinegar, followed by coconut oil. This process took about six months as I tried a different scent of the same deodorant, followed by the same reaction. I also developed a bumpy rash down both of my sides. My dermatologist was baffled by the entire experience. I was prescribed an antibiotic and an acne cream for the bumpy rash. I am now symptom free and enjoying a new deodorant that uses arrowroot and tea tree oil. Thank you for your article. I will be looking into your formula soon.
I was good using baking soda+coconut oil+cornstarch+essential oils mix since 3 years. But recently I jacked up baking soda in my new batch and it has caused blisters under my armpits. To heal it I had to get back to cooling pads & coconut oil+lime juice on weekends
Sadly ive used a water and baking soda paste on my face to treat pimple scars but now i think they have burned. the skin is tight and shiny and my face now looks splotchy. Is there anything i can do to fix this really fast? I dont have aloe vera or amything at home and i cant go buy it :(
Hi unknown - You could make a soothing poultice with oats. Place some rolled oats in some cheesecloth or muslin bag and wet it thoroughly. Squeeze and place this on the spot/area. This should soothe the skin. Best of luck with it!
How many minutes should I apply the aloe vera? Should it be extracted? Or I can simply rub the aloe vera? I'm hoping for more explanation and informations about this baking soda burns. I'm suffering from it now, hoping for feedbacks thank you.
Good day madam lise , i had try baking soda to get rid of my body odor and rashes on my armpit , i apply it on my armpit after taking a bath and leave it for 2minutes before i rinse it with cool water. I notice that after rinseng it off the rashes turn red. What does it mean? But after that my armpit doesnt sweat and i dont smell stinky on my armpit. But it was my 1st time using it today. Should i continue using it ? Thanks. God bless..
Good day madam lise , i had try baking soda to get rid of my body odor and rashes on my armpit , i apply it on my armpit after taking a bath and leave it for 2minutes before i rinse it with cool water. I notice that after rinseng it off the rashes turn red. What does it mean? But after that my armpit doesnt sweat and i dont smell stinky on my armpit. But it was my 1st time using it today. Should i continue using it ? Thanks. God bless..
Hi Unknown - if you are getting a skin reaction then stop using baking soda. It may be a great dedoriser but it is not made for prlonged skin contact and it seems you are one of the many many people who cannot tolerate even short term exposure to it.
Anonymous said…
Hi Lise, I don't know how I landed here, maybe because I'm so desperate with my situation.. I try to keep it short. Also please excuse my english.I also never thought that I would desperately ask for help on the internet but it seems like there is nobody else who could help me. So I red on so many pages that using baking soda as a peeling will make your skin look very clear and smooth. Since my appearance is really important to me (I earn most of my living because of my "look") I wanted to give it a try. I never red about any sideffects on using baking soda on the skin, only good things. So I just put baking soda on my nose and the cheecks right next to the nose and unter the eyes (not right under the eye but a few cm under it) and left it there for about 3mins and washed it off with water. I did this about 5 or 6 times and my skin looked good, not much better than before but not worse. The last time I did it my skin started burning and I washed it off like always. Just with a different result. My skin is completely red in the area and the pores look big and open. Just like a mandarine, only in red. I tried to repair my skin with wild rose oil and cucumber seed oil. The wild rose oil helped a lot and my skin looked better after only 2 days but after a while it came back to same state like directly after using the baking soda. I went to the doctor and he gave me https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-12149/metrocream-topical/details but my skin literally improved 0% with it. Also the doctor said he never heard of people using baking soda for the skin and he said it has nothing to do with the baking soda but with my testosterone.(he also said other really disturbing things I better keep for myself). This makes no sense at all in my eyes since I always had a very clear and never red skin my whole life...using baking soda was clearly the reason for the redness and mandarine skin...this was the second doctor I visited and the first one just said he can't help me ( I'm from Germany and both Doctors had a Onlinerating of about 1,0 to 1,3 in school grades....which means they should be really good, my experience was clearly different) So now I still dont know how I can "repair" my skin after using baking soda, I know it was a huge mistake but really need to heal it since also my income is based on it and I can't afford to not have any income as a student....is there anybody who has got experience with this problem or could help me out? It would really mean the world to me :/ thank you
Hi there Anon - What a sad story and I am sorry to hear you are having such trouble. The only suggestion I can offer you is to not apply anything but the gentlest of ingredients while your skin is healing. This could be pure aloe vera gel to help calm and soothe. You might also try a very gentle wash with a colloidal oat solution. Pat dry or allow the skin to air dry after this. If your skin can tolerate a bit of oil after the gentle wash, then a few drops of jojoba or apricot kernel oil gently 'pressed' onto the skin (no rubbing) might help calm and soothe. Alternatively, a quality unrefined shea butter can be used instead of the oils. I wish you the best of luck and quick healing!
How many minutes should I apply the aloe vera? Should it be extracted? Or I can simply rub the aloe vera? I'm hoping for more explanation and informations about this baking soda burns. I'm suffering from it now, hoping for feedbacks thank you.
HI Exzema Warrior - If you can source aloe gel, then apply and leave it on. The gel is sold as a sunburn soother in some places (pharmacists and drugstores). Wishing you relief form your problem.
Anonymous said…
Hello, I was fine with the deodourant until I waxed under my arms. Then I used a bicard deodourant a few days later, and a few days after that I have a horrible dark red burn in the shape where I put the wax. I hope it will heal. The waxing must have removed the protective acid mantle.
Hello! I have a question concerning baking soda burning to the face; rather than the armpits! I recently attempted to soothe my facial eczema by rubbing some organic aloe vera gel on my face...not realizing that this gel contained baking soda. My face now feels horribly itchy and almost like I have a bad sunburn. Is it possible for baking soda to cause such irritation to my face? Thank you for all of your helpful advice!!!
Hey there J.Cas - Goodness me it does sound liker a visit to your doctor is in order here. I have never heard of baking soda being in an aloe vera gel and can't help wondering about the product and what else it might contain. Baking soda can indeed cause itching and irritation with prolonged skin contact. I imagine it would make eczema flare up. I hope you find relief soon.
I had used the typical anti-perspirant deodorant nearly all my life, switching to a spray on type a few years ago hoping to reduce an issue with clogged pores. I never had that problem when I was younger, but as I got older I noticed frequent clogged pores and even after a good scrubbing in the shower my armpits still had a slight b.o. smell (since anti-perspirant works to prevent sweating it blocks the pores, allowing bacteria to build up). The spray helped some with my pores, but it left an awful buildup on my shirts that could not be washed out. About a year ago I decided to give a more natural deodorant a try, store bought and of course contained baking soda, and I wish I'd done it years earlier. For the first maybe week and a half my pits were a little itchy, tho not unbearably so. Not one clogged pores, my pits smell like nothing now after showers, I love it. I am curious about something tho. Since certain, if not all, things we eat/drink can excrete through our skin and sweat, i.e. garlic & alcohol, I wonder if it's possible to experience a reaction due to something we've ingested? A few days ago I noticed my armpits were pretty pink, not itchy or painful, but clearly there was some sort of reaction happening. The only difference in my routine is I've had a couple wheat beers everyday for the past week or so. At any rate, thanks for the info in the post!
My guess is you are having a reaction to the baking soda. Some get 'leathery skin', some experience discolorations that are both pain-free or completely painless. Try leaving all deodorant on the shelf for a few days and use a simple spritz of aloe vera on your pits to help rebalance the skin. I'd love to hear how it goes,
Anahjah said…
Hello!
I’m in desperate need of help, and I’m so glad I’ve stumbled across this blog. Yesterday I ran out of deodorant, and I decided to use the baking soda and water paste. I noticed it started burning a little bit after I applied it, but I ignored it. After 2 or 3 minutes something didn’t feel right so I got a rag and started to wipe it off, but it wasn’t that effective so I decided to just get in the shower and rise it under warm water. As of right now it’s discolored and just a little bit itchy.
Will cocoa butter work as well as the other things you’ve listed? When can I start using deodorant again?
Hello Anahjah — so sorry you are having to experience this. The main thing is to not reapply any baking soda to your pits and to use only the gentlest of methods for washing until they are fully healed. It’s a bit annoying not to be able to use any deodorant but if the skin is unbroken the use of an acidic ingredient such as vinegar can help as a makeshift deodorant. Wishing you speedy healing!
Anonymous said…
It has been a couple days since I got the burn. Is it ok to start using my antiperspirant deodorant or should I wait until it's one hundred percent healed?
Hi ANon - I'd proceed with caution.. let your pits guide you. Best of luck!
Anonymous said…
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I tried this stupid thing I saw on the internet where you put baking soda on a lime and brush your teeth with it. Oh my God! It's 1:30 AM and I sat up with my mouth and throat on fire. I had no idea what would counteract the baking soda. I used lemon juice and aloe and the fire is almost out. Thanks! You are a life saver. This isn't the time to try going to an emergency room. Anne
HI Anne - Oh my goodness it sounds like your mouth has been put through the wringer! So glad you were able to self treat (and I do agree this is definitely not a good time to be visiting an emergency room). Stay safe and healthy! :)
Anonymous said…
A couple of years ago, I applied baking soda on my face. That resulted in reddened, itchy skin and a disfigured face. I tried everything, from natural remedies, herbal creams to potent steroid but to no avail, no positive signs of recovery or rejuvenation. I was very disillusioned. I accepted to live with it. It was sometime around last year that I came across this article. And I thought once my face will start to heal, I shall share it here. Recently I have been applying Clotrimazole 1% dusting powder. This has worked for me. Hope others suffering may get some relief using it. With best regards and deep sympathies.
Hey....I am also one of the victims of armpit burns .My armpits are almost black and I've tried almost every possible way to heal it....can you plz suggest that how often should I use coconut oil to heal my discolored armpit....I don't want more damage done...plz help me out....
Hi Unknown -- so sorry to hear this! May I suggest a visit to the doctor if it looks like it isn't going away at all? The coconut oil can also be mixed with a bit of shea butter to help speed the healing process if you want. Apply carefully in a thin layer to gently cleansed pits.
Anonymous said…
I had a burn occur on my face from using baking soda toothpaste. It went away once I discontinued using it, but when I tried it again, the burn returned within hours.
Hi, I have a similar issue but not armpit. I used bicarbonate and shampoo one day and vitamin c and shampoo the day before to help fade hair dye, what I didnt realise is that this time when it dripped into my neck crease is that it has irritated it. Let me explain, I have done this before with no issues whatsoever with the vitamin c n shampoo. But this time it dripped and must've aggitated the skin because that night I thought I just had an annoying itch that was sore on my neck(my dad did wipe the. ack of me kneckwhich explains why that was fine the next day). Because I'm trying to fade hair, I did bicarb and shampoo the next day which was my birthday, and straight away the left side started to burn nd the back stung a tad. Bless my brother he helped was it if my kneck because it was hurting and I was panicking, which soothed it for a bit, then I had aloe gel and spray in the fridge which we put s thick layer on, initially that even hurt but the same way as if you've just applied it to sun burn. What a way to start my 23rd bday right! Anyway, i woke up today and both sides of my kneck are tender to touch. What else can I do apart from apply more aloe? I took painkillers this morning to reduce any inflammation and I also had a headache so was mainly for that but two birds one stone n all lol. Any advice appreciated, the only way to describe the feeling initially was like a sun burn, its tender to touch currently, and tad warm still, it felt dry on the side exposed to air but side slept on is moist.
Comments
BTW, on the topic of baking-soda, years ago, I also had tried the misguided baking-soda deodorant advice, but I stopped upon feeling itchy. I've learned to listen to my body, after many sad experiences listening to authorities at either end of spectrum. For example, I stopped doctor's creams for poison ivy when those creams made me burn, replacing them with simple Calamine & Aveeno-anti-itch on most of my body. However, on the =worst= Ivy-Burns I used Calamine+WoundHoney. Also took a few Tepid mild bleach baths, minimizing the bleach due to stinging. And also kept gently applying some Dark-Brown/oily soap (not naphtha) which had probably been in this house since the 1960s. I've no idea what soap it was, but it was shiny/and/tacky and with its own smell (i.e. no additives).
....(btw, even the whites of my eyes get pink).
I've a hunch that many conditions are ONLY SECONDARILY GENETIC, despite the hype about genetics. For example, it could be that the minority of people who DO NOT NEED GLASSES for distance viewing when they're young - may be predisposed to macular.degeneration for exactly that reason.
In explanation:
Glasses (and contacts) tend to protect the eyes from cold wind.
So...
Imagine that hypothetically EVERYONE would wear glasses or contact-lenses, starting from when they're young. Not necessarily magnifying ones, BUT RATHER protective ones.
That would be the true acid-test of whether macular degeneration is TRULY genetic, or rather due to LACK OF PROTECTION.
Now do you see how much is subject to hype? The vast majority of doctors are so superfically arrogant - thinking they know it all - instead of deeply taking in the whole picture. It's they who have been perpetuating a failed system for the past century, refusing to acknowledge QXCI & other such quantum physics diagnostics. Leaving us victims to try as best we can to fend for ourselves. My feelings toward them can only be described as cold fury.
The PH of baking soda is very strong... that means it will dry out your skin(dehydration) and will eliminate odor.
If you are looking for a good natural deodorant, you will have to make sure your recipe will have a good source of moisturizer, such as, Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter or others that you might like it better.
Also remember: Aloe Vera is great for Hydration.
I do homecare products as well.
My armpits got really bad burned when I first started my trials. Now I got just the perfect match for my those problems.
My homemade recipe has Baking Soda and the results are great.
No rash, no itch, and no pain.
@Giovana - It sounds like you have done all the necessary trials and testing to make your own perfect deodorant solution. Good for you! A lot of people might have given up. I wish you forever happy pits!
Just as the baking soda is leaving an imbalance on the ourside. Your tears may be imbalanced caused by conditions on the inside. When my tears burn I try to drink more water and it clears up. I drink distilled water. I know their is a lot of info pro and con about distilled. .but hey.. nature makes it everyday with the intention of us drinking it. .
Definitely recommend aloe vera.
Pharmacy product:
Hydrocortisone.
Redness is a sign of inflammation.
Try using zinc oxide and a tiny be of baking soda.
I can send one sample to u...so u can try.
Due to so many trials, I became super sensitive with baking soda... But zinc oxide gave me a great result. Its not harm for the skin, but will be 95%organic product, since zinc oxide is not naturalistic...but has no harm for human body.
You are correct in that baking soda is in all likelihood causing the problem. I wish I could tell you that the problem will forever be gone if you just 'tough it through', but continuing to use the baking soda deodorant is probably the worst thing you could do. Some people are more sensitive than others and if you have a problem with it now, it is not likely to go away with time - it could even get worse. I wish I had better news for you, but I figured you'd probably rather have a straight answer. :)
Nicki
I would apply an aloe vera gel and let it sit. You have to be sure it is only the gel that you use. Best of luck with it!
but my skin literally improved 0% with it. Also the doctor said he never heard of people using baking soda for the skin and he said it has nothing to do with the baking soda but with my testosterone.(he also said other really disturbing things I better keep for myself). This makes no sense at all in my eyes since I always had a very clear and never red skin my whole life...using baking soda was clearly the reason for the redness and mandarine skin...this was the second doctor I visited and the first one just said he can't help me ( I'm from Germany and both Doctors had a Onlinerating of about 1,0 to 1,3 in school grades....which means they should be really good, my experience was clearly different)
So now I still dont know how I can "repair" my skin after using baking soda, I know it was a huge mistake but really need to heal it since also my income is based on it and I can't afford to not have any income as a student....is there anybody who has got experience with this problem or could help me out? It would really mean the world to me :/
thank you
My guess is you are having a reaction to the baking soda. Some get 'leathery skin', some experience discolorations that are both pain-free or completely painless. Try leaving all deodorant on the shelf for a few days and use a simple spritz of aloe vera on your pits to help rebalance the skin. I'd love to hear how it goes,
I’m in desperate need of help, and I’m so glad I’ve stumbled across this blog. Yesterday I ran out of deodorant, and I decided to use the baking soda and water paste. I noticed it started burning a little bit after I applied it, but I ignored it. After 2 or 3 minutes something didn’t feel right so I got a rag and started to wipe it off, but it wasn’t that effective so I decided to just get in the shower and rise it under warm water. As of right now it’s discolored and just a little bit itchy.
Will cocoa butter work as well as the other things you’ve listed? When can I start using deodorant again?
Thank You!
Anne
Anyway, i woke up today and both sides of my kneck are tender to touch. What else can I do apart from apply more aloe? I took painkillers this morning to reduce any inflammation and I also had a headache so was mainly for that but two birds one stone n all lol.
Any advice appreciated, the only way to describe the feeling initially was like a sun burn, its tender to touch currently, and tad warm still, it felt dry on the side exposed to air but side slept on is moist.