Axillary Hyperpigmentation Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature

    August 2025 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Seyed Mohammad Vahabi, Hamid Sajjadi, Yasamin Kalantari, Elnaz Pourgholi, Sama Heidari, Ifa Etesami
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    TLDR Topical treatments and lasers can improve axillary hyperpigmentation, but no best method is established yet.
    This systematic review assessed the efficacy and safety of treatments for axillary hyperpigmentation (AH) across 10 studies, focusing on topical treatments and light/laser-based therapies. Topical agents like desonide and Cyperus rotundus oil were effective with minimal side effects, while the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) showed significant improvement in pigmentation, though the laser was more painful. IPL was found superior to alpha-hydroxy acid for skin lightening. The review concluded that the QS Nd-YAG laser is the most frequently used laser for AH treatment without severe adverse effects, and various topical treatments are effective. However, no gold standard exists, and further research is needed to establish standardized treatment protocols.
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