USERS of a popular roll-on deodorant have reported unsightly rashes, bumps and burning on their armpits.
One customer likened the sensation they’d been left with as “volcanoes erupting”.
Users of Mitchum roll-on deodorant after taking to social media to share the after effects of using the product[/caption]
Customers have been left with “red raw” rashes and irritation after using certain batches[/caption]
Mitchum UK issued an apology after users posted the worrying after effects of using its 48-hour roll-on anti-perspirant and deodorant on social media.
While many assumed the issue was caused by a change in the product’s formula, the company confirmed after an investigation, the problem was linked to the brand adopting a different manufacturing process.
A select batch of deodorant sold in the UK, Ireland and South Africa was impacted by the updated method, and the company says it has now reverted to the original process.
Posting a statement to Instagram, Mitchum UK apologised for anyone who had experienced “temporary irritation” after using certain batches during the time it took them to complete their investigation.
But customers were left furious by the way the symptoms had been described.
One user commented: “I don’t think red raw underarms that are burning and peeling is accurately depicted by your phrasing of “temporary irritation”.
Another said: “I’ve literally been left with scarring. I’m sure many others have too.
“‘Temporary irritation’ is an absolute joke, irritation is not the word. Try burns, blisters, scabs, now scars.”
One 30-year-old woman, from London, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Sun Health she was unable to sleep when the rash from Mitchum began, until there were white spots covering one of her armpits.
She said: “I noticed a small red patch a few weeks ago but thought nothing of it, or that it was likely just shaving rash.
“One night I was laying in bed and my armpit just started burning to the point I couldn’t sleep, so I put some Sudocrem on it, which helped ease it slightly.
“The other armpit had what felt similar to heat rash.
“The rash worsened over the next couple of days, with one day it got so bad to the point I couldn’t lift my armpit due to the pain and burning sensation.
“I did think at that point I wonder if my deodorant is stinging it more, but never at any point did I think it could be Mitchum, as I’ve used it for years with no issues.
“But I then stopped using it for a few days and that seemed to help.”
One woman said she couldn’t sleep because of the burning she experienced[/caption]
The woman discovered her deodorant was one of the affected products[/caption]
She went to the pharmacist as it wasn’t clearing up, where she was told it was likely a fungal infection, so gave her anti-fungal cream.
The woman said: “I continued to not use my deodorant on that one armpit to try and minimise any irritation.
“It was only after seeing lots of viral videos about the Mitchum issue on TikTok did I put two and two together.
“I’m shocked they’ve only just not released a statement when it seems like people have been suffering for weeks.
“I checked my deodorant and it was from the affected batch.
“My rash has mostly cleared up now, but I still have some red marks and slight itching, and am not using Mitchum at the moment.”
A Mitchum spokesperson said a product recall has not been issued, but out of concern for its customers, it is working with retailers to voluntarily remove the limited number of affected products remaining on shelves.
The batch number is located on the bottom of the product.
They told Sun Health: “We are aware of reports from some customers regarding reactions to select batches of Mitchum 48-hour 100ml Roll-On anti-perspirant and deodorant sold in the UK, Ireland and South Africa. No other products in our portfolio are impacted.
“Consumer wellbeing is always our priority, and we are truly sorry some of our customers have experienced temporary irritation. This is not the experience they expect from us.
“We take this kind of feedback extremely seriously and have worked hard to investigate the cause.
“We want to reassure there has been no change to the formula of our products, but we have identified a change in the manufacturing process affecting one of our raw materials. This has impacted how the roll-on interacts with the skin of some users.
“We can confirm this issue has now been resolved and we are working to remove the small amount of product remaining on shelf.
“In addition, we have reverted to the original manufacturing process to ensure no other batches are affected.
“We ask that any consumers experiencing issues contact our Customer Care team and give us a chance to make this right.”
How to get rid of a rash under your armpits
If you want to be rid of your underarm rash once and for all, you ideally need to work out what’s causing it in the first place.
Causes include contact dermatitis, candida, or allergies to certain fragrances and dyes.
While you get to the bottom of the cause, armpit rashes and itchiness can be soothed by:
- Having a warm colloidal oatmeal bath
- Applying an anti-itch cream
- Using unscented moisturisers (if your itch/rash is being caused by dry skin or eczema)
- Putting cool compresses under your armpits to try and calm the area
No matter how much you want to scratch your underarms, it’s really important you resist the urge, as this will only further irritate the skin.
It can also potentially make your rash angrier and cause it to spread.
Source: Holland & Barrett