Causes And Symptoms Of Rashes Under The Breast
If you notice irritation or redness of the skin under your breasts, you have most probably developed a breast rash. Several factors can cause rashes under your breasts. While one of the most common causes is a heat rash, other triggers can be classified into four categories. They are:
Infections
The skin folds under your breasts as well as other body parts are the ideal breeding ground for bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections. Candidiasis, which is caused by a type of yeast called Candida, and ringworm, which is a fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, can both result in rashes under the breasts. Itchy blisters, cracks, and red, round patches of skin that look like a ring are some of the common signs associated with such infections.
Allergies
If you have developed red or skin-colored bumps under your breasts that itch a lot, it could be hives. Hives are formed as a result of an allergic response of your body to certain foods, medications, pollen, plants, and insect bites. Hives will usually blanch and turn white when pressed.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune conditions like eczema, inverse psoriasis, hyperhidrosis, and Hailey-Hailey disease can also cause rashes to form on different parts of your body, including the folds under your breasts. Eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that eventually ooze and crust over. The symptoms of inverse psoriasis include smoothened, red patches of skin in the affected area. Hyperhidrosis causes frequent sweating that leads to the formation of rashes. Hailey-Hailey disease triggers blistering rashes in the affected body parts.
Cancer
Another cause of rashes under your breasts could be inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare but rapidly spreading type of cancer. Its symptoms may include:
Pink or red discoloration of the skin Pitted skin that may resemble an orange peel A pimple-like rash An inverted nipple that points inward rather than outward
The causes of rashes under the breast may vary in their gravity. While such rashes are hardly a cause of concern most of the time, they may also be a result of life-threatening diseases like cancer. If your symptoms are similar to that of any serious medical conditions, it is best to avail medical intervention immediately to rule out any complications.
How Is A Rash Under The Breast Treated?
The cause of the rash under your breasts will determine how you treat it.
Common Rashes On The Skin
Avoiding skin irritants is one of the best ways to prevent common rashes. This can include avoiding certain soaps or cosmetics that you are allergic or sensitive to. You may also want to identify and avoid wearing bras or tops made of specific fabrics. The doctor might prescribe medication or a topical cream to reduce the rash. In most situations, the rash is resolved or controlled without posing a significant risk to your general health. Dermatitis or eczema is pretty common in breastfeeding women. Speaking with a doctor or lactation consultant is advised in these situations because breastfeeding individuals may require different treatment.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
The diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer is given after careful examination and tissue biopsy. This stage is quite advanced and needs to be treated right away. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy radiation, and hormone therapy radiation are all possible forms of treatment, usually starting with chemotherapy radiation (1). If the rash under your breasts is due to microbial infections or allergies, here are some home remedies that may help you treat it.
11 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Rashes Under The Breast
1. Baking Soda
The alkalinity of baking soda increases the pH of your skin and helps relieve itchiness associated with rashes under your breasts. It can also help in the removal of scales from the skin if any (2).
1 teaspoon of baking soda A few drops of water
You may do this once daily.
2. Coconut Oil
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of coconut oil can help in getting rid of rashes under the breasts (3). The antimicrobial potential of coconut oil against Candida can be used to treat yeast infections that could be causing the rashes (4).
1-2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (5). These properties can help in getting rid of rashes under the breast by eliminating the infection-causing microbes and reducing swelling and itching.
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 2-3 teaspoons of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
You can do this once daily.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties that work effectively against multiple microbes, including Candida. Hence, this remedy may be useful if the rashes under your breasts are the result of a yeast infection (6).
1-2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar ½ cup of water Cotton balls
You can do this multiple times daily.
5. Cold Compress
A cold compress numbs the affected area, thereby helping in reducing the itchiness that often occurs in the case of rashes under the breast (7).
A cold compress
You may do this multiple times daily.
6. Garlic
Garlic offers multiple benefits for your skin. It has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help in treating skin infections that cause rashes under the breasts (8), (9).
1-2 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon of olive oil
You may do this once daily.
7. Aloe Vera
The anti-inflammatory activity of aloe vera extracts can be used in soothing the itchiness and inflammation associated with rashes under the breast (10).
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
8. Neem
Neem exhibits many therapeutic benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation and fight infections (11). These properties can also help reduce breast rashes and prevent their recurrence.
A handful of neem leaves Water (as required)
You may do this once daily.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be used in the treatment of rashes under the breasts (12).
1 cup of ground oats Water
You may do this once daily.
10. Witch Hazel
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of witch hazel can help in the treatment of rashes under the breasts and alleviate itching and inflammation (13).
Witch hazel (as required) Cotton balls
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
11. Turmeric
The major component of turmeric is curcumin. This compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in treating the rashes under the breasts (14).
1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder Water (as required)
You may do this once daily or every alternate day. While you allow these remedies to work on those stubborn rashes under your breasts, here are some beneficial tips that can prevent the rashes from recurring.
How To Prevent Rashes Under The Breast
Clean the affected area with antibacterial soap and water daily. Use only fragrance-free moisturizers. Avoid scratching the affected area. Wear soft clothing that does not irritate your skin. Change out of sweaty clothing right away. Limit wearing your bra as much as possible until the rash begins clearing. Wear bra liners to absorb excess sweat. Apply Calamine lotion on the affected area.
If the rash does not disappear after using OTC medications and home remedies, you should consult a doctor to determine the root cause of the rash.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you have a skin rash along with any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor right away:
The rash is rapidly spreading all over your body. Your skin is thick, warm, and red. You are exhausted, shivering, nauseous, or vomiting You have a fever. You have discolored, bleeding, peeling, or blistered skin. There are uneven, multicolored, dark dots. The patches or rash morph in size and shape.
Remember that self-diagnosis of a breast rash can be challenging. In some situations, a delay in treatment may mean the difference between a favorable outcome and a more severe health problem. Does a yeast infection under the breast smell? Yes, if left untreated, yeast infections under the breasts can give off a foul odor. Can I use deodorant under my breasts? Yes, you can use a deodorant or antiperspirant under your breasts. However, this is not recommended if you are breastfeeding. How long should a breast rash last? A breast rash should ideally disappear in a few days or weeks. However, if it doesn’t, it is best to see a doctor immediately. How do I stop sweating between my breasts? You can stop excessive sweating between your breasts by using any deodorizing talc and wearing soft and breathable clothing. Sweat or moisture-wicking bras are also available to tackle this problem. Will going braless affect your breast health? There is no scientific proof that suggests that going braless will affect your breast health in any way. It may, however, cause your breasts to sag in the long run. What doctor to visit for rashes under the breasts? You can visit a dermatologist for rashes under the breasts. Depending on your symptoms, your dermatologist may either prescribe the required treatment or refer you to another specialist. What causes clogged pores under breasts? Just the way the pores on your face can get clogged with oil, debris, bacteria, sweat, or dead skin cells, so can the pores on your breasts. Some people are more prone to clogged pores and breast acne breakouts due to several factors. These include: • Stress • Diet • Hormonal changes • Genetics • Certain medications • Poor hygiene • Tight-fitting clothes • Certain creams or lotions Can cornstarch be used to treat rashes under the breasts? While no studies support the idea that cornstarch can be used to treat rashes under the breasts, it is claimed that it is especially effective in reducing the burning and itching associated with a heat or sweat rash. Start by cleansing the affected area with a gentle soap and water if you wish to try out this treatment for your breast rash. Then, wipe away any remaining moisture with a soft towel. Finally, apply cornstarch to the affected area when the skin has completely dried. What does a breast yeast rash look like? Yeast infection under the breast looks like a raised, shiny bright red rash under the warm moist folds of the skin. It also may have blisters or crusting. Can sweat cause a rash under the breasts? Yes. Also called heat rashes, these occur when excess sweat is produced by sweat glands, which, then, gets blocked from reaching up to the skin surface. This is common during hot and humid weather. Can a dirty bra cause a rash under the breast? A sweaty bra, if worn for long (especially after a workout), can cause rashes under the skin as the build-up of sweat and oil may cause fungal infections.
