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Have Had Dark Discolouration Underneath And Between Breasts. It Is Itchy, Dry And Flaky. Advise?
Question: I have had dark discoloration underneath and between my breasts. It is itchy, dry and flaky.
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are a few main possibilities for the rash that you are experiencing. It can be
(1) due to intertrigo- this is inflammation of the skin folds due to skin on skin friction. It starts with redness and can progress.It is due to moisture being trapped in these folds. There can then be secondary infection of the are with fungi or bacteria.
(2) fungal rash- this is very common under the breasts because this area tends to keep moist and hot, it happens after the onset of the intertrigo.
(3) erythrasma- this is a chronic infection of any of the folds of the body such as under the breast. It is caused by a specific bacteria. It would normally present with a dark discolouration that may or may not be itchy and can be present from months to years. This also is most common where there is excess heat and moisture.
IT would be diagnosed after your doctor takes a swab of the area.
It is treated with oral and/or topical antibiotics. The antibiotic erythromycin is the drug of choice.
In general treatment consists of methods to minimise moisture and friction: wearing loose fitting clothing,
keeping the dry,
avoid nylon and synthetic fibers,
the use of a mild steroid cream for 2 to 3 days would decrease the inflammation. These are usually available over the counter, for example hydrocortisone
Drying agents such as talc or cornstarch
The use of topical antifungals such as lamisil, ciclopirox, miconazole, clotrimazole
If your doctor believes it is related to erythrasma,then he or she will prescribe the erythromycin for you. IF you wish to try the above and visit your doctor if no improvement occurs then you can do this.
It can take 2 to 3 weeks for any improvement.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
There are a few main possibilities for the rash that you are experiencing. It can be
(1) due to intertrigo- this is inflammation of the skin folds due to skin on skin friction. It starts with redness and can progress.It is due to moisture being trapped in these folds. There can then be secondary infection of the are with fungi or bacteria.
(2) fungal rash- this is very common under the breasts because this area tends to keep moist and hot, it happens after the onset of the intertrigo.
(3) erythrasma- this is a chronic infection of any of the folds of the body such as under the breast. It is caused by a specific bacteria. It would normally present with a dark discolouration that may or may not be itchy and can be present from months to years. This also is most common where there is excess heat and moisture.
IT would be diagnosed after your doctor takes a swab of the area.
It is treated with oral and/or topical antibiotics. The antibiotic erythromycin is the drug of choice.
In general treatment consists of methods to minimise moisture and friction: wearing loose fitting clothing,
keeping the dry,
avoid nylon and synthetic fibers,
the use of a mild steroid cream for 2 to 3 days would decrease the inflammation. These are usually available over the counter, for example hydrocortisone
Drying agents such as talc or cornstarch
The use of topical antifungals such as lamisil, ciclopirox, miconazole, clotrimazole
If your doctor believes it is related to erythrasma,then he or she will prescribe the erythromycin for you. IF you wish to try the above and visit your doctor if no improvement occurs then you can do this.
It can take 2 to 3 weeks for any improvement.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your reply. I have large breasts 44DD bra size. I also forgot to state that there is a mild odor that is hard to describe. Will the discoloration eventually fade away? I will try the hydrocortisone. My bra seems to irritate the area.
Hi
Yes the discoloration will fade but it will take a few weeks. The odour may indicate that there is also an infection such as the fungal infection.
The hydrocortisone will reduce the inflammation but will not help the infection. You can also obtain the antifungal creams over the counter.
Remember to only use the steroid cream for 2 to 3 days to reduce the inflammation. If they are used for longer they might stop the anti fungal from being fully effective because of they immune suppression effect
Please feel free to ask anything else
Yes the discoloration will fade but it will take a few weeks. The odour may indicate that there is also an infection such as the fungal infection.
The hydrocortisone will reduce the inflammation but will not help the infection. You can also obtain the antifungal creams over the counter.
Remember to only use the steroid cream for 2 to 3 days to reduce the inflammation. If they are used for longer they might stop the anti fungal from being fully effective because of they immune suppression effect
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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