Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

It is not uncommon in skin folds or where one part of the body overlays another for yeast to overgrow. I say "overgrow" because we all have some yeast on our skin, but yeast are opportunists, and only cause trouble if the conditions are right for them to grow. Yeast flourish in environments that are warm, dark, and moist. So if your breasts are large and the area under them have these conditions, then there is more chance of a yeast overgrowth.

If there is peeling and breakdown of the skin (possibly initially due to yeast or moisture), there is increased risk for bacteria to cause a skin infection called cellulitis. Cellulitis is a more serious problem than yeast. The skin in a cellulitis infection is very hot, bright red, and tender or painful. Cellulitis needs to be treated promptly with specific antibiotics. You didn't describe these symptoms so I will assume that is not what you are dealing with.

So, if we assume the problem is from yeast, here are recommendations:

1. After showering or bathing, dry the under-breast area well (use a separate towel for this, and launder the towel in hot water). You can additionally dry the area with a hand held hair dryer set on low (careful not to burn your skin with the heat).

2. Use an over the counter yeast cream per packaging directions and reapply after bathing. Use this for 14 days. Lotrimin (generic is clotrimazole) or Nystatin would be good choices.

3. Get as supportive a bra as you can so that there is less contact between your breasts and chest skin underneath. This will help decrease the heat and moisture.

4. When you aren't wearing a bra, such as when you go to bed, tuck a cotton cloth under each breast to separate it from the skin underneath.

5. Avoid soaps that have scents or added dyes for coloring. In other words, use unscented soap.

6. Avoid alcohol and sugary foods/drinks as yeast love these.

Yeast and fungi do come back if they have good conditions for doing so, so you may need to be vigilant after the current rash clears.

If this doesn't help, then do go in to see your doctor.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
I am glad if I can help.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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