What Does A Large Rash Under The Breast Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 28 Jul 2014

Question: I have a large rash under my left breast. I guess from sweat, but it burns and smells bad. Plus it has gotten my whole breast hurting and my nipple veru sensetive.What can I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of Herpes Zoster, Upload a Picture

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query.

I would like to rule out Herpes Zoster. As you describe, it is a unilateral rash with pain and discomfort.

Another possibility is Intertrigo which is inflammation of the body folds e.g axilla, submammary folds, groins etc due to rubbing against each other, sweating causing the skin to get macerated and weak and thus prone to irritation from rubbing. There is diffuse redness and burning and the area feels raw. There might be foul smell. Treatment of intertrigo is with twice daily application of topical steroid + antifungal cream combination along with keeping the area dry/moisture free. Using an antifungal dusting powder regularly in the body folds is recommended.

However, Herpes Zoster presents with painful fluid filled lesions, which are usually arranged in a stripe pattern on one side of the body

The fluid filled lesions in Herpes Zoster may rupture to form raw areas which might get secondarily infected with bacteria, thus giving rise to increased pain, discharge and foul odor.

I would be able to confirm the exact diagnosis if you can upload a clear digital Image of the rash.

Regards

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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju