Hi A rash under your breast can be caused by a number of things. Generally, they fall into four categories: infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. The warm, moist skin under breasts is an ideal breeding ground for bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections. Candidiasis Candidiasis is caused by the same yeasts, or fungi, that cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush infections, and diaper rash. These fungal infections are often seen in babies, people with illnesses that affect their immune system, and in people who are taking antibiotics. Candida yeasts thrive in the moist, warm environment under the breasts. They cause a rash that often develops uncomfortable blisters and small cracks. Like many other rashes, candidiasis can be very itchy. Antifungal creams are used to treat candidiasis. If the infection is more widespread, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to be taken by mouth. It’s also important to keep your skin dry. Ringworm Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s one of several types of fungal infections called tinea. Fungi are microscopic, single-cell organisms that are in the air, soil, water, animals, and people. The types of fungi that cause ringworm and related skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and jock itch, are parasites that feed on dead keratin, the protein that makes up your skin, nails, and hair. Ringworm appears as round, red patches of skin with a distinctive red ring. Ringworm is highly contagious and often spreads via shared towels, sheets, and showers. You can even get it from your pets. Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams are effective in treating ringworm. Mastitis Mastitis is an infection of the breast that‘s common to women who are breastfeeding, although women who aren’t breastfeeding can get it as well. Small cracks in the nipple can be an entry point for bacteria. Clogged milk ducts can also become infected. Untreated, mastitis can lead to the formation of painful, pus-filled abscesses in your breast, so it’s important to contact your doctor. Antibiotics are normally prescribed to treat the infection. Warm compresses applied to the breast several times a day also help relieve discomfort. You’ll want to rest and drink lots of fluid to speed healing. If you’re breastfeeding, feed your baby more frequently and empty the affected breast fully. Allergies Hives are an allergic response to a range of substances, including: foods medications insect stings pollen plants Hives are red or, more rarely, skin-colored bumps that can itch violently. If you press on hives, they will blanch, turning white. Hives can occur on any part of your body. Hives are usually treated with antihistamines. These drugs block histamines, the natural chemical in your skin that causes the hives. You may also use cold compresses and topical preparations such as cortisone creams or calamine lotion. If you get hives regularly, your doctor may recommend that you see an allergist. An allergist will determine what substances you’re allergic to so you can avoid the allergens in the future. AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS Autoimmune disorders There are a few different autoimmune disorders that may cause a rash under your breast. Autoimmune disorders are chronic conditions that cannot be cured, but you can treat the symptoms. Eczema Patches of inflamed red or reddish-gray skin that itch severely are signs of eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Eczema can develop small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust over. Over time, your skin can dry out and be prone to irritation and itching before it flares up again. Eczema can be found anywhere on your body. It’s seen most commonly on the: face hands feet behind the knees inner surface of the elbow There’s no cure for eczema. It can be controlled by keeping your skin moisturized with fragrance-free moisturizers and by using cortisone creams or gels to control the itching. Eczema symptoms may be made worse by: harsh soaps and detergents wool sweat stress Inverse psoriasis Inverse psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis, a chronic disease of the immune system. It’s characterized by smooth, red patches of skin in the folds of the body. The condition is often seen under the breasts, the armpits, and the groin area. Inverse psoriasis doesn’t usually have the flaky skin plaques associated with other types of psoriasis. Steroid creams and gels are the first-line treatment for inverse psoriasis. Increasingly, skin medications that suppress the immune system are being used for more severe cases. Hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which your body’s sweat glands produce more sweat than is needed to cool the body. All that perspiration is a welcome mat for germs that cause infections. The cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, but it tends to run in families. Antiperspirants may be used under the breasts. In fact, there are also body antiperspirants made for this purpose and some are even available in powder form. If they don’t do the job, your doctor may prescribe a more powerful antiperspirant. Botox injections and the removal of sweat glands via laser or traditional surgery are options for severe cases. Hailey-Hailey disease A rare, inherited disorder, Hailey-Hailey disease is characterized by a persistent, blistering rash that may be found: under the breasts on the neck between the buttocks in the arm pits and groin The rash tends to come and go spontaneously. Over time, the skin can become tough and dry, and may develop painful cracks. Hailey-Hailey disease is often treated with corticosteroid cream or ointment, and antibiotics. More stubborn cases may be treated with oral corticosteroids or antibiotics, photodynamic light therapy, or laser therapy. If you have Hailey-Hailey disease, your doctor will advise you to avoid situations that make you sweat, such as not wearing heavy clothing that doesn’t breathe and not exerting yourself too much in hot weather. Inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare form of rapidly spreading cancer. Symptoms include: pink or red skin discoloration pitted skin often described as looking like an orange peel pimple-like rash an inverted nipple that points inward rather than outward Although this type of breast cancer is rare, it’s important to see your doctor promptly if you have these symptoms. A combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy is the standard treatment for inflammatory breast cancer. Heat rash, properly called miliaria, occurs when your sweat glands become blocked and sweat can’t be excreted through the pores. Instead, the sweat pools under your skin, causing inflammation and a rash. The best treatment is to cool off. Heat rash happens mainly when you sweat more than normal because of heat and humidity. Heat rash usually clears up without treatment. A rash under the breast is rarely anything more than an annoyance that causes discomfort. By identifying the underlying cause of the rash and treating it accordingly, most rashes heal within a couple of weeks. There are some things you can do to help treat symptoms of a rash. Skip wearing your bra as much as possible until the rash clears up. When you do wear a bra, make sure it fits without binding. Avoid underwire bras. Some women find it helpful to wear bra liners or mini pads to absorb moisture under the breasts. Wear loose-fitting clothes made of fabrics that breathe, such as cotton and linen. Use unscented soaps, lotions, and moisturizers. Apply a cool compress to the affected area. Calamine lotion can help reduce itching. Drying powders such as Gold Bond Extra and Lady Monkey Butt help prevent rashes. Corn starch is popular as a powder, but can make some rashes worse, especially if they’re cause by a yeast infection. Ways to get rid of a rash under your breasts. 1. Cold Compress A cold compress can relieve many of the symptoms like itching and burning sensation caused by rashes under the breasts. Wrap some ice in a thin cotton towel and put it over the affected area for five to 10 minutes. Take a break and then repeat. Another option is to apply a skim-milk and cold-water compress using equal parts of both the ingredients to relieve itching and reduce swelling. Also, try bathing with cold water. It will help close the skin pores, thus reducing sweating and the appearance of the rash. 2. Cotton The best way to deal with a breast rash is to reduce the accumulation of sweat around the breast area. Place a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of your breasts and the skin underneath to absorb moisture and create a barrier. You can also use soft paper towels or dinner napkins. Also, wear lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton or natural fibers that help absorb moisture and keep your body sweat free. 3. Vinegar At times, the chemical residue present on your clothes can cause a breast rash. Vinegar can help solve this problem. Mix one-half cup of white vinegar in half a bucket of hot water. Use it to wash all your bras and dry them in direct sunlight. Another option is to apply apple cider vinegar on the irritated skin. Wash the infected area with mild soapy water, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and apply it to the affected area. Do this two or three times daily. If it causes discomfort, stop using it. 4. Cornstarch Cornstarch is highly effective for alleviating the itching and burning sensations associated with a breast rash. It helps keep the skin dry. In case of a fungal rash though, simply use talc as fungi feed on cornstarch. Clean the affected skin with soap and water, and then pat dry with a towel. When the area is completely dry, lightly dust cornstarch over it. Do this at least twice daily until you completely get rid of the problem. Note: Do not apply cornstarch on moist or wet skin as it will increase the risk of fungal infection. 5. Coconut Oil Coconut oil has a soothing and healing effect on skin that helps provide relief from rashes. Plus, due to its greasy nature, it will help reduce friction that causes rashes under breasts and also avoid infections, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Simply apply some extra-virgin coconut oil on the affected area and allow it to absorb completely into the skin. Do this two or three times daily until the rash is gone. 6. Calamine Lotion Calamine lotion can be used on a breast rash to provide soothing relief from itching and speed up the healing process. It will also helps keep the area dry and thus reduce the chance of infection. Clean the affected skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry the area with a towel. Use a cotton ball to gently apply the calamine lotion. Repeat several times a day. April 14th, 2016 Top 10 Foods to Improve Your Vaginal Health Top 10 Foods to Improve Your Vaginal Health September 3rd, 2015 158 COMMENTS patricia vaughnApril 26, 2013 at 12:20 am REPLY I use cheep diaper rash cream under my breasts when hot out, it stops me from hurting from sweat . I also use cheep diaper rash cream for my groin area when sweating or better yet , if you know it will be a hot day , put it on first thing in the morning to prevent any redness that hurts. I been doing it for a very long time. and other people doing it with great results too. janetJune 4, 2013 at 1:32 pm REPLY What kind of cream do u use julie jonesJune 14, 2014 at 8:12 pm REPLY Under my right breast is now always itching and nothing I try seems to work. Not deodarant, nystatin, not antibiotic creams, powder, nothing like this. My other breast is fine, unless I sweat(I am big busted and sweat when hot but nystatin always helped this) this right one just constantly itches even after cleaning. I have also noticed a bit of peeling under it but I have no lumps or anything under there, or under my arm. Why is it doing this and what can I do? It is so irritating! Ty all. pennyAugust 11, 2014 at 1:03 pm REPLY I use Milk of Magnesia..its sounds strange but it works..Dab it on with a cotton ball let it dry. Then I put powder on..I sweat alot because I live in AZ 112..hope this helps JawadJuly 12, 2015 at 11:16 am REPLY You will have used to take a bath on every friday before 12 PM. AnneJuly 17, 2015 at 2:31 pm REPLY I came back from being in Liverpool for a week, I thought i had picked up a tick or something as i had 3 itchy bites. I have now got a fungul desease, under breasts and in the groin area, itchy, red and sore, even behind my left ear, had all the creams the doc has given me but still not cleared, tried the vinegar really worked a treat, thank you for that, now on my way to buy the diaper (nappy) cream and shower soap. Fingers crossed I can at least get 1 nights decent sleep. I must admit being 70 yrs and a large person and over weight, does not help, trying to lose weight, but some bodiy bits are a bit saggy now which isnt good. Thanks all for all your help. SallyMay 15, 2016 at 12:18 pm REPLY Same with me …70 years old and heavier busted than I was years ago …it is usually my left breast under skin which is affected …I have been using sudocrem (nappy) cream …just can’t wear a bra at the moment. I use good quality cotton bras, but the underband is almost always nylon rJuly 26, 2015 at 1:12 am REPLY I’ve also heard that your symptoms could possibly be related to breast cancer so you might want to ask the Dr. Especially if it’s one breast. Sorry to make your worry but better to be safe! God bless! KathyJune 16, 2016 at 3:30 pm REPLY I have already had breast cancer and this problem is much worse under the breast that was treated with radiation so there is scar tissue involved under that side. I have used baby powder which works if I remember to put in on every day. When it flares up I use Aquaphor overnight and calms it down….at least for a while. I have not tried the antiperspirant but I do have virgin coconut oil at home so I will try that as it is antibacterial and soothing. I have NEVER heard nor experienced any rash prior to my breast cancer (nor has my mother) so this doesn’t sound right and I wouldn’t consider it a symptom of breast cancer. There are enough signs without making some up. VeraJanuary 30, 2016 at 3:38 am REPLY Help what can I use it burns and peel. VandanaJune 20, 2016 at 10:51 am REPLY Try using coconut oil. It helps a lot. MonicaMay 18, 2015 at 1:04 pm REPLY I am so happy. I have been dealing with this for years, and today I put on a thin layer of diaper cream and it was like instant relief. HEATHERJuly 7, 2015 at 12:05 pm REPLY After trying a number of things including Dermatologist prescriptions which were never permanent cures I’ve discovered that a medicated powder (Cuticura to be specific ) has cured it & kept it away for 2 years. Ordinary talcum powder did not accomplish this. CharzaJuly 12, 2015 at 6:09 am REPLY Ladies, self medicating is tricky business. Like the article says, there are lots of reasons for breast and body fold rashes. 1. Is it yeast (fungal) or something else? Tell tale signs of yeast infections include white discharge, peeling or flaking skin, and a definite yeast-y odor. You can’t always tell at the beginning of symptoms, though. It is best to assume it is a fungal or yeast infection first, since treatments that work for other causes make yeast infections worse like using suggestions below which include sugars (mouthwash or milk) or things that convert to sugars (like cornstarch or burnt flour) 2. Good basics: a. Be careful with the skin, since usually these things get a foothold through damaged skin…like when your bra is too tight, your loofah is too rough, or you scratched while hot and sweaty. b. Wash with gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser. Use a soft, fresh cloth or your clean hands, only! c. Dry with a hair dryer in your skin folds, medium or cool setting, or use a fresh towel and pat thoroughly dry d. Sleep easy. Ditch tight clothes, and go commando…no undies or bras. e. use diaper cream or vaseline as a moisture barrier. 3. Fungus-y things a. Fungus hates light, cool, dry and acids. It is hard to keep those conditions going on the inner thighs, belly folds or under boob! b. After washing the areas, apply a gentle acidic solution. There are lots of suggestions below. Vinegar & water blends (drug stores have anti ear-fungus drops which are vinegar and water drops in safe-for-skin ratios…just use a capful of household white vinegar in a large cup of water, swab area with a dipped cotton ball), anti-everything wash like betadine (it works but it stains, so use in the shower and rinse well), some cleansers, and yes, the usual anti-fungals like monistat, bag balm, spray ons from the dollar store. c. lay back, and give your self some air time. While flared up, lay on the bed before you get dressed, lift the ladies and give your skin 10-15 minutes of air when you can, preferably in a nice, sunny room. Or blow dry, that works well but not nearly so relaxing. d. Clean undergarments, every day, should be cotton if you can find some. If not, the tube T-shirt ring, feminine pads, small cotton socks, etc., tucked where needed to keep skin off of skin. Absorb moisture, stop the chafing. e. If this doesn’t give you relief in a day or two, take a look at dermatitis-y things, 4. Dermatitis-y things: a. Many of the same rules apply, but you swap out mild acidic solutions for cortisone. A ‘sporin ought to do the trick. b. If the rash is sudden, spreading beyond sweaty areas, comes with any kind of fever, ect., check with your doctor. c. Look for anything in your diet or detergents. Food allergies can cause skin to go crazy. Hand soap, clothing you bought but didn’t wash before wearing, shampoo, laundry soap, new formulas (new and improved!) in things you were already using, dish soap, dishwasher soap…etc. Final note for both, diaper creams or Vaseline as a moisture barrier is a great idea when you’ve done your treatment for the day. If all else fails, ask your doc to check you for non-C Albicans fungal infections. I’m thinking of the folks below who have tried everything. They don’t always look for these other strains of yeast infections that don’t respond to the usual medications. You need tougher stuff. Also, if the rash shows up around your head anywhere, consider that you may have an adult version of cradle cap…unfortunately, that will require medical intervention to clear up. DR DE