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This article was co-written by Lacy Windham, MD. Dr. Windham is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at East Virginia School of Medicine in 2010 for which she was awarded the Distinguished Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Best Resident in Oncology and Best Resident Doctor.
There are 18 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 24,529 times.
Itchy breasts are common in women, and can occur in men as well. Many factors can lead to itchy breasts, from using new soaps or detergents to more serious conditions including a fairly rare form of breast cancer. Itchy breasts can be long-lasting, extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes quite painful. Pay attention to your symptoms and take steps to treat itchy skin using over-the-counter remedies, lifestyle changes and the products you use often. In many cases, you’ll need to consult a doctor, conduct examinations, tests, and treat through stronger prescription drugs.
Steps
Treatment of itchy breasts caused by dry skin
- Dry skin can appear in uneven skin tone. These areas of skin are often scaly or have a tendency to peel. Dry areas will feel tight, especially after contact with water.
- Areas of unevenly dry skin will often be darker or lighter in color than normal skin tissue and may look more wrinkled when compared to the smooth texture of healthy skin. [2] X Research Source
- Chest dryness tends to get worse during the cold, dry months.
- You should only bathe or soak in a warm bath and avoid exposure to hot water for too long.
- Use an unscented, high-fat soap or one that contains glycerin. Stay away from scented products like bath foams. Use a loofah or soft towel and avoid rubbing your skin too hard.
- When bathing, you should only rub soap on your breasts every 2-3 days. This will allow the body time to replenish its natural oils. [4] X Research Sources
- Pat skin dry after bathing and avoid wiping too vigorously with a towel. Apply an unscented moisturizer immediately after showering.
- An alternative to applying lotion after a shower is to use an essential oil bath right before you step out of the shower. Let the body dry naturally, do not use too strong a towel, especially around the itchy chest area. Essential oil bath products are often quite slippery, so you should be careful not to fall.
- If you’re an athlete or go to the gym regularly, it’s a good idea to take a quick shower after exercising and bring your own soap.
- Limit the use of antiperspirants and perfumes as they can dry out the skin. Deodorants are less likely to dry out the skin than antiperspirants.
- Use a sunscreen that contains a moisturizer.
- Always remember to use unscented skin care products specifically for sensitive skin. [7] X Research Sources
- Apply a water-resistant moisturizer before going swimming, such as a thin layer of Vaseline cream. Shower and apply moisturizer immediately after swimming.
- Thick, creamy moisturizers like Eucerin and Cetaphil will be more effective than lightweight body lotions. Vaseline cream is also thick enough to moisturize the skin well and is also quite cheap.
- Choose laundry products labeled specifically for people with sensitive skin. Choose one that is free of colorants and fragrances.
- Use unscented fabric softener. Fabric softener will help reduce roughness when washing clothes with hard water. However, many fabric softeners can trigger an allergic reaction, so if switching to an unscented one doesn’t help, you should stop using it altogether.
- Rinse the garment by performing the rinse cycle one more time to ensure that any unwanted detergents and chemicals are removed.
- Use a humidifier during the winter months to maintain moisture in the skin. [10] X Research Source
- Wear a shirt, blouse, or dress that’s loose and made of a comfortable, breathable fabric like cotton.
- Remember to choose a bra that fits well, including sports bras. Flaky skin and itchiness can be caused by a bra that doesn’t fit properly. [12] X Research Source
- Take off your sports bra immediately after exercising to minimize the amount of moisture and sweat on your breast tissue.
- Do not wear a bra while sleeping. You should wear nightgowns that are comfortable, breathable, and loose.
- Scratching will irritate the skin more, cause more itching, and can cause inflammation if the skin is scratched.
- Use the bottom of your hand to gently press and massage the itchy area, or apply a cool cloth to the area to relieve the itching sensation.
- Many people scratch at night without even realizing it. You should put a bandage around your fingertips when you sleep, or put socks on your hands to prevent scratching.
- If symptoms do not improve within 1-2 days, see your doctor.
- Call your doctor right away if side effects appear such as redness, swelling, or pus.
- To apply the cream, you should wash your skin gently and pat dry, then apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in gently.
Treating a fungal infection on the chest
- The lower bust line is the fold below the chest. This area is very suitable for fungi to thrive. The most common type of fungus that causes infections under the breasts is a yeast called candida.
- This type of candida yeast also causes vaginal infections and yeast infections in the mouth, also known as thrush.
- A candida infection below the breasts won’t cause serious long-term consequences, it will only permanently darken the skin, and the condition is likely to spread.
- Usually, the rash will be pink or red, itchy, raised, and have small lumps, especially along an area with hair follicles, such as in the armpit area.
- The rash is sometimes referred to as a rash caused by a skin rash. [17] X Research Source
- Jaundice is when an area of skin becomes inflamed, occurs in a warm, moist place, and when two areas of skin are pressed together. The rash associated with diaper rash can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or exposure to moisture.
- Usually, this condition is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This odor is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and the destruction of healthy skin tissue.
- To change the environment, you should take steps to avoid skin folds and prevent moisture build-up.
- Be sure to choose a bra that fits well and prevents the breast tissue from pooling into the skin of the upper abdomen or chest area.
- If needed, you can place a clean, dry cloth or sterile pad at the bottom of your bra to absorb excess moisture and prevent skin layers from touching.
- Wear a clean bra every day and choose loose fitting shirts with breathable materials like cotton. [19] X Research Source
- Take off your bra whenever possible. Place a clean, dry towel or pad between the folds of the skin.
- For men, avoid tight shirts and shirts made from fabrics that can make you sweat a lot. You should consider wearing a cotton bra to help absorb moisture.
- After bathing, it is not advisable to get dressed immediately. Allow time for fresh air to contact the itchy area.
- Lie on your back in bed or stand in front of a fan to let the skin folds dry completely before getting dressed.
- This solution, often used to treat skin irritation, acts as a drying agent to help prevent the spread of the rash. As with any other product, you should consult your doctor if you are concerned about treating itchy skin at home. Seeking a doctor’s advice is always the right choice.
- Dissolve the pack or tablet according to the instructions on the package and apply the solution to the rash.
- Soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply it to the rash for 15 to 30 minutes. Once you have soaked the cloth in the solution and applied it to the itchy area, do not reuse the cloth.
- Repeat this therapy about 3 times a day. Once you’ve removed the fabric, you should let your skin dry naturally before getting dressed.
- Discontinue use if skin irritation worsens, or if there are any signs of allergic reaction to topical application. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash along the area of skin being treated, hives, blistering, or excessive itching.
- Continuous use of the product beyond the time recommended on the package may cause the skin to dry out even more.
- Stronger products used to treat fungal skin infections include talcum powder containing nystatin, which requires a prescription. [22] X Research Source
- You may need a prescription for a stronger product, or an oral medication with the use of a topical medication. [23] X Research Sources
- If you’re breastfeeding, a candida rash will appear along the mother’s nipples, and will spread to the infant’s mouth, also known as thrush. [25] X Research Sources
- Treat infant thrush and candida on the chest by seeking medical attention. You should see your general practitioner or pediatrician to find a stronger prescription drug that can solve the problem for both mother and baby. [26] X Research Source
Treatment of dermatitis or psoriasis on the chest
- You should not apply topical corticosteroids (including over-the-counter medicines) directly to your breasts without first consulting your doctor. [28] X Research Sources
- Psoriasis lesions will be quite thick, iridescent, sometimes red, quite itchy and painful.
- If you have psoriasis on your chest, you should see a doctor before using any medicine. Remember to use a doctor-approved topical medication on breast tissue.
- The area often looks itchy, red, and sometimes hard crusts form and fester at the site of pain.
- Take care to keep the area dry at all times, and avoid using harsh soaps or fragranced products.
- Topical products that may be prescribed include corticosteroids that reduce inflammation and promote healing, and newer drugs, called calcineurin inhibitors. This new drug is only used in patients with severe and frequently recurring skin inflammation.
- Examples of newer drugs include tacrpimus and pimecrpimus. These substances help the skin heal and prevent flare-ups of dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
- Scratching will cause the disease to spread, causing more skin irritation and possibly infection.
- Many people scratch at night without realizing it. Try to put bandages around your fingertips while you sleep, or wrap socks around your hands to prevent scratching.
Monitor for serious illnesses
- Inflammatory breast cancer involves a tumor in the breast and is often accompanied by changes in the skin or breast tissue around the tumor. Changes in breast tissue will appear unexpectedly.
- Skin changes include itching, pain, swelling, and redness in an area of the breast, above and around the tumor.
- The breast tissue will become convex, similar to the skin of an orange. [34] X Research Source
- Watch for other warning signs of inflammatory breast cancer including a hard feeling underneath the skin, warmth or heat to the touch, and festering nipples.
- The nipple may also recede or sink in.
- It begins in the nipple or areola, and usually takes the form of a red, scaly, and sometimes itchy rash. The nipple may also become flattened or fester. [36] X Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Go to source
- Most people with Paget’s disease of the breast will have at least one lump in the breast, and about half of these people have a lump that can be felt during a breast exam.
- In 90% of women with a lump below the nipple, the cancer has spread and is considered invasive breast cancer.
- Paget’s disease is diagnosed with a tissue biopsy. Sometimes, this disease is diagnosed quite late because the symptoms are similar to common skin diseases.
- Seek medical help as soon as possible if you have symptoms that could be a sign of either of these conditions.
- Most conditions that cause itchy breasts are not related to a serious medical condition.
This article was co-written by Lacy Windham, MD. Dr. Windham is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at East Virginia School of Medicine in 2010 for which she was awarded the Distinguished Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Best Resident in Oncology and Best Resident Doctor.
There are 18 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 24,529 times.
Itchy breasts are common in women, and can occur in men as well. Many factors can lead to itchy breasts, from using new soaps or detergents to more serious conditions including a fairly rare form of breast cancer. Itchy breasts can be long-lasting, extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes quite painful. Pay attention to your symptoms and take steps to treat itchy skin using over-the-counter remedies, lifestyle changes and the products you use often. In many cases, you’ll need to consult a doctor, conduct examinations, tests, and treat through stronger prescription drugs.
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