Breast - Healthality

Scab on Nipple: What It Means & How to Heal It

on October 21, 2022

The appearance of skin problems on the nipple or areola area is alarming, and a cause for concern. Whereas the formation of scabs on nipples is mostly associated with breastfeeding mothers, the condition can also occur among women who are not breastfeeding. Breast lesions are often difficult to diagnose.

Moreover, the issue becomes challenging when there is pain or soreness. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis as to what is causing the scab. In most cases, they may be due to exposure to harsh weather, or frequent swimming in a chlorinated pool. This exposure coupled with improper moisturizing of the skin, may lead to dry, flaky skin. In return, the skin on the nipple area may crack, leading to the formation of scabs.

A scab formation usually indicates a healing process. A scab is a protective shield that forms over a wounded area on the skin. This shield protects the wound from infection and gives it time to heal. Therefore, it is advisable not to pluck out the scab. Here are some of the factors that could cause the formation of a scab/or scabs on nipples.

Causes

Below are the most common causes of scabbing of this part of your breasts.

Breastfeeding:

This is the most common cause of scab formation among breastfeeding mothers. In most instances, some pain and soreness may accompany breastfeeding. The pulling of the areola by the baby during feeding can make it to be sore, and cracked. The cracked skin may form scabs in a bid to heal the skin from the damage.

Nipple problems during breastfeeding are common and temporary. You can consult a lactation physician to advice you on what to do. In some cases, you may have to resort to pumping out the milk as the nipples heal.

Scabs on nipples during pregnancy

The areola (the skin around the nipple), usually undergoes several changes during pregnancy. These changes include their enlargement, thicker skin, or variations in color. The changes are the body’s way of preparing for breastfeeding. However, these changes can lead to breast soreness, and skin cracks which may form scabs.

The second factor that can lead to scabs appearing in the nipple area during pregnancy is the early leakage of colostrum. It is common for women to leak colostrum, especially during the third trimester. This event can lead to cracks that, in turn, form scabs. Also, the dried colostrum can have a scab-like appearance.

Paget’s disease

Paget’s disease is a type of cancer that affects the nipple. The symptoms of the condition include itching or redness in the areola, discharge from the areola, flaky or crusty skin on the nipple area, and the appearance of scabs on the nipple.

Breast Ulceration

A number of factors can cause breast ulceration. These factors include breast piercing, blockage of the milk ducts during breastfeeding, infection, Paget’s disease, breast cancer, radiation therapy, wearing tight-fitting bras, and poor skin hygiene. Breast ulcer can trigger areola lesions. These lesions later develop into scabs.

Eczema

This type of dermatitis can trigger the formation of red, scaly, cracked nipples. Breast eczema can affect the nipples or the surrounding skin leading to the cracked/fissured skin. The painful fissures can form scabs as the body tries to heal.

Breast trauma/injury

There are people whose occupation, or lifestyle puts them at risk of injuring the breast area. For instance, the jogger’s nipple is common among runners, cyclists, and surfers. Here, the outfit worn by the cyclist may irritate the skin leading to chaffing.

For surfers, the friction caused by being close to the surfboard may lead to chaffing. A recent study discovered that nipple fissures are likely to occur among long-distance runners. Similarly, any injury in this area, including nipple piercing, can lead to irritated skin forming scabs.

Sex

Getting intimate with your “sweetheart” can lead to cracked breasts. It occurs from sucking on them, leading to the formation of fissures.

Breast lesions from Herpes

There are instances where one can develop herpes sore on the nipples. You can get herpes simplex from sucking on the nipples by a partner. This condition leads to the appearance of tiny blisters on a reddened nipple. As the blisters heal, they form scabs.

Treatment

How can you deal with scabs on this rea if you are pregnant or not pregnant? Let us see each case scenario in details.

#Not pregnant

If you have this problem and you are not pregnant and are not nursing a baby, then you should try to find out what is causing the lesion in the first place. You will require you to consult a physician to get to the root of the problem.

First, you need to avoid picking the scabs. This habit delays the healing process and makes the injury worse.

In minor cases, you can handle the scab on the nipple through proper hygiene practices and the use of petroleum jelly or Lanolin. Here, you gently clean the affected area using antiseptic, and a clean cloth. After that, gently dab an antiseptic cream such as lanolin on the wound.

It is advisable to shop for well-fitting bras. Avoid bras with seams on the nipple area as they are likely to irritate the skin. Similarly, avoid activities that would trigger an irritation, as well as clothes that irritate the skin.

Lastly, avoid harsh weather and keep the nipples warm. There are cases where a simple application of Vaseline on the affected area, coupled with avoiding further irritation led to the healing of the scab.

Overall, give the nipple issue a few weeks to heal. If the symptoms keep getting worse, then consult a physician for a check-up to get the right diagnosis.

#For the pregnant or breastfeeding mothers

You can apply a small amount of purified lanolin cream on the affected nipple to promote faster healing. Also, bathe the nipples in warm water after each breastfeeding to promote faster healing. You can hand-express some milk, rub it on the scab, and let it dry before wearing a bra. This act will soften the crust, thereby speeding the healing time.

A warm compress can help ease the soreness and the scabbing. Take a clean cloth. Soak it in warm water and press it on the affected breast. Also, consider purchasing a nipple shield or breast shell to reduce pressure on the sore nipple while healing goes on.

If you are in a lot of pain, then consider pumping for a day and feed the baby using expressed milk. Doing so will will give the skin time to rest. However, if you continue nursing, then try rinsing the breast in a saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and 1 cup of warm water). Spray the solution on the affected breast and then pat dry. Try to avoid products that may cause further irritation such as fragrance filled soaps and lotions.

If you cannot see any improvements taking place, then it is advisable to get in touch with a health professional or lactation consultant.

References:

https://www.babycenter.com/404_my-nipples-are-sore-cracked-and-scabbed-should-i-stop-breast_8834.bc
https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/breast-milk-leakage
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/paget-breast-fact-sheet
https://www.healthcentral.com/article/nipple-issues-when-to-worry-when-to-wait
Jan Riordan. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2005
Consumer Dummies. Pregnancy All-In-One For Dummies, John Wiley & Sons, 16 May 2016

Inverted or Retracted Nipples Causes and Correction

on September 3, 2022

Why are my nipples inverted? Is it an indication that something is wrong with them or is it just normal? Let us discuss this issue of inverted or retracted nipple including causes and treatments to reverse the retraction.

What is a retracted nipple?

This refers to nipples that retract inwards into your breast instead of pointing outwards. They can be permanent or temporary depending on their cause.

Inverted nipple

The retraction or dimpling can be of different grades from slight to complete retraction i.e., according to babycenter.com may “look flat, or their appearance may range from slightly dimpled and indented to very clearly indented in the center.”

The easiest way to confirm if they are indented or not is “gently squeezing the areola about one inch behind the nipple with your thumb and index finger. If it becomes dimpled or clearly indented, it’s inverted,” notes babycenter.com

The inversion can be natural or due to an underlying health condition. Some women, especially young women will find it as aesthetically unappealing. Note that some inverted nipples reverse themselves when stimulated or when weather changes.

However, some serious causes, especially those present at birth can be permanent or be resolved through surgical procedures.

Therefore, this problem can be congenital or be acquired. It can occur in one or both breasts. Furthermore, this condition that can affect both men and women. However, is commonly bother when it affects the women.

What causes the inversion?

The basic reason why the nipples become inverted is when the inward pull by milk ducts is more than muscle found inside of your nipple that pushes it outwards. Many things can cause it.

Temporary causes

There are cases of temporary nipple retraction that occurs naturally due to changes in the environment. For example, can occur when there are temperature changes and would resolve after normalcy. They are normal and do not pose a health risk.

Inversion present from birth

Some women are usually born with flat or inverted nipples. The same condition can also affect a few men. Dermatologists argue that when present at birth are usually harmless and not a symptom of a potential health condition.

The retraction at birth can affect one breast or both and this occurrence can be linked to genetics and can trend in certain families due to inherited genetics.

Breast cancer dimpling

If you your nipple is inverted or dimpled all over sudden, then you need to immediately seek the attention of your medical service provider. If it retracts suddenly, this is among the symptoms of the inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Other symptoms include lump or breast, discharge from the nipple and changes in its skin color or of the area around breast and areola.

Breast cancer dimpling usually affects one breast, if you have dimpling on that this is likely not to be cancer.

Before this cancer develops a dimpled nipple, early symptoms include itching or inflammation accompanied by minor bumps. IBC is common in women under the age of 60 and above. This is a serious medical condition that needs early immediate medical attention.

Infections and inflammation

This is another common cause. Frequent infections or inflammations of the breast tissue may over time lead to scarring which would then result in the indented nipples. This can be due to poor hygiene, originate from elsewhere on the body, among other causes.

Inverted nipple after pregnancy

According to ganchi.com, “pregnancy and breastfeeding can take their toll on a woman’s breasts. Breasts can become saggy or droopy with expanded areolas and in some cases, one or both nipples may invert.”

During pregnancy and breastfeeding period, there are also hormonal changes that would trigger acne breakouts that would leave behind scars after healing, this too can lead to this problem.

Fat necrosis (non-cancerous breast lumps)

This is benign that is not related to cancer. It is usually painless but in certain circumstances, your breast can be tender. The skin around nipples can appear dimpled, bruised or red in color. This condition can occur due to injury to the breast or previous radiotherapy and surgery.

Can retraction pose a challenge in breastfeeding?

This does not interfere with sexual pleasure or breastfeeding. There are cases where even the retracted ones right from the birth would tend to come out temporary or permanently during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Again, good latches from infants would draw them out.

However, they can be disconcerting and even lead to problems during breastfeeding as well. Here, we are referring to a severe case. Serious causes of the dimpling such as IBC can block a mammary gland and thus a woman with an inverted nipple would not breastfeed.

Treatment options

Inverted nipples can be corrected according to the grades of inversion. The severity ranges from grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3. Grade one inversion is mild a case in which the condition can reverse of its own. Grade two inversion is moderate and grade three inversion is very serious that may only be corrected through surgical procedures.

There several options that can be considered for reversing indented nipples, some of which are temporary while others are permanent. The effectiveness of various treatments would depend on the severity.

Temporary options for inverted nipples

Here are temporary fixes:

Hoffman technique

Some cases under grade one inversion can be reversed manually. The best manual option is the Hoffman technique. You can perform the Hoffman technique by placing both of your thumbs at the base of your nipple and using a gentle motion to pull your thumbs away from each other.

This method should be repeated severally and is always done to prepare for breastfeeding. You can begin doing it in later stages of pregnancy.

Nipple stimulation

They can also be made to protrude before breastfeeding by being stimulated. This involves grabbing it with a thumb and a finger and twisting it in a rolling motion for about 30 seconds. To further help the stimulation, you can apply cold, wet cloth on it.

Use suction devices

Nipple suction devices would also provide temporary solutions to retraction. They would also offer a permanent solution in cases of mild inversions. A number of suction devices are available in the market and thus, you should talk to your doctor before you acquire one.

Nipple piercing

You can also pierce it and hold it in place using piercing barbell for almost three months. This would stretch the ducts and probably reverse the inversion. Only a few cases of re-inversion after piercing have been reported.

Unfortunately, not all patients are comfortable with piercing but are rest assured that piercing doesn’t destroy the ducts or nerves.

Use clamps

You can as well use clamps to hold the nipples in an erection position. This would stretch the tissue and make it remains erected for some period.

Permanent solutions

The best and the only known permanent solution is the nipple correction surgery. This method preserves the milk ducts while concentrating on releasing the surrounding fibers that are holding it in an inverted position. The fibers are disengaged and stretched to make the nipples protrude.

There are devices that would be placed on the nipples after surgery to make sure they don’t retract. However, this would make the wearing of the usual bras or clothing very difficult.

Treat the underlying causes of the dimpled nipple

As you may have noticed, the dimpling would be a symptom of an underlying condition. In many cases, correcting the nipple without treating the underlying condition may not be helpful. Inversion due to infections, inflammation or cancer, by treating the causative agents.

The named conditions have various symptoms apart from the nipple inversion. We now advise that you see you, doctor, if you have the following conditions accompanying you’re the retraction:

Suddenly inversion
A hard and painful lump in the breast or hard mass in the breast
Large lump in the breast
Persistent itchy spot on breast
Any other symptom on the breast that you suspect could signify a more serious condition.

List of References

11 Causes of Breast Itching You Should Know

on May 18, 2022

Every woman has experienced itching breasts at one point in her life. Does this indicate a serious problem? Could it be a sign of breast cancer? These are just but a few concerns that all women share.

There are numerous factors that may lead to itchy boobs. It may be a temporary condition that will disappear without any treatment.

Itchy breast - pregnancy, infection or cancer

Is it a sign of pregnancy, infections or cancer?

As much as it is normal may also be normal to end up with an itchy left or right breast, on one breast, itchy areola, nipples that might be accompanied with some soreness. However, it can also be a signal that something is not right.

Unless it has been persistent for a while, this itchiness shouldn’t cause much panic. However, it should not be ignored all the same. While some it might be a passing cloud, it might also signify a serious breast condition. Understanding the causes, as well as the available remedies is quite important for every woman.

When is itching breast not a serious issue?

You should understand one thing; your boobs, and especially the nipples, are very sensitive. Their shape also exposes them to a lot of irritation. They always rub against your bra and clothes. This may cause irritation to them, thus desire to scratch the affected area.

Can it be breast cancer? According to Cancerresearchuk.org, itching is rarely a sign of breast cancer. However, mammography is necessary to get rid of any doubts. In some cases, inflammatory breast cancer can manifest itself in the form of some itchiness.

Most conditions that cause itchy boobs are minor and easy to treat. They are conditions that one can treat at home. However, you should see a physician in case it persists.

11 common itchy breast causes

Understanding the causes of itchy breasts is the primary step towards preventing and healing the condition. This condition is attributed to the following risk factors:

It could be eczema

Any skin condition such as eczema may cause this issue in the area where it is found. Commonly, it could be one boob or both. Sore itchy breasts are, in most cases, associated with eczema.

If it is due to eczema skin condition, the skin around the breast becomes red, dry, inflamed and itchy.

Eczema isn’t a serious skin condition. It has nothing to do with cancer. You can reduce its symptoms with some home-based remedies and over-the-counter ointments. Eczema is differentiated from other causes since it comes along with a red rash.

Itching under breasts due to yeast infection

Yeast infections mainly target areas that have little or no exposure to sunlight. It also targets areas that always dump. One of these areas is under your boobs. It would be naïve to assume that yeast infections only target the groin region.

If itching is because of yeast infection, you are likely to note the following symptoms:

Irritation under breast
Burning sensation on the nipples
Your boobs may become tender and sore

However, yeast infections are easy to treat. Drying under your boobs thoroughly after a shower is vital in treating such infections. Moreover, you can use anti-yeast ointments and oral medications.

Psoriasis – red and itchy

If you note some redness and scales alongside itching, then you could be suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis causes the skin to rapidly form new cells. As cells build up on the breast region, the skin looks scaly.

Please check these symptoms that come along with the urge to scratch your boobs which include:

Your boob area becomes dry and cracked
The area around your boobs develop red scaly patches
Both or one boob become sore with a heightened desire to scratch the affected area

Psoriasis may come and then disappear within days. However, it is recurrent. Stress, obesity, smoking and viral infections are thought to be the leading risk factors. Oral antibiotics and topical ointments are used in healing this and providing relief to itching.

Irritation from clothes and bra

As earlier noted, breasts, especially the nipples, are very sensitive. According to self.com itchiness might be a sign of irritation. Different fabrics react differently with our skin. For example, synthetic fabrics don’t go well with nipples.

What does this tell you? Try to change your bra and inner clothes that encounter the breasts. Additionally, avoid cheap bras and inner clothes. If a change of bra doesn’t work, consider doing away with them all the same. Also, avoid tight tops and vests that might cause irritations.

Allergic reactions – soreness and rashes

Given that breasts are very sensitive, it is expected for them to have allergic reactions to some soaps, body lotions, sprays, and detergents. This is known as contact dermatitis. Because of these products, the skin around your boobs becomes severely itchy.

In addition, you may have other symptoms such as:

Red rashes
Dry, scaly skin under breasts
The breasts swell and become tender

Keeping the area around your boobs moisturized is essential in fighting contact dermatitis. Additionally, identify the irritants and avoid them. In some cases, barrier creams are applied to prevent allergic reactions.

Sunburns

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes sunburns. This is possible especially if you are basking while your chest is loosely covered. The UV rays can penetrate the light clothes. Consequently, you develop sunburn.

When you are having sunburns, the DNA content of your skin is damaged. As a result, the skin turns red, painful and itchy. You can, however, prevent sunburns by applying sunscreen every time you are going out. You can also reduce the sunburn side effects by regularly moisturizing your skin. This may temporarily stop breast itching.

Poor personal hygiene

Itching is a sign that your overall hygiene is compromised. For example, after a hot sweaty day, you may have some irritations, especially if you fail to take shower. When was the last time you changed your bra, top, and other inner wears?

The area between the breasts undergoes a lot of sweating. Therefore, this area must be cleaned daily and thoroughly dried. If not so, this area will harbor bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Consequently, you experience some itching.

Breast cancer

This is rare but possible. According to livestrong.com, this cancer can be one of the causes of itchiness. However, 99 % of the causes are benign. In this case, don’t panic. It might be one of the causes identified above in this article.

Intertrigo

Failing to completely dry your boobs after shower creates a lot of friction. This may cause intertrigo. It is the main cause of itching under the breast. Intertrigo is common in skin folds. Because of friction, there is friction burn that is characterized with severe itching.

Intertrigo is associated with the following risk factors:

Increased friction
Dampness
High temperatures
Yeast Infections

Keeping the breast skin dry is vital in preventing intertrigo. It is commonly treated with creams and ointments.

Extremely dry weather

Dry weather is a risk factor for itchiness not only on the breasts but also in other body parts. Dry weather causes dehydration. Dehydration causes chafing, especially on the nipples. This results to that sensation to want to scratch your boobs.

You can use a humidifier to increase the room’s moisture content. Furthermore, you can hydrate your body by taking a lot of fluids. Creams and lotions can also significantly help in preventing chafing.

Pregnancy

Itchy nipples can be an indication of hormonal changes. This is mainly experienced during pregnancy. According to medicalnewstoday.com, it may come along with other symptoms such as breast:

Soreness
Tenderness
Bigger boobs (enlarged)
Highly sensitive nipples

References

Medicalnewstoday.com Everything you need to know about itchy nipples
Self.com 8 Reasons Your Boobs Are So Damn Itchy
Livestrong.com Causes of Itching Breasts
Cancerresearchuk.org Can itching be a sign of breast cancer?

Why is My Nipple Swollen? Is it Pregnancy, Piercing, Breastfeeding or Cancer

on February 28, 2021

Ever had a swollen nipple, seen someone with this condition? When should you worry and when not? When should you consult a physician and when should you remain calm?

Why do nipples swell — Why the swelling?

Having a nipple that is swollen is not unusual, especially among women. This swelling may be accompanied by some pain and unusual tenderness. Should these symptoms worry you? You don’t need to worry as they are likely to disappear within a few days.

This problem cause a lot of worry among many women, especially these days when breast cancer is on the rise. You may have heard women complain of their nipples being increasingly sensitive, swelling or being sore and tender.

This may also happen to boys and men. It is unusual for teens to have this problem are characterized by some pain.

The swelling can affect one or both your nipples. Many people, however, are not aware of the factors that may behind the swelling. This article, in this context, explores various factors that may them swell.

When Does It Happen

According to Mayoclinic.org, having a swollen nipple alone shouldn’t worry you, unless if accompanied by other symptoms. In most cases, women experience it during the following instances;

During pregnancy
When breastfeeding
After piercing
During monthly periods

Having this issue at any other time, rather than these times, may be an indication of an underlying health problem.

Causes or reasons

Like earlier noted, it may not be a serious problem that should give you a sleepless night. Healthcentral.com establishes that it may be due to something you are doing or not doing.

Generally, it is attributed to the following factors:

1. Wearing Tight Clothing

If you are experiencing a swollen nipple, then check the type of clothes you wear, including the bra. Before seeking any medical attention, first, consider wearing loose clothes.

According to steadyhealth.com, tight clothes, especially tops and bras may cause excessive friction on your nipples. Consequently, they may become not only red and tender but also swollen.

If it is as a result of wearing tight clothes, then you don’t need to see a doctor on it. Just shift to wearing loose clothes and your breasts will be normal.

There has been a heated debate on whether tight bras are playing a role in causing breast cancer. Though not medically proven, many medics feel that wearing tight bras may not only make your nipples to swell but may also cause other serious health issues.

2. Allergic Reaction

If this happens now and then, and the swelling disappears within a few days, then you are unlikely to be sick. Maybe your this happens due to an allergic reaction.

You will agree with me that nipples are very sensitive, probably more than any other external body part. In this context, it wouldn’t be abnormal for them to react against certain substances and clothes.

On why do my nipples hurt, obgynwc.com highlights that it is normal for them to react against certain substances such as lotions, soaps, laundry detergents, and fabrics.

Doing away with these substances may provide permanent relief to this problem. You may not even need to see a doctor.

3. An infection

Ever heard of mastitis in human beings? Many people are only conversant with mastitis in cows. However, this condition can also affect women.

Mastitis infects the tissues inside one or both breasts. This condition is common among women who are breastfeeding. Some people call this condition lactation mastitis.

It is estimated that 10 % of all breastfeeding mothers suffer from mastitis. Besides having a nipple that is swollen, you are likely to see other symptoms such as:

Redness and extremely swollen
The breasts hurt on touching
Recurrent body fever
Fatigue
The breast feels hot on touching
Chills and shivering
You experience some burning sensation in the breast
You become anxious and stressed up

If you have some of most of these symptoms, consider going for a mastitis test.

4. Breast Piercing

It sounds strange that some people pierce their breasts. This is a common trend today, especially among the youth. The piercing is mainly done on the nipples.

While covering on how to recognize and treat a nipple piercing infection, healthline.com states that these piercings are very risky, thus the main factor behind their swelling. It further notes that the process involves puncturing one of the most sensitive parts of your body.

In this context, nipple piercing comes along with some of the following complications:

Extremely bad odor around the piercing
You may see some yellow, green or brown discharge
They may feel hot to the touch
They become very painful
They may swell unusually

5. Pregnancy sign

Are you pregnant and experiencing some swelling and tenderness in your breasts or nipples? Then you shouldn’t ask why this is happening?

You will agree with me that the body becomes crazy when one is pregnant. The hormones, specifically, go crazy. This hormonal imbalance affects the sensitive parts first, including these areas.

Apart from swelling, they also become excessively sensitive, bigger and darker. In this context, you don’t have to worry because it is a normal sign of pregnancy.

On breast changes during pregnancy, babycenter.com notes that increased blood flow in the breast tissues is as a result of increased hormone levels. As a result of this increased blood flow, your nipples become sore, swollen, sensitive to touch and tingly.

6. Breastfeeding

If this happens during breastfeeding, then consider this to be normal. Whether you are a new mother or not, breasts undergo a lot of changes when one is breastfeeding.

Webmd.com notes that it is normal for nipples to feel tender, sore, sensitive and become swollen during breastfeeding {webmd.com}.

Like earlier noted, they are very sensitive. Women who are breastfeeding for the first time can attest to that. The continuous and frequent sucking during breastfeeding causes the soreness, tenderness, redness, and swelling that we are talking about.

Managing swollen nipples

Regardless of the cause, you will attest to the fact that swelling, and at times soreness, make many people very uncomfortable. According to todaysparent.com notes that swollen nipples can be managed through the adoption of the following practices:

Always ensure that you wear loose bras and tops
Take painkillers when in pain
Use some hydrogel dressings to reduce the itching and soreness
If infected, use antibacterial ointments to facilitate the healing
Keep your them clean
When cleaning them, always do so gently as they are very sensitive
Adopt the right breastfeeding positions to prevent irritation

When to see a doctor?

Like earlier noted in this article, swelling of your nipples, especially among women is not abnormal. However, you are keen to check some other alarming symptoms.

Mayo Clinic notes that you should see a physician if you experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

If your breast becomes extremely red
If you are experiencing severe itching
If you see a lump in the breast
If you see unusual thickening of the skin on the breast
If the skin around your them becomes flaky and scaly
If your breast becomes crusty characterized with extreme oozing
If you experience a burning or tingling sensation for a long time
If they become inverted (turned-in)
If you see some bloody discharge.

Rashes Under Breast Causes and Relief Remedies

on January 17, 2021

Intertrigo under breasts or rash is an irritation that often develops under the breasts where the skin turns red and itchy.

Having a rash under the breast can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing because of the irritation and itchiness caused by the chafing. There’s always that awkward temptation where you feel like scratching your boobs in public is the only way to take away the itchiness and irritation caused by rashes

Why do I get rashes under breasts? Treatments and remedies of under boob rashes — Why rashes under breasts?

Causes of underboob rash

There are several causes of this skin rashes. Let me point out some of them.

1. Wearing an ill-fitting bra

You can develop several infections from bras. Wearing a bra with the wrong fit and size can lead to itchy rash between breasts. You may also develop sores under your boobs if you wear a tight-fitting bra.

2. Allergies

Those red spots on you are having on your breasts could be an allergic reaction. When caused by an allergy, it is known as allergic dermatitis. Dermatitis on this area is a form of allergy that affects the skin around your boobs. Your body may be allergic to certain foods, plants, and even cosmetics.

You can also develop itchy rashes under your boobs as a side effect of certain medication. An example of an allergic underboob cause is hives. Hive is an itchy red rash on breasts caused by histamines.

3. Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body sweat glands produce more sweat than is needed to cool the body. Sweating under your breast can lead to yeast and fungal infections which will cause itchy rashes in this area.

4. Humid climate

You may develop a heat rash on breasts if you expose your body to hot humid climate. Heat rash occurs when your sweat glands become blocked and sweat can’t be excreted between the pores. Instead, the sweat pools under your skin causing an irritation and a rash. This is can be made worse if you are dressed in tight clothes because the excess sweat produced by the body can also cause yeast infection between your boobs.

5. Eczema

A red patch of inflamed skin on your breasts that itch severely is a sign of eczema under your boobs. Eczema can develop small, fluid-filled red bumps that ooze and crust over. Eczema can also be found on face, hands, feet and behind the knees.

6. Candidiasis

A painful and itchy rash can be a sign of candidiasis. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast called candida. Candida yeasts thrive in the moist, warm environment under the breasts. They cause painful and uncomfortable small red spots on breasts.

7. Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is a form of the disease that affects skin folds. These are areas of your body like breasts where the skin rubs against skin. The disease causes patches of itchy, small red spots on breasts. Psoriasis is often mistaken for candidiasis because they have almost similar symptoms.

8. Cancer

Inflammatory red rash under your boobs can be a warning sign of breast cancer. The other symptoms of inflammatory cancer are pink or red dots on breasts, inverted nipple(s) that point inward rather than outward. Even though this type of cancer is very rare, just go to check up to make sure you are not a victim.

Home remedies for rash under breasts

Most of the rashes often disappear after a period. There are many creams that you can purchase to take care of your rashes but there are several methods readily available at home that you can use to treat the itchy and painful rashes under breasts.

1. Cold compress

Wrap some ice in a thin cotton towel and put it over the affected area for 6 to 10 minutes, take a break and repeat again.
Another option is to apply to skim milk and cold water compressing equal parts of both ingredients to relieve itching and reduce swelling.
Another treatment for sweat rash under breasts is to take cold baths. Taking cold baths will help close the skin pores, thus reducing sweating and their appearance on your boobs.

2. Cotton

Place a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of your breasts and the skin underneath to absorb moisture and create a barrier for the skin rash underboobs.
This will keep your skin dry and kill the fungus that always comes due to dumbness.
Soft paper towels or dinner napkins can also come in handy if you can’t access cotton.

3. Treat Rash under breasts using vinegar

There several options in which you can use vinegar to treat a skin rash under your boobs. You can start by applying apple cider vinegar on the red blotch on breasts. First, you should wash the infected area with mild soapy water, rinse with cold water and then pat the area to dry. Mix one teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and apply it to the affected area. Do this two or three times a day until the small red spots disappear.
Another option is to mix one-half cup of white vinegar in half a bucket of hot water. Use the water to wash all your bras and dry them in direct sunlight. This will kill all the germs and reduce sweating.

4. Use cornstarch

Clean the area affected by the skin on the affected part with mild soap underwater and then pat dry with a towel.
Do this at least twice daily until you completely get rid of the rashes on your boobs.
When the area is completely dry, lightly dust cornstarch over it. Cornstarch’s ability to absorb moisture will keep your skin dry and heal your rashes.

5. Try out coconut oil

Applying coconut oil to the infected area has got two main advantages;
Coconut oil has a soothing and healing effect on skin that helps provide relief for underboob Plus, due to its greasy nature, it will help reduce friction that causes rashes under breasts.
Coconut oil has also got antibacterial and antifungal properties which can help kill the yeast infections in this area.

6. Calamine Lotion

Clean the affected area with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry the area with a towel.
Use a cotton ball to gently apply the calamite oil. Repeat the process several times a day.

Conclusion

A rash under the breast may either be just an annoyance that will go away within a few days or it may be a symptom of a more severe problem like cancer. It is therefore essential to seek the advice of a medical professional to ascertain which category it lies in.

Practicing high standards of hygiene like taking regular baths and washing your bras can help reduce the chances of getting this problem. Also, ensure that you wear fitting lightweight clothing preferably made of cotton or natural fibers that help absorb moisture and keep your body sweat free. You can also skip wearing a bra as much as possible until the rash clears up.