Breast Fungus Treatment – Itchy Fungal Rash Under the Breast
August 24, 2009 in Infections, Skin Care by Dr. Peter
A breast fungus, in the skin folds between the breast and chest, is a more common fungal infection than previously thought although many women suffer silently with this skin infection. A fungus under the breast is both uncomfortable and awkward as the intense itching has to often be ignored due to the sensitive nature of the affected area. Skin fungal infections can persist for years if untreated and often results in severe scarring of the area, usually noticed as a dark skin discoloration or thickening of the skin as a result of constant irritation.
Causes of A Fungus Under the Breast
The dark, warm and moist conditions under the breast is ideal for any skin fungus to thrive and even spread with time. A fungal infection under the breast usually arises as a secondary infection due to other factors, usually persistent chaffing or injury of the skin, known as intertrigo. The breaks in the skin is prone to infection, bacterial or fungal, unless appropriate measures are taken to stop the skin irritation. A breast fungus can affect any woman due to the micro-environment of the target area but some women are more prone to developing a fungus under the breast.
Predisposing Factors
Some of these risk factors for developing a breast fungus may also cause other skin conditions that may lead to itchy breasts.
- Tight brassieres or incorrectly fitting bras.
- Larger busts, pregnant, breast feeding women, women with naturally large busts and obese women.
- Pre-existing skin conditions in the affected area like eczema and psoriasis.
- Fungal infections elsewhere on the body.
Treating a Fungal Infection Under the Breast
A breast fungus may appear similar to other skin diseases and it is important that your doctor diagnose a skin fungal infection before commencing treatment. Most breast fungi are caused by skin yeasts (candida) and are medically known as submammary candidiasis. Using an antifungal ointment for a few months usually resolves the infection although oral antifungals may have to be considered in severe cases. A corticosteroid cream may be used if the itching and inflammation is severe but should be a short term measure. The affected area may become dry and start cracking or peeling and a suitable emollient may be necessary.
Preventing a Breast Fungus
It is important to identify any predisposing conditions that may be contributing towards a persistent breast fungus. Tight underwear or poorly designed bras are by far the most common cause of chaffing under the breast and should be changed immediately. Treating any pre-existing skin conditions should be the first consideration to prevent a skin fungus from setting in. An antifungal drying powder may be useful for reducing the sweat and moisture under the breast, especially in women with larger busts or those who tend to perspire profusely.
A prolonged fungal infection under the breast usually causes a dark discoloration of the skin which may not resolve spontaneously. This can be quite distressing for most women and it is therefore important to attend to a breast fungus as soon as it appears. Always consult with a medical doctor for the appropriate treatment or the fungal infection may persist, spread and affect surrounding skin.
I have a chronic fungal infection under my breast that has caused discoloration of my skin under the breast. I get often but never tell my doctor. What is the best over the counter anti fungal cream that would work best?
Thanks for your help.
Susan
Hi Susan
You should discuss this with your doctor before starting any cream. In severe cases, you may need to first start on a steroid cream before an antifungal or even use an antibacterial cream if there is a secondary bacterial infection before starting the antifungal cream.
Is it desirable or necessary to change one’s bra every day when treating an under breast fungus? I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you, Joyce
P.S. You ask for “Mail” not “email” Not very clear.
Hi Joyce
Yes, definitely you should change your bra daily if not more frequently. In fact when you start treating a breast fungus, you should discard all your bras and buy new ones. Fungal spores can exist with the textile of the bra fabric for a long period and cause a recurrence of the infection.
Dr. Peter… You must not know how expensive bras are if you are advocating throwing them out like they were socks. Fungal spores CAN be cleaned from fabrics – treat them as if they were mold (another fungal pest). Use a bit of color safe chlorox or a mild bleach solution, wash the bras and if possible, dry in sunlight.