Causes of Itchy Breasts

In most cases of itchy breasts, clothing and underwear are the problem. The fabric used may be causing an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) or it may be too tight or not allowing adequate ventilation, especially if you live in a hot and humid environment. Women who tend to spray perfume directly on the skin of the chest or breast are likely to suffer with skin irritation as well.

At other times, itching of the breasts may be associated with hormonal changes like prior to your period (premenstrual). While breast swelling and/or tenderness is thought of as the main premenstrual breast symptom, itchy breasts are also a possibility in some young girls and women.

In both these instances, the breast itching is more likely to affect both breasts simultaneously.

The above causes are not serious and will pass with a change of clothing, after bathing or after the onset of menstruation.
Other causes of itchy breasts which needs more attention include :

• A breast fungus tends to occur under the breast or on the sides of the breast

• Skin disorders like atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria (hives) and even chest acne can contribute to itching of the breasts. A rash is almost always evident.

• Sunburn may also cause itchy breasts along with redness of the skin. Tenderness may not always be present. Any mole or skin ‘bump’ that tends to become more itchy in sunlight needs to be investigated immediately.

• Breastfeeding mothers are more prone to breast infections (mastitis) which may initially appear as an itchy breast with mild pain and cracking of the nipple.

• Itchy breasts that are accompanied by nipple discharge and/or any fixed and growing lump in the breast should be taken more seriously. This can at times be an indication of breast cancer.

• Trauma to the skin of the breast may also cause itching. If it is a slight injury to the skin like in scratching the skin with long fingernails, an itch may develop. This is usually not serious.

• Post operative itching, after a mastectomy or breast augmentation is also a possibility and will reduce with time. Larger breasts due to augmentation may also cause mild itching as the skin may be stretched excessively.

• Certain drugs may also cause itchiness of the skin which may not be isolated to the breasts. Consult with you doctor if you noticed that the breast itching started after taking a new medicine.

If you have breast implants and are experiencing intense itching, pain, redness of the skin and/or fever, consult with your doctor immediately.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment of the itchy breasts should be directed at the cause. While you may assume that the cause of your breast itching is superficial (on the skin), other conditions may cause the sensation of an itch although it is not related to any skin disorder. The presence of a skin rash usually alerts you to a dermatological cause although this is not always the case. Other causes with accompanying symptoms in the deeper breast tissue should warrant a visit to your gynecologist.

If your beast itching is not due to any serious cause and is intermittent and infrequent, then take note of factors that tend to trigger the itching. Try to wear bras made of light fabrics with good ventilation. Do not use tight fitting bras or lingerie. Always practice good hygiene – regular bathing with thorough washing around and under the breasts is important. Dry your breasts throughly after bathing and avoid strongly scented creams and perfumes. Beware of breast enlarging creams – they rarely work and can cause dermatitis.

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.