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.