A rash under the breasts (or just the left breast or right breast) is an annoying complaint, where the skin under the breasts is usually red and irritated. Skin rashes under the breasts are mainly seen in women who are breastfeeding, overweight or diabetic. A well-known cause is blemishes under the breasts, also called intertrigo. Insufficient airflow (due to a tight bra and/or sagging breasts), excessive sweating and friction causes a superficial rash. The affected skin may become secondarily infected with fungus, bacteria, or both. In addition to blemishes, there can also be other causes of a rash under the breasts, with or without flaking skin, blisters, itching and red spots.

• Causes of rash under breasts
• Blemishes under the breasts
• Skin rash under the breasts due to psoriasis inversa
• Fungal infection
• Sweat rash under the breasts
• Too tight bra
• Treatment of rash under the breasts

• Smears
• Skin fungus
• Sweat rash

• Self-care for a rash under the breasts

• General measures
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cold compress
• Compress with herbs
• Cotton

• Wear a good bra

• Well-fitting bra
• Spacer bra
• Clean bra every day

Causes of rash under breasts

A rash under the breasts can have a number of causes. The most common causes are blemishes, itching and irritation due to sweat rash, a fungal infection, a bra that is too tight and psoriasis inversa, a variant of psoriasis that occurs in the body folds.Being overweight is a risk factor for blemishes / Source: Taniadimas, Pixabay

Blemishes under the breasts

Blemishes or intertrigo refers to a red rash in the fold of the skin under both breasts, caused by a combination of heat, moisture and friction. Risk factors include heavy, sagging breasts, excessive sweating, a tight-fitting bra that causes friction and irritation, and inadequate hygiene. The skin can soften and form moisture.Risk factors for developing blemishes include:

• overweight or obesity
• diabetes
• exposure to heat and humidity
• wearing a tight-fitting bra
• incontinence
• excessive sweating
• poor hygiene
• malnutrition
• a suppressed immune system due to chemotherapy or HIV

Skin rash under the breasts due to psoriasis inversa

Psoriasis inversa is a variant of psoriasis that prefers the body folds:

• armpits
• groin
• under the breasts
• buttock fold
• glans penis (glans)
• belly button

Psoriasis inversa is characterized by pink-red plaques that are often itchy. Common psoriasis is characterized by flaky, inflamed, and red patches on the skin of the body. However, the lesions of inversa psoriasis appear smooth and shiny. They do not have the flaky texture normally associated with psoriasis. This is because the spots occur in the skin folds. In the presence of heat, moisture and friction, the appearance of the skin and lesions changes.

Fungal infection

A yeast infection under the breasts can affect any woman, but is more common in women who wear tight brassieres (bras) or have a pre-existing skin condition in the affected area, such as psoriasis, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. It mainly occurs in the skin fold between the breast and chest wall. Often the culprit is a type of yeast (candida albicans), which turns into a fungal form. A candida infection on the skin can occur in places where it is warmer and more humid, such as skin folds.

Sweat rash under the breasts

Many women develop a sweat rash or pimples under the breasts in the summer. Sweat rash is especially common during pregnancy or in women with large breasts. Sweat rash under the breasts is characterized by the following symptoms:

• red pimples or pimples in the folds of the skin under the breasts
• this rash may itch or irritate
• clear, fluid-filled blisters may form that are easily ruptured

Failure to treat the sweat rash can lead to secondary fungal or bacterial skin infections.

Too tight bra

A bra that is too tight can cause irritation and discomfort. The ridge under your breasts can cause skin irritation and rash. Women who wear ill-fitting bras or who have large breasts are more prone to rashes under the breasts as are those who work in damp areas or who sweat a lot. Tight underwire bras can lead to chafing on the skin, which in turn can lead to irritation or rashes.

Treatment of rash under the breasts

Treatment for a rash under the breasts depends on the cause.

Smears

If you have blemishes under your breasts, it is important to keep the affected area dry and expose it to the outside air as much as possible, for example by sleeping naked under breathable, natural materials (linen). Hygiene is important to treat blemishes and prevent them from returning. Wash under your breasts daily with lukewarm water (and possibly neutral soap) and then dry the folds thoroughly by holding your breasts up. If desired, you can use a (non-heat) hair dryer for this. Wear a well-fitting bra with good support. If you are overweight, try to lose some kilos by exercising more, for example. Wet areas can possibly be treated with a shaking mixture that you apply after washing, for example lotio alba (zinc oxide). Then let it dry thoroughly on the skin.

Skin fungus

Antifungal ointments are effective in eradicating the fungal infection and treatment should be continued for 6 weeks to 2 months to prevent recurrence of the infection. Oral antifungal agents, in the form of tablets or capsules, are not commonly used but may need to be considered if the fungal infection under the breasts recurs or is persistent and does not improve with local treatment alone. Although there are many different types of over-the- counter antifungal creams and ointments available, it is highly recommended that the treatment is prescribed by your GP. The choice of treatment largely depends on the findings of the physical examination.

Sweat rash

A mild form of sweat rash will go away on its own and does not require treatment. However, it is important to observe the following measures:

• avoid excessive sweating
• prevent skin irritation
• wear light cotton or linen clothing that provides little to no friction on the skin
• avoid irritating soaps or strongly perfumed products
• apply cold compresses if necessary
• use cooling talcum powders

Self-care for a rash under the breasts

There are a number of self-care measures you can take if you have a rash under your breasts.

General measures

• Keep the area clean and dry. Clean regularly with a mild, unscented soap (e.g. baby shampoo). Rinse Darana well and gently pat dry.
• Wear breathable, cotton bras and avoid tight, synthetic materials that retain moisture and can lead to irritation.
• Avoid friction and chafing. Place a soft cotton cloth or bandage under your breasts to reduce friction.
• Avoid using perfumed products, such as lotions, powders or deodorants, on the affected area under your breasts, as these can worsen the irritation and thus the symptoms.

 Cloudy apple cider vinegar / Source: Veganbaking.net, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-2.0)

Apple cider vinegar

Sometimes the chemical residue present on your clothes can cause a rash under the breasts. Apple cider vinegar can help solve this problem. First wash both breasts with lukewarm water. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and then apply it to the affected area. Do this two or three times a day. If it causes discomfort, stop immediately.

Cold compress

A cold compress can relieve many of the complaints, such as itching and burning sensation caused by a rash under the breasts. Wrap some ice in a thin cotton towel or washcloth and place it over the affected area for five to ten minutes. Take a break and repeat this process.

Compress with herbs

Compresses with herbs are also possible. There are certain herbs with anti-inflammatory and calming properties that may provide some relief, such as chamomile, calendula or aloe vera. You can make an infusion of these herbs, let it cool and then soak a clean, soft cloth in the infusion and gently apply it to the affected area.

Cotton

It is important to reduce the build-up of sweat under your breasts. Place a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of your breasts and the underlying skin to absorb moisture and create a barrier. You can also use soft paper towels or napkins. also wear lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton, linen or other natural fibers that help absorb moisture and keep your body free of sweat.Wear a well-fitting bra / Source: Steifer with help of Gytha, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Wear a good bra

Well-fitting bra

Make sure your bra of choice fits well and supports your breasts well. Look for materials that breathe. If you can find a good, supportive cotton bra, wear it during the summer months.

Spacer bra

Bras made with special breathable materials such as spacer bras are another good option. Spacer bras are made of lightweight double-layer foam with light, elastic, airy and breathable fabric. These bras are therefore ideal for warmer days or when you sweat more, for example during menopause due to hot flashes.

Everyday clean bra

Wear a clean bra every day. Make sure you have enough bras to put on a clean one every day. This is especially important if you’ve had a sweaty day. The bacteria that cause intertrigo can also live in your damp bra, so make sure you wash your bra well.

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