Breast Rash: Symptoms,Causes,Treatments
Breast rashes are skin conditions that cause red spots, scars, or rashes under or on the breasts. They can be caused by allergies, infections, friction, or sweating. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary for relief.
Symptoms of Breast Rash
The rash is a symptom that causes the affected area of the skin to turn red blotchy, and swell.
Breast Rash Causes:
- Rash symptoms: redness, swelling, bumpy, scaly, or pus-filled spots.
- Location, shape, and extent vary; can occur anywhere on the body.
- Can indicate breast issue or systemic condition.
Contact Dermatitis:
- Caused by adverse reactions to chemicals in detergent, soap, or perfume.
- Metal contact or exposure to certain herbs, animal/insect bites can trigger it.
- Food allergies (peanuts, shellfish, strawberries, avocados) can also cause rash.
Skin Infections:
- Fungal infections thrive in warm, humid areas like skin fold under the breast.
- Mastitis, bacterial infection via a cracked nipple, common in breastfeeding women.
- Inflammatory breast cancer is, fast-growing cancer causing rash, tenderness, swelling.
Other Causes:
- Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and impetigo can lead to rashes.
- Autoimmune diseases may cause flare-ups.
- Viral infections during flu season or childhood illnesses can trigger rashes.
Allergic Reactions:
- Food, medication, lotion, or detergent allergies can result in rashes.
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, fainting.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Breast Rash
Common Breast Rashes:
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Yeast infections
- Heat buttons
- Insect bites
- Poisonous sumac
- Allergic reactions
- Urticaria
- Psoriasis
- Scabies
- Seborrhea
General Rashes:
- Rashes can occur anywhere on the body, including the breasts.
- Viral conditions like measles, chickenpox, shingles can also cause breast rashes.
- Not specific to breast disorders but can have serious health implications.
- Dermatitis or eczema of the nipple may occur in nursing women due to irritation from the baby's mouth, tight clothing, or trapped moisture.
- Eczema of the nipple and areola can also affect women not breastfeeding.
Inflammatory breast cancer(IBC)
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is aggressive breast cancer that develops when cancer cells enter the lymphatic vessels draining the skin of the breast. When the vessels are blocked by cancer cells, symptoms start to appear. These include:
- Thickened skin
- Rash or irritation that looks like an infection
- Red, swollen, and hot chest
- Pitted skin on the chest, similar to that of an orange peel
Mastitis:
Mastitis is a painful swelling of the breast that most often happens in breastfeeding women, usually within three months of delivery breast infections occur due to blocked ducts or skin breaks. Symptoms develop fast and include:
- Breast swelling
- Increased blood flow
- Pain and Red skin
- Skin warm to the touch
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nipple discharge
- Flu-like symptoms
Non-breastfeeding women can get mastitis from a cracked/sore nipple or nipple piercing allowing bacteria into milk ducts.
Breast abscess:
Breast abscess is a bacterial infection causing pus buildup under the skin. It usually affects breastfeeding women and can result from untreated mastitis. Non-breastfeeding women may develop it due to duct ectasia. Symptoms include:
- Red and inflamed skin
- Skin warm to the touch
- Fever
- Localized swelling
Mammary duct ectasia:
Inverted nipple
- Scar tissue around the affected milk duct causes a visible lump that can be mistaken for cancer.
- An ultrasound or mammogram may be done to get a clear picture of the condition of the breast. If a lump is present, a biopsy may be done to make sure that no cancer is present.
Paget's breast disease
Paget's disease of the breast is a rare form of skin cancer that affects the nipple and areola.
Paget's disease of the breast:
- A rare form of skin cancer
- Affects the nipple and areola
- Often accompanied by tumours in the same breast
- Cancer cells are found in the top layer of the nipple and areola skin
- Unclear if they form tumors inside the breast or grow separately in the nipple
Symptoms of the disease include
- Itching, tingling, or redness in the nipple area
- Scaly, crusty, or thickened skin
- A flattened nipple
- Yellow or bloody discharge from the skin of the nipple
Treatment of Breast Rash
Treatment for rash under breast:
Keep skin clean, cool, and dry:
- Gently cleanse with antibacterial soap and warm water
- Dry the area thoroughly
Apply recommended products:
- Unscented moisturizer, antibiotic ointment, or antifungal cream
Prevent irritation:
- Avoid scratching
- Avoid highly scented products
Clothing considerations:
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton
- Consider using antimicrobial cloth between breasts
Hygiene habits:
- Change sweaty clothes promptly
Seek medical attention if needed:
- Consult a doctor if symptoms suggest infection
- Topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary for treatment
When to visit a Doctor?
Breast rashes or changes typically not indicative of breast cancer: However, exceptions exist:
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is aggressive and dangerous
- Paget's disease can involve invasive breast cancer
Importance of medical examination:
- Any new rash or skin changes on the breast should be examined by a doctor
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies:
Here are some of the best home remedies to get rid of breast rashes naturally and prevent them from recurring:
Tea tree oil:
Effective home remedy for various skin conditions
- Acne, pimples, eczema, etc
Use for treating rashes:
- Antifungal properties prevent fungal growth and infections
Ideal for breast rashes:
- Powerful natural remedy
- Offers effective treatment option
Lemon juice:
Citrus scent helps ward off bacteria.
Natural remedy for breast rashes:
- Prevents fungal infections
- Speeds up healing process
- Effective in resolving rashes quickly
Cornstarch:
Corn starch is another very effective home remedy for rashes on the breasts.
- Relieves burning sensation and itching from breast rashes
- Absorbs sweat and moisture, keeping skin dry
- Note: If fungal infection present, use talcum powder instead to avoid exacerbating rash due to fungi feeding on cornstarch.
Basil leaves:
- Efficient remedy for breast rashes
- Antimicrobial compounds prevent infections
- Cooling effect that relieves tingling sensation
Aloe Vera:
- Popular home remedy for skin issues
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties treat breast rashes
- Calming effect ideal for irritated skin
- Fresh gel offers healing properties for breast rashes and other skin problems
