What is a breast rash and what causes both the itchy or non-itchy ones?
This is a skin condition, which is characterized changes in skin breast color, texture or appearance. This may be accompanied by redness and irritation i.e. rashes may make the affected skin to turn red, blotchy and to swell as well.
In this article, we are going to learn about meaning, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, those under breasts, itchy ones, and treatments.
Meaning
This refers or can be defined as redness or irritation of the skin on the breast that may be itchy, scaly, bumpy, painful and blistered. The location and pattern of the rashes may vary and they can occur in any part of the body. They may be due to something occurring on the breast itself or can indicate the body-wide condition.
There are various causes. Therefore, in this post, we are going to dwell on general causes include.
Causes
Here are the common causes you should be aware know as well as how to identify them:
Abscess
This due to within the breast tissue making the outer skin to be warm raised and reddened. This condition is known to trigger painful and can be accompanied by tendering of the surrounding skin.
Usually, an abscess is a complication of mastitis that can be treated using antibiotics to get rid of the infections. The breast abscess can also be drained, this is another wonderful remedy.
Inflammatory breast cancer Rash
This is the uncommon type of cancer, which is known to trigger an itchy rash. This type of cancer is one type that is aggressive and spreads rapidly. It comes into being when the normal cells in the breast change and begin to grow uncontrollably creating tumorous cells.
To treat it, one may need a combination of treatments such chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. There is a difference in treating this kind of cancer and other types of cancer.
Mammary duct ectasia
This benign breast disease usually behaves like invasive carcinoma and can result this skin condition. The specific cause of this disease is not well known but it has been related to dilation in the major ducts located in the subareolar region.
This disease is more common in middle-aged to elderly women. It can also be experienced occasionally in children. Some researchers have also proved that smokers are more vulnerable to this condition that non-smokers.
This condition usually occur alongside nipple discharge often bloodstained, nipple inversion and a palpable subareolar among other symptoms.
Usually, this condition don’t require treatment but when the symptoms become bothersome, one your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, pain medication and surgery.
Mastitis
This skin infection that affects one or two of the mammary glands on the breast. This condition is usual during breastfeeding. It is always accompanied by a hard sore spot. This may due to blocked milk duct or due to bacterial infection. The bacteria may reach the breast tissues through cracks in the skin.
This disease makes them to appear swollen, red and hot to touch. In addition, the swelling may be more generalized than localized. According to Phaa.com, “the swelling is more generalized than the localized ‘bump’ with an abscess”
The treatments for mastitis include antibiotics. You may also pump the milk out of the affected breast. Warm compresses can also help.
Nipple piercings
Piercing of nipples is another potential factor that fall among itchy breast causes. During such piercings, the piercing wound needs to heal. If they heal safely, the better but if they does not, they may get infected. Such infection can lead to rashes especially when they are that may accompany painful bumps.
Antibiotics may be used during piercing to prevent bacterial infections.
Paget’s disease of the breast
This is a type of breast cancer, which manifest on the nipples. According to Cancer.gov, “is a rare type of cancer involving the skin of the nipple and, usually, the darker circle of skin around it, which is called the areola”
Paget’s disease initiates as red, scaly, itchy rash on your breast. It also said that this condition normally occur alongside some tumors inside the affected breast. This condition is known to trigger very itchy boobs but there is one good news with this problem, it can be treated unlike many other types of cancers.
Surgery is the most common treatment for Paget’s disease. The specific treatment will always depend on the primary causes.
Submammary candidiasis
This fungus attacks the outer layer and can potentially lead to this problem.
It is triggered by species called Candida of yeast and it usually springs under the breast within the skin folds. This condition normally begins with the chaffing under breast which is often triggered by wearing tight-fitting bras especially among women with very large boobs.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis otherwise known, as eczema is a common and persistent skin disease that can causes rashes any place in the body including the breast.
It is among the skin condition that affects the larger population in the world. It is majorly triggered by allergic response and is related to inhalant allergies, asthma and chronic dermatitis. It can run in families meaning that it can be affected by genetics.
The related symptoms includes extreme itchiness, redness of the skin, swelling, vesicle formation, weeping, crusting, and scaling of the affected skin. It can occur at any age but is known to commonly affect the children. Triggering factors include exposure to low humidity, harsh soaps and detergents among other factors related to allergies.
Contact Dermatitis
This is an irritation and inflammation of the skin due to exposure to certain substances such as creams, lotions, soaps, some material making certain garments and clothing. They can lead to itchy rash on the breast and other part of the body. Other symptoms also include swelling, redness and bruising of the affected area and small red spot on breast.
Other causes include Seborrheic dermatitis, Extreme cold or heat, hives and angioedema, Certain Medications, Stress, Sunburn, and Psoriasis among other more including various infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms normally occurs depending on the underlying causes. The severity of such symptoms may vary i.e. some symptoms may be mild while other may be moderate or vey life threatening. Here are the common symptoms of skin rashes:
- Itching in breast
- Swelling
- Bumps on the skin
- Skin ulceration
- Red dots on breast
- Skin redness on the breast or red blotch
- Dry, scaly and crusted skin that can be thick and leathery resulting from long term scratching of the skin.
- There can also be formation of small fluid filled blisters
Breast rash can also occur alongside other complications that can be life threatening. These complications always require stronger medication and quick response otherwise a victim can easily loss his/her life. They may include arthritis, cognitive difficulties, encephalitis meningitis, miscarriage or stillbirth, paralysis and spread of cancer among others.
Diagnosis – Test and Examination
Many medical practitioners experience lots of problems during diagnosis of generalized rash because various triggers produce similar rashes ad at the same time single condition can result to various rashes with variant appearances. Proper diagnosis is very critical since it will help determined the right and proper treatment.
Diagnosis of simple rash usually involves carrying out physical examination of the affected area be it the breast skin or other parts of the body. Personal and family history as well as medical history are considered during this stage.
Again, during physical examination, the medical expert may evaluate the features of rash including the area affected, type, shape and the arrangement of the lesions e.g. papules, pustules, wheals, blisters and patches.
Based on the alleged causes of certain rashes, diagnostic test may be carried out. The test may include blood test, skin biopsy, scraping, and allergy test.
Rash on breast have got many causes that may need series or advanced diagnostic tests.
Rash under Breast
What causes rash under my breast? Many causes it and are not always serious and are known to usually clear up after a very short while. Some condition that may require doctor’s intervention.
The linked symptoms to the rash can also be treated using home remedies and OTC medications. There are several causes. In this section we are going to group them into four categories as follows:
A) Infections
The skin under the breast is ideal for infections since it is warm and moist hence can foster the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast. The common infections that can cause include candidiasis, ringworm, and mastitis among others. These infections can lead to sore under the breast or painful one.
B) Autoimmune Disorders
These are chronic conditions that may not be treated but the symptoms can be cured. Very few autoimmune disorders can cause rash under the breast they include eczema, inverse psoriasis, hyperhidrosis and Hailey-Hailey disease
C) Allergies
There is a large range of allergic response that can lead to under breast rash; they include allergic reaction to substances such as certain medications, certain foods, Insect bites, pollen grain, and plants, etc.
D) Cancer Rash
The common type of cancer that causes rash here is the Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It symptoms include pink or red discoloration, inverted nipples, pimple like rash and pitted skin. Though this is a rare type of cancer, it would be better if you can see your doctor in case you experience those symptoms.
Apart from the four categories of the causes listed above, there are also more causes that can lead to such rashes under the breast i.e. heat rash.
Itchy cases
Itchy breast rash or itchy rashes on other parts of the body have got numerous roots. The itchiness may be mild, moderate or more severe. Some itching cases may be acute or chronic.
Before we dig deep into this, I want us to agree that this problem or generally skin rashes can present without itching as well.
In our case, itchy rash on the breast can be caused by the following factors or conditions:
- Allergic reaction
- Heat rash
- Keratosis pilaris
- Insect bites
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
The itchiness creates the urge to scratch the affected area, this is very dangerous! It can spread the infections leading to even rash between breasts making the condition more severe. Cold compress can be used instead of scratching.
Treatment
Factors causing this problem can be treated using medication including over the counter products e.g. creams and ointments that contain steroids and hydrocortisone (for instance cort-aid, Demarest eczema and Neosporin eczema).
These products performs wonders by managing swelling, itching and redness linked with eczema and other conditions causing breast rashes. Cortisone pills and shots can also be used for more severe cases or rashes.
Antibiotics and antifungals are also used in cases of rashes triggered by infections i.e. bacterial and fungal respectively. This will help to get rid bacteria and fungi that may lead to infections.
In circumstances where the it is due to allergy related causes, antihistamines can be used to manage the situation.
Because it has many causes, various types of therapies that can be applied to treat various symptoms. These will depend on the diagnostic tests results and the severity of the underlying symptoms. Therefore, besides these treatments for breast rashes, medical experts may have other treatment options.
Home remedies
In case of mild cases, the below discussed home remedies may be very effective in treating this skin condition. They are perfect at relieving itchy rash and sweat rash and bra rash under the breast.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can be used to relieve the symptoms such as itching and burning sensation. Here are the steps to apply this remedy:
- Start by wrapping some ice in a thin cotton towel and then put it over the affected breast skin for around 10 minutes. You can take some break and then repeat the same procedure.
- The alternative, you can apply skim-milk and cold water compress or bathe using cold water to relieve itching and reduce swelling. Cold water will also help close the skin pores hence reducing sweating and hence limiting sweat rash or even bra rash.
Coconut Oil
This home product t has a soothing and curing effect on the skin that aid relief of rashes on the skin. It is also greasy, a property that helps it to reduce friction that usually causes this condition. In addition, coconut has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to avoid many infections.
To rashes using coconut oil, you can apply some coconut oil on the affected breast skin and allow it to absorb completely into your skin. Repeat the same procedure three times daily until you achieve your desired result.
Aloe Vera
This home product is known to help soothe the itching as well as burning sensation caused by rashes on the breast. It can also potentially help the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. This product can also be used alongside turmeric since it has antiseptic properties. Here is how this home product can be applied:
- Prepare a fresh aloe vera gel from the aloe leaf and then apply it on the affected skin. Leave it there for around 20 minutes. After application of this product, you should not wash it off.
- Alternatively, aloe vera gel can also be mixed with turmeric powder and applied on the affected skin and left there for 25 to 30 minutes.
- You can continue to use aloe vera gel until your rash on breast clears up.
Tea tree Oil
This one has antifungal properties that give it the potential to be ideal for breast fungus treatment. It can also topically to treat many skin conditions linked with fungal infections. Below is the procedure:
- Begin by mixing six drops of pure tea tree oil in four tablespoons of olive oil
- You can then dip a cotton ball in the oil and then apply it to the affected skin
- Massage the area gently to make the oil penetrate deep into your skin
- It is recommended you apply it after taking shower and before you could go to bed.
Garlic
This another home product that can be used to hasten the relief of the swelling and itching accompanying the rash. It has antiseptic and antifungal properties that can potentially help to combat rashes that may develop. Here is the application procedure:
- You can start by soaking some few garlic cloves in a ½ cup of olive during night time.
- The following day you can apply this oil on the affected breast skin and then leave it unwashed for few hours before you could wash it off. For positive outcome, please apply garlic three times in a day.
- Pureed or crushed garlic cloves can also be used instead of this olive oil
- To speed the healing process, you increase the intake of raw or cooked garlic
Apart from the home remedies/product discussed above, there are still more products that can still be used to cure it. They include lemon juice, cornstarch, vinegar, calamine lotion among the rest.
Conclusion
Breast rash usually doesn’t occur alongside serious and life-threatening symptoms. However, they can be a symptom of a serious disease. Therefore, do not to neglect the symptoms that company it.
Though there are home remedies and over the counter drugs that can be used to treat this condition, whenever the symptoms persist or become chronic, please make a step and visit your dermatologist or medical expert.