Rash Under the Breast (Intertrigo)

A breast rash can be described as an irritation of the skin on an individual’s breast. Redness, itchy, scaly, and painful blisters are among the observable symptoms. A rash under the breast is normally caused by a benign or non-cancerous condition called intertrigo.

Causes of Rash Under the Breast

These rashes can have a variety of causes ranging from simple skin reactions to more serious conditions. These include:

• Insufficient air circulation
• Moisture, for instance, sweating
• Heat
• Friction resulting from skin folds
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Infections

Note: Intertrigo can happen on any place on the body where skin rubs against skin, such as in the armpit, under the belly button, or between the thighs. This is especially because a warm, humid atmosphere encourages infection by yeast, fungus, or bacteria.

Symptoms of Rash Under the Breast

Because rashes under the breast have different variations in severity, an individual should see the doctor if she experiences the following symptoms alongside the rashes:

• Extremely painful rash
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer
• No sign of improvement after employing self-help techniques for several days
• The rash has open sores that don’t heal

Treatment for a Rash Under the Breast

The rash under the breast is treated based on how severe it is and what is causing it. The aim of the  treatment is to:

• Reduce inflammation and moisture
• Keep the area dry
• Reduce the friction of the skin
• Take care of any infection and prevent its spread

The doctor might suggest the following treatment options:

• Anti-fungal powder
• Barrier cream
• Steroid cream
• Antibiotic cream or tablet
• Antiseptic wash

How to reduce the risk of getting a rash under the breast

One can take a few steps to lower the chances of developing intertrigo and prevent any discomfort from getting worse. These include:

• A well-fitting, supportive bra: A bra made from natural material such as cotton is recommended rather than man manmade nylon which normally traps moisture.
• Washing under the breasts: One should make a routine to wash under the breast in the morning and at night using a gentle soap or soap substitute.
• Keep the area under the breasts dry: The area under the breast should always be kept dry. After washing, a soft, clean towel should be used to dry it. A hairdryer on cool setting can also be used.