The causes of a rash under your breast can range from mild skin reactions to more serious conditions. Knowing the signs of certain conditions can help you and your doctor relieve your symptoms and determine the cause.
You may develop a rash under your breasts for many reasons.
Rashes in skin folds are known as intertrigo and are generally caused by the following:
However, they
The warm, moist skin under your breasts is an ideal breeding ground for certain infections.
Ringworm
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a type of fungal skin infection also known as tinea.
Ringworm that affects the body is also called tinea corporis. Other forms of ringworm include athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris).
Ringworm appears as round, red patches of skin with a distinctive red ring. It’s highly contagious and often spreads via shared towels, sheets, and showers. You can even get it from your pets.
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal creams are effective in treating ringworm.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a skin infection caused by Candida yeast. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Candidiasis results from the same yeast (or fungus) that causes vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and diaper rash. These infections often occur in babies, people with illnesses that affect their immune system, and people taking antibiotics.
Candida thrives in the moist, warm environment of skin folds, such as under the breasts.
It causes a rash that often develops uncomfortable blisters and small cracks. Like many other rashes, candidiasis can be itchy.
Treatment can include OTC antifungal creams or prescription antifungals.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a type of bacterial skin infection. When it affects the breast area, it’s called breast cellulitis. This type of cellulitis is more common in people who have recently had breast surgery or radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cellulitis may include a red, warm, and inflamed rash that spreads quickly. You may also experience a fever and chills.
Cellulitis may become life threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. A doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or provide them intravenously (IV) in more severe cases.
Hives are red or skin-colored bumps that can become itchy. They can occur on any part of your skin.
They’re an allergic response to a range of substances, including:
It’s important to see a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause of your hives because these may be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. They may recommend topical or oral antihistamines to help treat your hives. These drugs block histamines, the natural chemical in your skin that causes hives.
Heat rash (malaria) occurs when your sweat glands become blocked, so you can’t sweat through the pores. Instead, the sweat pools under your skin, causing inflammation and a rash.
Heat rash mainly happens when you sweat more than normal because of heat and humidity. It usually clears up without treatment.
Cooling off under a fan or in an air conditioned space can help, as well as taking a cool bath. Severe cases may require a topical steroid cream from a doctor.
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that can cause a red, itchy, inflamed rash. Unlike atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis isn’t hereditary, and it only develops when your skin comes into contact with certain substances such as chemicals, fragrances, and irritants.
It’s important to see a doctor for a contact dermatitis diagnosis so they may rule out other conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Treatment for contact dermatitis may involve hydrocortisone cream or short-term oral steroid medications.
Known for large, oval-shaped rashes, pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that mostly affects people between 10 and 35 years of age. The patches may develop small bumps, with the rash itself often itchy.
Some cases will heal on their own. If a doctor diagnoses you with this skin condition, they may recommend antihistamines or mild steroid creams to help decrease itchiness as the rashes heal.
There are different autoimmune disorders that may cause a rash under your breast. Autoimmune disorders are chronic and can’t be cured, but you can manage the symptoms.
Eczema
Patches of inflamed skin that itch severely are symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis). People with eczema can develop small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust over.
On light skin, eczema often appears as red or pink lesions. It may appear dark brown, purple, or gray on darker skin.
There’s no cure for eczema, but you can manage it by moisturizing your skin with fragrance-free moisturizers. For severe cases, a doctor may also recommend cortisone creams or gels to control the itching.
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis.
It typically involves smooth, discolored patches of skin in the folds of your body. The condition often occurs under your breasts or in your armpits or groin area. Inverse psoriasis doesn’t usually cause the flaky skin plaques associated with other types of psoriasis.
Steroid creams and gels are the first-line treatment for inverse psoriasis. For more severe cases, a doctor may also recommend skin medications that suppress the immune system.
Pemphigus
Pemphigus is a rare skin condition that leads to blistering. This autoimmune condition mainly occurs in older adults and can appear anywhere on the skin, including the breasts.
While there are several types of pemphigus, the
- Pemphigus foliaceus: This subtype affects your skin only.
- Pemphigus vulgaris: This affects your skin as well as mucous membranes, including those inside your mouth.
Pemphigus on the breasts can result in irritated patches of skin in the area.
The exact cause is unknown. While there’s no cure for pemphigus, treatment may involve corticosteroid creams and other immunosuppressive drugs to reduce symptoms and avoid flare-ups.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of rapidly spreading cancer. Symptoms include:
- skin discoloration
- pitted skin that feels and looks like an orange peel
- swelling
- pain
- itchiness
- heaviness of the affected breast
- an inverted nipple, which points inward rather than outward
Although this type of breast cancer is rare, it’s important to see a doctor promptly if you have these symptoms.
The standard treatment for inflammatory breast cancer is a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
A rash under your breast may be due to a number of reasons. Most commonly, skin infections, allergic reactions, and common skin conditions are the cause.
In rare instances, it may be a sign of cancer. Speak with your doctor if you have symptoms of a rash under your breasts.