What Causes Breast Rashes? Here's How to Treat Them, Moms!

What are the causes of breast rash?

Breast rash is irritation or redness that appears on the skin area of the breast.

This area of skin may appear inflamed and feel itchy or even sore.

Other terms used to describe breast rashes include dermatitis and pruritus.

A rash on the breast can happen to anyone. Generally, this condition isn’t serious and will disappear on its own after a few days.

Breast rashes can be cured by changing your diet and lifestyle or using homemade herbal remedies.

However, if the rash does not heal within a few days or gets worse, you should consider consulting a doctor.

Causes of Breast Rash

Breast rashes can occur for a variety of reasons. The causes can be divided into four categories:

Infection

The rash usually appears under the breasts, in the folds between the breast skin and the skin on the upper abdomen.

This area is always warmer and more humid, especially when you sweat.

This area becomes a place for bacteria and fungi to grow and cause infections if it is not kept clean every day.

1. Candidiasis

This disease is caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections and diaper rash .

Candida yeast thrives in warm, moist areas such as under the breasts.

Candida yeast infections cause a rash that progresses to blisters and cracks in the skin. Candidiasis is also very itchy. 

Antifungal creams are commonly used to treat candidiasis.

If the infection is more widespread, your doctor will prescribe an oral antifungal medication to keep the infected skin dry.

2. Ringworm

This disease that causes breast rashes is also caused by a fungal infection called tinea.

This skin disease is highly contagious and can spread through sharing towels and blankets, bathing in the same place, and can even be transmitted through pets.

If your breast rash is a red, raised ring, your doctor will usually prescribe an antifungal medication to treat this ringworm. 

3. Mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that often occurs in breastfeeding mothers, but it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding. Small cracks in the nipple can provide an entry point for bacteria.

Blocked milk ducts can also become infected. If mastitis is left untreated, it can cause severe breast pain.

It’s important for mothers to contact a doctor if they experience this. They will usually be prescribed antibiotics to treat this infection.

To reduce pain, apply a warm compress to your breasts several times a day. Getting enough rest and drinking plenty of fluids can speed up the healing process.

If you’re breastfeeding, do it more often. Emptying the affected breast can also speed up the healing process.

Allergies

Itching and reddening of the skin under the breasts can be caused by allergies to food, medication, insect bites, plants or pollen.

Itching can be accompanied by red, itchy bumps on the skin that turn white when pressed. Allergic rashes are usually treated with antihistamines.

Immune System Disorders

This disorder is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treated. Common causes include: 

• Eczema. Red, itchy skin is a symptom of eczema, and it can affect any part of the body. While eczema cannot be cured, symptoms can be reduced by softening the skin with unscented moisturizers and using cortisol creams to relieve itching. Excessive sweating and harsh soaps and detergents can worsen eczema.
• Inverse psoriasis. A chronic disease of the immune system. It is characterized by a red rash in skin folds such as under the breasts, under the armpits, or in the groin. It is usually treated with steroid creams.
• Hyperhidrosis. A condition where the body produces too much sweat, which can lead to skin infections. Treatment typically involves applying antiperspirant under the breasts to reduce sweating.

Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease to be wary of. Symptoms include:

• Skin changes color to pink or cloudy color
• Blister-like bumps or rashes
• Breast skin like orange peel 
• Nipples sink in 

See a doctor to get yourself checked early, so that the cancer does not spread and get worse.

Other Causes

A hot, flaky rash on the breasts is called miliaria.

This condition occurs when the sweat glands are blocked, preventing sweat from being excreted through the pores.

As a result, sweat accumulates under the skin, causing inflammation and rashes.

Heat rash only occurs when you sweat more than normal because the weather is so hot.

Usually this type of rash can heal itself even without any medication. 

Tips for Reducing Pain

When a breast rash occurs, there are several things you can do to reduce the pain or itching and prevent it from getting worse. Here are some things you can do: 

• Take off your bra as often as possible, until the rash is completely healed.
• Wear a bra that is comfortable and fits your body and is not tight.
• Avoid wearing underwire bras, if necessary, use bra pads that can absorb moisture under the breasts. 
• Wear loose, sweat-absorbent clothing such as cotton and linen.
• Use soap, lotion and moisturizer that are fragrance-free.
• Compress the rash area with cold water
• Use lotion or baby powder which can reduce itching.

Breast Rash Treatment

Breast rashes can have many causes. Recommended treatment depends on the medical condition, its severity, and its response to previous treatments. Here are some recommended treatments for breast rashes based on the cause:

1. Treatment for Common or Early Skin Rashes

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, mild breast rashes can be treated with topical creams and ointments, oral medications, and/or other therapies as prescribed and recommended by a doctor. Viral rashes (such as shingles) can be treated with antiviral medications.

Besides taking medication, here are some treatments for breast rashes that you can try when they first appear.

• Take a warm shower or apply a warm towel to the rash for a few minutes. This can also temporarily reduce itching or pain.
• Gently clean the rash area with antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat the area dry when finished.
• Apply an unscented moisturizer to the area to keep the skin on your breasts from drying out.
• You can also apply an antibiotic ointment or antifungal cream as recommended by your doctor. 
• Don’t scratch the rash! Scratching the rash can cause potential breast irritation. 
• Observe your recent behavior related to this breast rash. Have you tried a new soap? Have you been wearing uncomfortable clothing? Or have you recently changed any other skin products that may have caused your rash.
• Avoid using scented soaps, lotions, or perfumes around the breasts.
• Wear soft, comfortable clothing made of sweat-absorbent materials, such as cotton.
• Consider placing a special soft cloth with antimicrobial properties between your breasts to reduce itching and friction.
• Change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible after exercising or being outside in hot weather.
• If you suspect your breast symptoms are caused by an infection, see your doctor. You may need topical or oral antibiotics to clear up the rash.

2. Mastitis

If your doctor has diagnosed your breast rash as mastitis, he or she will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

However, if your symptoms do not improve after taking antibiotics, please consult your doctor again.

Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) if needed.

3. Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Breast rash conditions that have led to a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer will have different combinations of therapies.

The treatment options that must be taken are also increasingly advanced, ranging from chemotherapy, breast surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapy.

The order of treatment given may vary depending on how the cancer responds in the patient.

4. Paget’s Disease of the Nipple

The recommended treatment for Paget’s disease of the nipple depends on the extent of the area involved around the nipple, areola, or breast as a whole.

One of the main treatments for this disease is through surgery.

If invasive breast cancer is found, further treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and/or hormonal therapy may be necessary.

Treatment options vary depending on each individual’s condition.

Breast Rash Diagnosis

Breast rashes are usually caused by infection or an allergic reaction. However, in some cases, they can also be a symptom of breast cancer.

Because the symptoms of some medical conditions can look very similar, you can start by consulting a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of a breast rash.

Here are also some diagnoses of breast rashes and other symptoms that accompany them:

1. Mastitis 

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that can be caused by blocked milk ducts or a bacterial infection.

This condition most often occurs during breastfeeding.

However, it can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding and even in men. The following mastitis symptoms may appear suddenly along with a breast rash:

• Breast swelling
• Breasts that feel warm and soft to the touch
• Breast pain or burning sensation, persistent or while breastfeeding
• Breasts feel sore.
• Fever

2. Inflammatory Breast Cancer 

Unlike other common breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often does not cause lumps.

Symptoms appear when cancer cells block the lymph vessels (which are part of the lymphatic system) in the breast. The following symptoms may appear:

• Swelling of the breast skin
• Breasts that appear red, inflamed, or have a rash
• One breast is swollen or enlarged compared to the other breast
• Thickening of the skin on the breast, making it look and feel like orange peel
• Inverted nipples (nipples that turn inward)

The symptoms of this cancer are similar to those of a breast infection or inflammation (such as mastitis).

If you experience this, your doctor may initially prescribe antibiotics if they suspect you have an infection.

However, if your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may consider other, more serious causes and more tests may be recommended to evaluate your symptoms.

3. Paget’s Disease of the Nipple

Symptoms of Paget’s disease of the nipple can be mistaken for other non-cancerous skin conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema.

The most visible primary symptom of this disease is changes in the nipple and/or areola. Symptoms of Paget’s disease of the nipple may include:

• Peeling, scaly or crusty skin on or around the nipple.
• Itching or redness of the nipple and/or areola
• Flat or inverted nipples (nipples that turn inward)
• Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
• There may be a lump in the same breast

When Should You Go to the Doctor?

Breast rashes usually clear up within a few days. However, you should make an appointment to speak with your doctor if you experience any breast symptoms that are concerning.

Any new or unusual changes you notice in your breasts could be a sign that you should see a doctor.

However, you don’t need to worry, most breast changes are not due to cancer.

However, early detection can help you find out more quickly about the actual condition of your breasts.

Pay attention to your breast rash, this condition can be considered serious and you should go to the doctor immediately if it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• A sudden rash that spreads quickly or a rash all over your body.
• Rash accompanied by fever
• Red lines appear that originate from the rash.
• Have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or immune system disorder
• Symptoms of rash accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting
• The rash feels very painful.
• Sudden inverted nipples
• The skin on the breasts looks mottled (like orange peel)
• The rash turns into open scabs that are difficult to heal.
• Yellow or green fluid appears to flow from the rash.
• Experiencing symptoms of breast cancer
• There was no change after undergoing self-treatment for several days.
• Worsening signs and symptoms.

That’s an explanation of breast rash and the diseases that may be causing it.

Mom, this diagnosis can be an initial guide for you to understand the current condition.

However, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. We hope you stay healthy, Mom.

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Artikel telah diupdate oleh: Anna Nurjanah

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia