A rash under your breast or breasts, between the folds of skin is usually caused by a skin condition called intertrigo. It is a very common condition that can occur throughout life.
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how to get rid of dry skin between breast
Gently clean the affected area with antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat dry the area when done. Apply fragrance-free moisturizer, antibiotic ointment, or an antifungal cream as recommended by your physician. Refrain from scratching the skin.
Inflammatory breast cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a breast cancer type where cells grow rapidly. The symptoms can develop and worsen over the course of three to six months. In addition to causing a red rash that affects most of the breast, inflammatory breast cancer symptoms also include:
Often, symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may initially resemble those of mastitis or a breast infection. If a doctor prescribes you antibiotics and the symptoms don’t get better, see your doctor in a week to 10 days.
Paget’s disease
Paget’s disease is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark skin around the nipple). The condition may closely resemble eczema or contact dermatitis (skin irritation). Other symptoms may include:
Breast Eczema: Symptoms and Treatments
Last medically reviewed on November 21, 2018
Paget’s disease of the breast is rare, found in 1 to 4 percent of breast cancers. It’s most common in women older than 50. Risk factors include:
It’s commonly misdiagnosed as eczema of the breast or nipple, as the first symptoms are typically a red, scaly rash of the skin.
Atopic dermatitis can be long lasting and persistent, as there is currently no cure. However, several treatments and preventative measures exist. Consider these options:
With proper treatment, atopic dermatitis can be managed fairly efficiently. However, you should identify and always be aware of your triggers, as they may cause the condition to return.
Other underlying conditions
Several conditions can cause rashes to appear on various parts of the body.
Some conditions that may cause a rash to form between or around the breasts include:
Treatments for skin conditions will vary based on the underlying condition causing the rash.
For contact dermatitis, a person should avoid or remove the substance causing the reaction. Psoriasis requires treatment from a medical professional to help suppress the symptoms. For shingles, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help reduce the severity of the rash.
A person may not need to see their doctor if their rash:
However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommend that a person sees their doctor if the rash:
In many cases, a rash will clear within a few days with or without treatment. The exact outlook depends on what is causing the rash.
An allergic reaction should disappear once the person is not in contact with the allergen. However, a person living with inflammatory breast cancer will need extensive treatment to clear the rash.
A person should talk to their doctor about their outlook with treatment.
A person may not be able to prevent all rashes. However, a person could take some steps to prevent their appearance.
On hot days, a person should take breaks in cool areas and wear breathable clothing. A person who develops contact dermatitis should avoid things that bother their skin.
Finally, treating underlying conditions can help prevent future rashes from occurring or being as severe.
Several different causes and underlying conditions can cause a rash between the breasts.
Sometimes, a person can identify what is causing their rashes, such as an allergic reaction or heat rash.
In other cases, a person may need to see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment of an underlying condition, such as inflammatory breast cancer or shingles.
Treatment and outlook will depend on the exact cause of the rash and the person’s overall health.
Last medically reviewed on July 15, 2020
1. What causes a rash under the breast?
The main causes of intertrigo are:
This can lead to:
Intertrigo (sometimes called candida intertrigo) can occur anywhere on the body where skin rubs against skin, such as between the thighs or on the underside of the belly or armpit.
A warm, moist environment encourages infection by either yeast, fungus or bacteria. Sometimes swelling, sores and blisters can also occur.
If you think you have intertrigo, speak to your GP as there are other skin conditions that might look similar.