(163)A rash under the breasts is a very common problem. It is mostly a form of irritant dermatitis and is called intertrigo characterized by inflammation of skin folds.
The most common causes of breast rashes are excessive sweating, heat, lack of air circulation, and wearing an ill-fitting bra that rubs against the breasts. Thus, factors like hot, humid climate and obesity contribute to this problem.
The condition may also be accompanied by yeast or other types of fungal infections as the warm, moist environment harbors the growth of germs.
Sometimes it can even be due to some kind of allergic reaction or an infection of the breast tissue due to breast-feeding. It can cause red patches, a burning sensation, itchiness, dryness and great discomfort.
You can try some simple natural remedies to get relief from this problem. Also, consult your doctor, especially if there are signs of infection.
Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of a rash under your breasts.
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress can relieve many of the symptoms like itching and burning sensation caused by rashes under the breasts.
- Wrap some ice in a thin cotton towel and put it over the affected area for five to 10 minutes. Take a break and then repeat.
- Another option is to apply a skim-milk and cold-water compress using equal parts of both the ingredients to relieve itching and reduce swelling.
- Also, try bathing with cold water. It will help close the skin pores, thus reducing sweating and the appearance of the rash.
2. Cotton
The best way to deal with a breast rash is to reduce the accumulation of sweat around the breast area.
- Place a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of your breasts and the skin underneath to absorb moisture and create a barrier. You can also use soft paper towels or dinner napkins.
- Also, wear lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton or natural fibers that help absorb moisture and keep your body sweat free.
3. Vinegar
At times, the chemical residue present on your clothes can cause a breast rash. Vinegar can help solve this problem.
- Mix one-half cup of white vinegar in half a bucket of hot water. Use it to wash all your bras and dry them in direct sunlight.
- Another option is to apply apple cider vinegar on the irritated skin. Wash the infected area with mild soapy water, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and apply it to the affected area. Do this two or three times daily. If it causes discomfort, stop using it.
4. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is highly effective for alleviating the itching and burning sensations associated with a breast rash. It helps keep the skin dry. In case of a fungal rash though, simply use talc as fungi feed on cornstarch.
- Clean the affected skin with soap and water, and then pat dry with a towel.
- When the area is completely dry, lightly dust cornstarch over it.
- Do this at least twice daily until you completely get rid of the problem.
Note: Do not apply cornstarch on moist or wet skin as it will increase the risk of fungal infection.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a soothing and healing effect on skin that helps provide relief from rashes. Plus, due to its greasy nature, it will help reduce friction that causes rashes under breasts and also avoid infections, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Simply apply some extra-virgin coconut oil on the affected area and allow it to absorb completely into the skin. Do this two or three times daily until the rash is gone.
6. Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion can be used on a breast rash to provide soothing relief from itching and speed up the healing process. It will also helps keep the area dry and thus reduce the chance of infection.
- Clean the affected skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry the area with a towel.
- Use a cotton ball to gently apply the calamine lotion.
- Repeat several times a day.
The itching went away with Tea Tree Oil & alcohol mixed in a small spray bottle. It burned at first but relief afterwards.
Tried the coconut oil it feels like pouring salt on it hurts worse screamed and cried while washing the oil off of my skin and after drowned the area in a mountain of baby powder with aloe vera extract and finally topped it with a baby powder covered cloth for the night
I’m a mess,been having out breaks of candida fungal under big boobs going on 4 years,tried all prescription meds,athletes foot stuff,zinc oxide,Monistat,vinegar baths,going crazy it hurts,oozes,gonna try a ta ta bra next
I used aloe vera once when I burned my hand pretty bad and it imeaditly stopped the pain. but i have a question. I have anxioty and i hate taking medicine to the point where I won’;t take something if I possible get by with out. They say I am diabetic and wants me to take metformin. well I now eat flax seed in the morning with cereal. and cut down on pop sweets. I have lost 6 pounds and my blood sugar is in a good range. it wasn’t that high to begin with /// ok I have had before and have again an infection under the skin near my nipple and they gave me zpack cause I have taken it before. but now I am afraid to take it. what can I put on it to draw out infection with out antibotics. thank you .
Great site! I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and it has greatly affected my skin. Yeast under the breasts has been a problem now annually, even without any blood sugar issues. One thing I would like to share, just in case anyone else has this sensitivity – if you emollients that contain Lanolin, such as Aquaphor, Eucerin, or A & D ointments among others, try a small patch on your arm, etc. first. I learned (the hard way!) that Lanolin is a very common allergy (it’s a wool alcohol so if you are allergic to wool that’s a good indication you are sensitive) and it’s in quite a few great products for skin. If you are sensitive, though, it’s a nightmare! I put a Lanolin based product I used happily on my hands for years under my breasts and they flared up horribly. Wonderful if you are not sensitive, Lanolin, Bacitracin and some other great products are deal-breakers for rashes if you are like me and are allergic to them. Hope that helps a few people. My doc, whose a saint, prescribed it for me before we knew I was so sensitive. I check the inert ingredient or ‘other ingredient’ lists now on any topicals.
Thank you all for the great advice you have shared! With my sensitivities to commercial products I’m always looking for alternatives, especially natural ones. This forum has been a great help. From time to time I have to reach for the diflucan, but I love to avoid systemic meds whenever I can.
This is really good information, but I’ve had trouble with lotions and ointments in the past. Everything seems to make my rash worse in time – probably because of perspiration. Someone suggested getting a breast sling because it keeps the skin so dry. I’m going to try that next.