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.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and hence it can be used topically to treat a breast rash. It will also prevent the growth of fungus and infection.
- Mix six drops of pure tea tree oil in four tablespoons of olive oil.
- Dip a cotton ball in this oil and apply it on the rash.
- Massage the area gently so that the oil penetrates deep into the skin.
- Do this right after taking a shower and again before going to bed. Usually you can notice positive results within a few days.
Note: Using tea tree oil straight on your skin without diluting may cause skin irritation.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera helps soothe the itching and burning sensation caused by rashes under breasts. It also helps heal the skin and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can also combine it with turmeric as it has antiseptic properties.
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes. You need not wash it off.
- You can also use aloe vera gel mixed with a little turmeric powder. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off.
Use aloe vera a few times daily on your skin until the rashes heal completely.
9. Garlic
A rash under the breast area can be easily treated with the antiseptic and antifungal properties present in garlic.
- Soak a few garlic cloves in one-half cup of olive oil overnight. The next day, apply this oil on the affected area and leave it on for a few hours before washing it off. Use this remedy three or four times a day to get rid of the problem. Instead of this oil, you can also use crushed or pureed garlic cloves.
- Also, increase your intake of garlic in raw or cooked form to speed up the healing process.
10. Lemon
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps prevent the growth of fungal infections and speed up the healing process.
- Dilute one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with three tablespoons of water. Apply it on the affected skin and allow it to air dry.
- You can use a mixture of two tablespoons of lemon juice and a little raw honey on the rashes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Repeat either of these remedies twice daily for a few days.
Additional Tips
- As this problem is common in those who are overweight or obese, it is suggested to lose excess weight.
- To reduce friction that causes the rashes under breasts, apply greasy topical ointments.
- Wear clean, dry bras made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid improperly fitting bras and bras made from synthetic fabric.
- Wear light clothing, minimize moisture, remain in a cool environment, and avoid irritants.
- Launder your undergarments carefully.
- Check if you are allergic to the cosmetic and hygiene products that you are using.
This summer has been the worse for my under breast/between breast rash. Driving me nuts. I have taken all the above advice and will surely try every one until I find what works for me. You want big breasts??? You can have them! UGH!! Thanks all for your opinions and help. Thank the Lord above for the Internet!!!
I have used Sesame oil for the last 5 years and have never had any rashes since using it. It is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and has good healing properties. Not a sales pitch as I have nothing to do with the company that sells it, just works good to keep skin smooth and soft and feeling good. The company is Youthing Strategies dot com. My mom (87) has a severe rash under her breasts and we use Bag Balm on it. You can get it at the drug store. It works good to heal the soreness and the rash. We used it on her bedsores and they were gone within a week. The nurse was amazed!
I’m 6 months pregnant and noticed a rash under my breast. At first it just itched and was red. I used baby oil, hydrocortisone and baby powder it just got worse and developed a thick white yeast-like coating and an odd smell. So I asked a pharmacist and he advised using clomitrazole, an over the counter cream. Not even 24 hours after applying the first time there was improvement. The white film is gone and it no longer itches or hurts.
Please look into wearing a BreastComfort Sling or a BreastComfort cushioned bra insert – both are soft cushions with wicking fabric which elevates the breast to keep the irritated skin from rubbing against itself and creating further irritation. I wear the sling as often as I can, particularly when I sleep. I no longer have itching or burning beneath my breasts and I’ve been able to dispense with cortisone creams and lotions entirely. I can’t recommend it enough!
I am an active 48 yrs old woman, and I too am rather large breasted, and having these same problems! The heat, at any given time, under my breast is extremely hot! I have tried most every one of them, however today here I sit fighting the same ole thing another day of my life. It’s miserable to deal with! I have tried nystantin powder, hydrocortisone cream, A&D cream, foot fungus creams (all of them!). Now I am mixing the creams and applying to clean area. Then I dust it well with cornstarch baby powder. This lasts for a few hours, but then its right back to what it was before. It’s a never ending battle. I just got some coconut oil, so I’m going to add that to my morning ritual.
Ladies: No Joking try Making several , “under-bras ” out of 100% cotton white bandanas, or any pure cotton material. No terrycloth( ie: rubbing , ruffiness, dye allergies etc ) More than one to change out when wet and to clean for another day/night . Sew one edge together lengthwise —[_][_]— —[_][_][_]— 2 or 3 for + sizes . tie or add velcro or button to secure . Front or the back .Fold top to bottom extra absorbency . No cornstarch to feed the fungus ! P.S Inspiration before sending, Cut top half of loose fitting cotton tee-shirt , bottom of arm pit to arm pit use tube bottom folded under breasts. Fold according to size can be rotated without taking off during the day. STAY DRY !
Cornstarch will feed the fungus. Try jock itch spray instead of cream. It will burn, but it will clear it up. Good luck.
cornstarch I found out its not a good powder it’s got starch which turns into a sugar. Steroids are not good if the rash is fungal or yeast . Those 2 feed off sugar. Try over counter clotrimazole this is an antifungal. Especially if its not going away you might have a fungal yeast infection instead of a heat rash. Coconut and sesame oil I heard are good also have on the rash directly with a cotton swab
I too am a big breasted girl and I also get a terrible rash/sweating under my belly roll (thanks to my beautiful kids too) too. I’m now 51 and have been struggling with this for years, particularly in the hotter months, but also throughout the year. I’ve tried all the creams from the doctors and chemists. I’ve tied all family and friends remedies, although most of them have worked for a little while, it comes back with a vengeance. I have even tried the sanitary pads under the boobs and belly and that worked wonders for a while too. I am now going to try the above remedies and hope and pray that they work for me. Thanks girls for all the suggestions. I hope that you all be rid of this terrible problem soon.
Hi divas! I noticed that reddish, itchy rash beneath my breast a night ago after wearing a bra I dumbed for some months ago. Am in a remote West Africa part of the world and not familiar with the above mentioned remedies. Pls, can anyone prescribe something different for my calibre?
Try tea tree oil
I enjoy and appreciate all of these remedies, but it’s really annoying that this article keeps repeating the theme of “Oh just lose weight” because 1. for a lot of people, it’s impossible (disabled folk, those with thyroid problems, etc.) 2. Just because someone has larger breasts does not mean they are automatically obese or even overweight.
Thankfully, my aunt who also has large breasts (and is teeny tiny *gasp*) has tea tree oil handy!
I’ve been reading this blog for a couple of hours now and making notes, and I have not read any thing about losing weight until you brought it up!
It is an absolute MUST to wash all your bras about once a month in the washer, with bleach. Wash under your breasts with soap and water when you get up in the morning, when you take a bath of course, in the afternoon and before you go to bed. Neosporin is great for the rash.
I’m in my 60’s & I get that rash too..corn starch works for me…after a shower I dry the area & put a good amount of corn starch under my breast…it totally goes away within a couple of days…
At age 57 I’ve become a member of The red, itchy, blood tinged, painful, stinky, almost purple, shiny leather looking skin rash, under both breast and armpits too club. I finally after a week of supreme suffering, decided to Google my symptoms. I found you all, I am not alone I see. I’m trying everything mentioned above. The apple cider vinegar and the A & D ointment seems to have calmed the beast down. God Bless us all as we continue to bless each other with our found solutions. You all remain as my she -ros… 🙂
Which remedy works best, have had this since my daughter who is 15 now was born. She also got thrush when she was a baby and nursing. I am 58, and wish someone would say what they know works. I am going to try the vinegar first.
So glad to know I’m not alone. I have suffered with this issue for years.I like most of you ladies have been to the dr and dermatologist many times and nothing has worked. I have also tried every over the counter lotion and cream. I recently tried the A&D diaper cream to no avail. I went to the store today and purchased several tube top bras and decided that I will only wear those to see if that works. It’s inconvient but I am boycotting regular bras as much as I can until this heals. I also started using cornstarch today. I’ll keep yall posted.
See my comments above. If you have a fungus, the cornstarch will feed it. Good luck.
No one has mentioned this remedy yet. Years ago I lived in Arizona and had this problem. I found an old wives remedy CHEAP andWORKS. Take regular cooking flour and put in a non- stick fry pan..burn the flour. Yes burn it by its self, let it cool and use it like a talcum powder. It works Eben on the worst dieaper rash too.
I have a bright red rash under my right breast and it is very painful. I took a shower and dried the area with a hair blower. I then used a lot of corn starch. Then I took a thin pantie liner and folded it in half and placed under the breast. The next day was feeling somewhat better. I washed the area again and used baby diaper rash cream I bought at Wal-Mart twice a day. Oh my god it feels so much better. Hopefully no need to see a Dr. now.
A few years ago I was visiting family in Texas during the summer and developed a terrible rash and became so desperate I was using pads under my boobs to keep the area dry. I see I’m no the only one who has thought of this lol. It works great!
I use corn starch and stick a sanitary napkin under each breast in my bra. It pretty much takes care of the under-breast problem. I think it would work under my stomach roll as well, but I can’t figure out how to keep the sanitary napkin in place. I also have the problem on my inner thigh where it meets my body, and I’m a little afraid to put crams and such there. Any ideas?
Have had bad rash under breast. I have tried everything turmeric bath (turned the bathtub yellow), tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, etc. I have been to 3 doctors and received anti fungal 1% cream, steroids, rash spread to face and neck. Sprayed with dr. scholl’s athletes foot cream. antiperspirant, gold bond spray. I took two dosages of yeast pills (mono stat). Now trying yeast cream, antiperspirant, athletes foot cream, steroids. Help. I am not wearing a bra anymore. It is not scabies. I only have it on breast area, neck, face. I live in Cool climate. I guess I need to change my diet. any suggestions. It is very painful and itchy. can’t sleep. I will take a sleep pill tonight. I have had it for 3 weeks. never had this before. I am 5’3 and 165lbs
oh yeah, i recently bought some borax soap- antifungal
Not a once, I took them a week apart the oral yeast infection medication
Soaking in Epson bath salts heals these type of rashes. Mineral Bar soaps for washing. Coconut oil will sooth n once healed to prevent it from coming back use a mineral deodorant Stone. Notice 3 of the 4 things mentioned above are all containing minerals. Works!
Soaking in Epson bath salts will heal n relieve pain For these type of rashes. Mineral Bath Bars to wash with. Coconut oil will sooth n help heal. Once healed use a deoderant Stone to prevent it from coming back. Works! You can purchase the deodorant stone on Amazon. The deodorant Stone can be used anywhere safe no worry of cancer n it lasts for several years!
A bright red rash is ever present under my tummy roll. I keep it clean & dry. I gave up most of my fancy undies for cotton undies that I can roll under my belly to absorb sweat. When real bad, I also use cornstarch baby powder (after drying well with a hair dryer). I haven’t had any rash under my breasts until this past week (mostly under left breast & in between breasts). I use the same method as above; under bra I used to use a thin cotton sock (but threw them out because I hadn’t had this problem in a long time—now I wish I’d kept those socks! Not easy to find thin, all cotton socks now-a-days.). Also, sometimes I roll a Kleenex facial tissue (make sure it is plain, without lotion, etc) and put between my breasts. I had just gotten fitted for new bras about 3 months ago, and hate to think I’d have to get new ones again–being a larger size, bras aren’t cheap! Any other suggestions?
I wear a cotton undershirt under my bra and that helps alot. Besides, it doesn’t slip out. If it gets damp or wet, change to a dry one. Hope this helps someone with this nagging problem.
Leo is my nickname. i have had the underboob rash problem occasionally. here is what i do and it works great. wash all infected areas with a mild soap and water and rinse them. no need to dry. i apply an antiseptic mouthwash, yes mouthwash, to all the infected areas and it eliminates all or most of the itching. if it still itches after a while, do the treatment again. an alternative is Gold Bond powder, but i found that to be messy to apply and it caked and further sweating created a mess.
An earlier suggestion posted here worked so well, felt compelled to share. This is the first time I’ve experienced this kind of rash and it’s only under one breast. I tried antibiotic cream, diaper rash cream, aloe cream, powder, ice packs. All made the rash feel better for awhile but none were helping diminish the redness. An earlier post said her pharmacist recommended CLOTRIMAZOLE cream. I found it at both CVS and Walmart under their own brand. The boxes have for “Athlete’s Foot” and then clotrimazole 1% under that. I’ve applied it to the rash 2x daily as per instructions. I felt immediate relief and now 5 days later the bright vivid red of the rash is now a soft pink, the tightness and itching have all but disappeared. I’ve also been making extra effort to keep area under both breasts dry (it’s hot here in NJ, five minutes outside and you’ve got sweat somewhere on your body :). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that soon it will be gone with continued use of this miracle cream!
I have been on the net trying to see if anyone has used what I use to keep the rash under my breasts away.
I had the rash for a few years in the summer months and could not find a way to stop it from happening. Yes, I am a bit overweight, but I have large breasts and I tend to perspire a lot, which used to make the problem much worse.
About 6 years ago I used a combination of corn starch and tea tree oil to clear the rash. Once it was full clear I started to use a crystal deo stick under my breasts and have used it ever since. using an ordinary deodorant did not work as it made it excessively dry and uncomfortable. I have since used it after I spray a squirt or two of colloidal silver under my breasts. Since I have done this I have never had the rash come back. It has really worked for me.
Please consider adding this note to your recommendations as this will help a number of women to keep the rash away once they have done what they can to get rid of it.
An old remedy I was old by a friend many years ago was to put natural yoghurt on problems like thrush. I tried it and it worked great.
This is my no-fail INSTANT cure. Take a cotton ball, soak it with witch hazel, clean/soak the area. Now apply an over the counter cortisone cream. Slather it on and leave it on. BOOM,…gone. Do NOT be tempted the buy the witch hazel that has anything added to it, like scent, or aloe, or lemon…just plain. Gone that day.
Use medicated goldbond body powder it works!!!
I’m 60 this year. I had surgery and am not abe to move around a lot. it has been 2 months and I find this problem honestly today! I love all you ladies for your very helpful remedies to this . I cleanse twice ah day but still it showed up, never before have I had this problem. yes I too am ah little over weight…ah big boobed, but I blame the meds I’m taking as part of it. soooo, with that said, I told my son not to cook my food with coconut oil….lol, but I’m going to use it under my breast, left one.?, why is it only the left one….an can we all send this pro lem to the medical boards because it seems, cause I have read all the comments and cures which are working….why do the doctors still give us the same stuff that doesn’t work? Thank you lovely ladies for all your help!!!.COCONUT OIL…HERE I COME!
2am and cannot sleep again. Trying Coconut oil under breasts tonight – so far still a bit itchy, the inflammation has settled a bit. I have had mild success with Epsom salt baths, apple cider vinegar, baking soda and tea tree oil, aloe vera, Dr Scholls foot spray and airing in sunshine (pleasant but not practical). Creams recommended by doc have not worked. But Prickly Heat Powder has been very successful but a bit messy for work days and needs reapplying. This powder is an Australian product containing zinc. I have been on a diet for a month now and hope losing weight will help with the excessive sweating. Goodluck everyone
I too have had an operation, am immobile for weeks and this problem is driving me nuts. I am unable to use the bath and showering takes hours so have to hand wash. I have it under all the folds, breasts, tummy tuck and groan, and have had it on and off for years but usually can sort trying various methods. This time it is driving me mad and nothing seems to work. I feel as if I am really dirty and doctors have no sympathy. I haven’t tried vinegar and nappy rash cream so will give that a try. Can’t get some of the stuff here in uk. Thanks for all the help. Just great to know you aren’t alone at 3 am when you can’t sleep.
Hi Susan – I appreciated your situation as I often feel “dirty,” too, and have recurring rashes under my large ladies, under tummy roll, and inner thighs. Constantly changing and laundering panties. Have been home 3 mons. from hospital and housebound yet, even with a/c, here in Escondido, CA it’s been like a desert so we’re always suffering from the heat; even swimming aggravates if I wait too long to use hair dryer under breasts and other areas. WHAT HELPS is, after cleansing areas with Tucks (witch hazel) pads, apply a generous amount of Zeasorb athlete’s foot powder (thoroughly wash hands afterwards) – this procedure provides almost immediately relief! Other hints that help: Use hair dryer in affected areas after bathing or swimming/jacuzzi, wear folded kleenex tissues (cheap) in bras or just tucked in under breasts. I have really appreciated and enjoyed everyone’s sharing their experiences as now I don’t feel like the lone ranger and realize this situation is a common one. Best wishes to you all!
Right after exercising one day, I found the worst, reddest rash under one single breast than I had ever seen in a rash ever before! And I’m 49! I couldn’t afford to buy tea tree oil, but I had coconut oil on hand, so I tried it. Man, did it work! Now, understand that some days I also did something a little different: I wore a thin, cotton undershirt, then a cotton bra, followed by whatever shirt I was wearing that day. This helped soak up any extra perspiration. It’s been close to a week, and it has really improved. And I have one of those stubborn bodies that don’t like to heal well! So if you have any, try it. If you think you’re about to get a rash, put a thin amount on, and do preventative measures, as well.
STAY AWAY FROM EXCESS ANTIPERSPIRANT. Sadly, it’s a known breast cancer.
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.
For those who are looking for a source for cotton bras, try Fruit of the Loom. I have several. Insufficient support for my large breasts, but if I’m not going anywhere and not dressing up, who cares? They also have front closures cotton bras. THEY RUN SMALL.
My favorite dressing for yeast rash under my breasts and tummy roll is a salve of coconut oil and tea tree oil. You have to do it every day, though. I also use a tea tree bath soap. Every once in awhile I have to ask for a prescription of oral medication to knock down a rash in the summer. I’m 76, and this has been a problem only the last three years or so.