Experiencing persistent breast itching can be bothersome and concerning. Rest assured, most of the time, itchy breasts are due to harmless reasons. However, in some instances, it could signal an underlying issue that requires medical attention. Dr. Abby Sexton, DO, a healthcare provider at UnityPoint Health, sheds light on the common and less common causes of itchy breasts and guides you on when it’s time to consult a doctor.
reasons for itchy breasts infographic
Everyday Irritants: Clothing, Soaps, and Laundry Detergents
One of the most frequent culprits behind itchy breasts is irritation from everyday products that come into contact with your skin. This includes clothing fabrics, soaps, body lotions, and even laundry detergents. These items can trigger itching and allergic reactions. The solution is often as simple as identifying and eliminating the offending product or switching to gentler alternatives.
Dr. Sexton advises, “If you start using a new product and develop an itchy rash on your breasts, it’s wise to have it checked by your healthcare provider. This helps to confirm whether it’s a common skin reaction like contact dermatitis or if there’s another reason that needs further investigation.”
Your primary care physician, OB/GYN, or a dermatologist can provide guidance and diagnosis in such cases.
Hormonal Shifts: The Monthly Cycle and Beyond
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those linked to the menstrual cycle, are another common cause of breast itching without a visible rash. As estrogen levels rise, especially leading up to menstruation, increased blood flow to the breasts can cause them to feel tender, swollen, and, yes, itchy. If you experience cyclical breast itching related to your period, try not to worry, as it’s usually a normal hormonal response and not a cause for alarm.
Skin Conditions: Eczema and Intertrigo
Various skin conditions can manifest as itchy rashes on the breasts, including the areas under and between the breasts. Two common conditions are breast eczema and intertrigo.
Eczema can appear anywhere on the breast, even around the nipple, and can sometimes resemble more serious conditions. It typically presents as red, inflamed, flaky, or scaly skin and is accompanied by itching. Dr. Sexton often recommends a biopsy to accurately diagnose eczema and rule out other possibilities.
Intertrigo, on the other hand, is often described as resembling a yeast rash. It commonly occurs in skin folds, such as the cleavage midline or underneath the breasts. Intertrigo is triggered by friction and moisture buildup in these areas. It can be itchy and even painful, appearing as a bright red and irritated rash. In some instances, blisters or skin cracks may develop in the affected area.
Sweat and Heat Rash: When Things Get Hot and Humid
Sweat rash and heat rash share similar characteristics and tend to develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. For instance, these rashes can appear under the breasts or on the sides due to friction from bra bands or underwires. Dr. Sexton describes heat or sweat rash on the breasts as red and bumpy, and they can be both itchy and painful.
“These rashes usually resolve on their own over time,” Dr. Sexton explains. “If you develop a rash like this, opt for loose-fitting clothing, try to avoid excessive sweating for a while, and allow the area to air out as much as possible.”
Breast Infections: Mastitis and Abscesses
If you notice a rash on your breast, especially while breastfeeding, it could be mastitis. Mastitis is a common breast infection that can cause itching and pain. With mastitis, the affected breast often feels warm and hardened, appearing red and swollen. You may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.
A breast abscess, a collection of pus, can also form as a complication of mastitis. An abscess typically presents as a painful, red, swollen, and tender lump.
Ingrown Hairs and Inflamed Hair Follicles
Ingrown hairs can appear as small, pimple-like bumps on the breasts or around the nipples. Inflamed hair follicles can be larger and resemble small abscesses on the breast.
Dr. Sexton advises, “It’s best to seek medical evaluation for these to ensure it’s not an actual abscess requiring treatment.”
As mentioned earlier, a breast abscess appears as a red, tender, and swollen lump, which may feel warm and have discharge. Abscesses are usually caused by an infection.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Diabetes, Thyroid Issues, and Liver Disease
In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or liver disease can manifest with skin rashes on the chest and/or itchy breasts.
Dr. Sexton notes, “As OB/GYNs, we frequently address breast concerns and are capable of performing a breast biopsy or further investigations if needed. Depending on the test results, you might be referred to a breast surgeon for specialized care.”
Does Itchy Breast Mean Breast Cancer? Addressing Cancer Concerns
It’s natural to worry about breast cancer when experiencing unusual symptoms. However, itchy breasts alone are rarely a primary sign of cancer. While breast itching can be a symptom in some breast cancers, there are far more common and benign causes.
“Other breast cancer symptoms are more typical and concerning,” Dr. Sexton explains. “These include a lump or bump that you or your doctor can feel, nipple discharge from only one breast that’s bloody or straw-colored (especially if it occurs without squeezing the breast), swollen lymph nodes without recent illness, breast pain, or lesions on the breast skin.”
Understanding Breast Rashes: Common Types and Causes
Common rashes like contact dermatitis, heat rash, or intertrigo usually affect both breasts. However, mastitis rashes typically appear on only one breast, although they can occur on both.
If you have a rash on only one breast that doesn’t improve with home care, it’s advisable to schedule a medical check-up.
“The first step in evaluating a breast rash is a breast exam to check for lumps, bumps, bruises, or nipple discharge,” says Dr. Sexton.
Cancers that can present with breast itching or rash include Paget’s disease of the breast and inflammatory breast cancer.
Paget’s disease of the breast is characterized by a scaly, red, and itchy rash around the nipple or areola. It may also be painful and crusty. It’s often associated with an underlying breast cancer, but not always.
Inflammatory breast cancer, while rare, is aggressive and usually diagnosed at a later stage. It accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancers (1-5%).
An inflammatory breast cancer rash is often described as:
- Redness covering more than one-third of the breast
- Skin dimpling resembling an orange peel
This large, red patch on the breast may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone area. The breast can also be swollen, tender, itchy, and warm to the touch.
Dr. Sexton clarifies, “Swollen lymph nodes are not necessarily indicative of cancer. They can be reactive to any illness, including mastitis or other infections in the breast or chest region.”
Red Bumps and Black Patches: What They Could Mean
A single red bump on the breast could be due to various benign reasons, such as:
- Angioma (a benign growth of blood vessels)
- Bug bites (mosquitoes, spiders, chiggers)
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Pimples
- Red moles (cherry angiomas)
- Minor trauma
If a bump persists or changes, it’s best to consult your doctor.
A black patch on the breast is most likely a skin mole. “Just like moles elsewhere on the body, breast moles can become cancerous, most commonly melanoma, rather than breast cancer itself,” Dr. Sexton explains.
Regularly monitor any freckles or moles on your breasts. If you notice changes in appearance, such as darkening or enlargement, a biopsy is recommended.
Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy and Menopause: Hormonal Influence
Itchy breasts are a common symptom during pregnancy, primarily due to hormonal changes. As the body prepares for breastfeeding, breasts may enlarge, become more sensitive, and prone to itching. These hormonal shifts can lead to skin dryness and irritation, contributing to the itchiness. Increased blood flow to the breasts during pregnancy also adds to tenderness and sensitivity.
Similarly, itchy breasts during menopause can also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, which can cause dryness, irritation, and heightened breast sensitivity.
However, Dr. Sexton notes that breast itching is more frequently seen in premenopausal women compared to menopausal women.
“If your breasts suddenly become itchy during menopause, especially if there are no changes in your routine, it’s worth getting it checked out.”
When to Seek Medical Advice for Itchy Breasts
It’s always better to err on the side of caution. Consult your doctor if you experience persistent breast itching, whether or not accompanied by a rash.
“It’s advisable to discuss your symptoms with your doctor if the itchy breasts are new, persistent, not related to your menstrual cycle, and if you haven’t made changes to detergents or soaps. This is especially important if you haven’t had a recent breast exam or mammogram,” recommends Dr. Sexton.
Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend observation, topical treatments like ointments, powders, or creams, as itchy breast treatments. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Claritin can also provide relief. If the rash and/or itching resolves with these measures, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
“If a rash persists or recurs, it’s important to return for a biopsy. It’s always wise to be cautious and thorough,” Dr. Sexton concludes.
Find a Doctor
MyUnityPoint
