Rash under breast itchy is usually caused by a skin condition called intertrigo. It is a very common condition that can occur throughout life. As the name implies, this rash usually occurs under breasts or between the folds of skin.
In this article, we discuss the causes, prevention and how to get rid of this rash under breast itchy. Note, to effectively get rid of the itchy effect you need to first get rid of the rashes itself.
Causes
It is important to know what causes the rashes under breasts in the first place. Deciding on the home remedy becomes easier then.
- Fungus: This is caused by bacteria which grow in the warm and moist areas of the skin. Overweight women (or those who have large breasts) do not feel dry under the breast after a bath or shower. This causes fungus which leads to a rash.
- Bacteria: Infections caused by bacteria involve pus-filled blisters under the breast. This happens in severe cases and can get to be super-itchy.
- Allergy: Certain foods and drinks can become the cause of allergy. Thereby, leading to a rash under the breast. Bras made of synthetic fibres can be the reason for allergy and should be strictly avoided.
- Prickly Heat: Blame it on hot and humid weather which can be the biggest cause for this condition. Clogging of sweat glands can lead to little blisters on skin which can take the form of red bumps.
- Scabies: This is a parasite which burrows into the skin. Makes the skin very itchy and causes red bumps. You will often see a ‘wavy line’ on top of the red bumps.
- Cancer: In rare cases, rash under breasts can be an indication of breast cancer.
Stop worrying, as there are home remedies to treat this problem.
How To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
The multiple ways of treating rash are as follows:
1. Cold Compress
What you need:
- Ice
- Cotton towel
How to do:
- Wrap ice in a thin cotton towel
- Put it over the affected skin under breasts which has rashes for 5-10 min
- After a break, repeat it
How it works: The beauty of a cold compress is that it can bring you relief from many symptoms like itching and burning sensation as a result of rashes under breasts.
Tip: You can also take a bath with cold water. It will help in closing the skin pores, reducing sweating and rash appearance.
2. Cotton
What you need:
- Small piece of cotton cloth
How to do:
- Put a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of your breast and the skin underneath (to absorb moisture)
How it works: Reducing the sweat accumulation under and around the breast area is the best way to deal with a breast rash.
Tip: You can also use soft paper towels or dinner napkins for that matter.
3. Vinegar To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- White vinegar – 1 1/2 cup
- Hot water – 1/2 bucket
How to do:
- Mix white vinegar in a bucket of hot water (in the measuring qty as mentioned)
- Now use this solution to wash all your bras
- After wash, dry them in sunlight
How it works: At times, chemical residue in your clothes can cause breast rash. Go for Vinegar and say goodbye to this problem.
Tip: The other option is to use apple cider vinegar on the irritated skin. To do that, firstly wash the area (infected one) with mild soapy water. Rinse it with cold water and pat it dry. Mix 1 tsp of ACV in a
cup of water. Apply it to the affected area. Repeat this remedy 2 to 3 times a day.
4. Cornstarch To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Soap
How to do:
- First, clean the affected skin under breast with soap and water
- Pat it completely dry using a towel
- Now lightly dust cornstarch over it
How it works: Cornstarch is known to keep the skin dry. In case of a fungal infection, use talc as a feeding source of fungi on cornstarch.
How frequent to use: Do this twice a day (minimum) till you see signs of relief.
Tip: NEVER APPLY CORNSTARCH OVER WET SKIN as it can increase the risk of fungal infection.
5. Coconut Oil To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Extra-virgin coconut oil
How to do:
- Apply Extra-virgin coconut oil on rashes under the breast
- Let it get absorbed in the skin completely
How it works: Coconut oil always stands out. That’s because it brings a soothing and healing effect on the skin, thereby providing relief from rashes. It also avoids infections, owing to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How frequent to use: Repeat it twice or thrice a day everyday till the rash goes.
6. Calamine Lotion To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Calamine lotion
- Cotton ball
How to do:
- Clean the affected skin by washing it with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Pat it dry
- Dampen a cotton ball with calamine lotion
- Apply the lotion on the breast rash
How it works: Calamine lotion provides relief from itching under the breast and speeds up the healing process. Since it keeps the affected area dry, it reduces the chances of skin infection.
How frequent to use: Repeat calamine lotion application several times a day.
7. Tea Tree Oil To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Tea tree oil – 6 drops
- Olive oil – 4 tbsp
- Cotton ball
How to do:
- Mix both the oils – tea tree and olive oil in a bowl
- Soak a cotton ball in this oil blend
- Apply it on the rashes
- Do light massage of the affected area on the breasts so that the oil penetrates the rash
How it works: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties. So, it’s pretty safe to apply topically on the breast rash. It also puts a stop to the growth of fungus and associated infection.
How frequent to use: Use it once after taking a shower or before going to sleep at night.
Tip: Do dilute the tea tree oil with another essential oil. If not done, it can lead to skin irritation.
8. Aloe Vera To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Aloe vera plant or gel extracted from the aloe leaf
How to do:
- First of all, extract the gel from the leaf of the aloe vera plant
- Now apply it on the rash under breast
- After 20 minutes, wash it off with a wet tissue paper or hanky
How it works: Aloe vera is known to bring relief from severe itching and rashes
How frequent to use: Use this remedy a few times daily on your skin until the skin rashes heal and disappear.
Tip: As an option, you can mix a bit of turmeric powder with aloe vera gel and apply it on the rash. Since turmeric has antiseptic properties, it will surely bring relief.
9. Garlic To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Few garlic cloves
- Olive oil – 1 1/2 cup
How to do:
- Soak the garlic cloves in olive oil and leave it overnight
- The next day, apply this oil on the rashes
- Let it stay for a few hours
- Then wash it off
How it works: Garlic has antiseptic and antifungal properties which can treat rashes under the breast area effectively.
How frequent to use: Use the garlic clove remedy 3 to 4 times a day to get rid of the rashes.
Tip: To speed up the healing, take garlic in raw or cooked form. Also, instead of using the oil, you can also go for garlic cloves (crushed or pureed).
10. Lemon To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Water
How to do:
- Dilute and Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with 3 tbsp water
- Apply the solution on the rashes under breasts
- Let it air dry
How it works: The juice of Lemon has Vit. C – which is not only a powerful antioxidant – it also prevents the growth of fungal infections.
How frequent to use: Continue doing this remedy twice daily for a couple of days.
Tip: You can also use the combination of lemon juice and raw honey.
11. Basil Leaves To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- A couple of basil leaves
- Water
- Mortar
- Pestle
How to do:
- Using a mortar and pestle, pound the basil leaves with some water (so as to form a paste)
- Apply the paste on the rashes on the breast
- Allow the paste to stay on the rashes for about 20-25 minutes
- Wash it off with warm water
How it works: Basil leaves have a cooling effect and get you instant relief from the stinging rashes.
How frequent to use: Do it twice a day to keep the rashes away.
12. Cooling Skin With A Washcloth
What you need:
- A cold washcloth
How to do:
- Put a cold washcloth on the affected area under breasts (after squeezing out excess water)
- Let the washcloth stay on the rashes for some time
- Allow it to dry completely
How it works: This remedy does something similar to a cold pack – which is why it gives the much-needed relief.
How frequent to use: Repeat this 3-4 times a day for the rash problem to go away.
13. Turmeric To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Just a pinch of turmeric
- 1-2 tsp milk
How to do:
- Mix turmeric with milk
- Make a fine paste of it
- Apply this paste on the rashes under breast
- After half an hour, wash it off with lukewarm water
READ: Health benefits of turmeric on skin, hair and overall health
How it works: Turmeric (or Haldi) is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Which is why it comes up as an excellent remedy for itchy skin.
How frequent to use: Apply this remedy twice a day.
14. Chamomile To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Chamomile herb
How to do:
- Start by steeping 1 tsp of chamomile herb in hot water
- Apply this tea (once it cools down or is a little warm) on your skin rashes
- You will get instant relief from itchiness and irritation on skin.
How it works: Did you know Chamomile herb has volatile oils along with flavonoids which make chamomile flowers just perfect for treating skin diseases particularly rashes under breast?
How frequent to use: Once or twice a day (as needed).
Tip: Alternatively, you can also apply chamomile essential oil to your rashes.
15. Lavender To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Lavender oil
How to do:
- First clean and disinfect the skin under breasts
- Pat it dry
- Apply a few drops of lavender oil carefully under your bust line (where rashes are there)
How it works: Lavender oil is skin-friendly oil. It has antifungal properties, and so can be used to treat under-breast rashes.
How frequent to use: Once in the day and the other at nighttime.
16. Geranium To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Geranium oil
How to do:
- Clean the area under your breast which has skin rashes
- After patting it dry, apply geranium oil on the rashes
- Wipe it off with a tissue paper so that no oil residues remain.
How it works: Geranium oil is an essential oil which comes of major help in reducing breast rash. According to a study, geranium oil is effective against candida infections.
How frequent to use: Depends on the severity of your skin rash (otherwise apply geranium oil twice a day).
17. Oatmeal To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- 1 to 2 tbsp oatmeal
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp yoghurt
How to do:
- Make a thick paste of all the ingredients by mixing them
- Apply this on the rashes
- Allow it to dry
- Then wash it off with cool water
How it works: Oatmeal is a good home remedy when it comes to soothing the skin. It also hydrates the skin, brings relief from itching, and makes the skin softer.
How frequent to use: Once or twice a day (depending on the severity of the rashes).
18. Witch Hazel To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Witch Hazel extract
- Cotton ball
How to do:
- Dab cotton with the extract of witch hazel
- Apply it on the rash
How it works: WH (Witch Hazel) being an astringent disinfects the rash area and keeps it dry
How frequent to use: Re-apply this remedy two to three times a day.
19. Zinc Oxide Cream To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- Zinc Oxide Cream
How to do:
- Use this cream as mentioned on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. No self-medication.
How it works: Mineral Zinc oxide is used in a variety of creams, sunscreens and make-ups. It has antibacterial properties which make it a common ingredient in antiseptic ointments. Zinc oxide soothes skin and
protects it from irritants like the ones which cause rash under the breast.
Tip: If you are allergic to zinc, then abstain from using Zinc Oxide Cream.
20. Baking Soda To Treat Rash Under Breast Itchy
What you need:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 1/2 tbsp vinegar
How to do:
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl
- Make a smooth paste of it
- Apply this paste on the rashes
- After 15-20 minutes, wash it off with water
How it works: Considering it has antiseptic properties, baking soda is a soothing grace for irritated and itchy skin. Vinegar, on the other hand, is antimicrobial in nature and balances the pH of the skin.
How frequent to use: Twice a day for relief.
Other than home remedies, here are some lifestyle changes you need to keep in mind (if you want to avoid under-breast rashes).
Lifestyle to follow
Some handy tips for you
Choosing Right Bra: Go for a bra that comfortably fits your breasts. Say NO to TIGHT ones!
Use Cotton Fabric: 100% cotton bras are highly recommended to reduce allergies and prevent breast rash from forming in the first place.
Avoid Sleeping With Bra: While sleeping at night, do not have your bra on. Wear loose-fitting cotton cloth or a T-shirt while going to sleep. This will heal the heat rashes under the bustline.
Baby Powder: When you are through with your bathing drill and drying of body, dust baby powder under your breasts. This helps in cooling the area and absorbs moisture (if any).
Never Use Irritants: Use of cosmetics or hygiene products can lead to rashes under breasts due to allergy (happens more in case of sensitive skin). Suspect any cream or lotion as the ‘culprit’ for rashes? Stop using them and change the product right away.
Use Neosporin: Under breast, rashes can be effectively treated by Neosporin ointment. Apply it after you have cleaned the area with mild soap and water and patted it dry. Repeat this thrice a day and you can get rid of these pesky rashes within a day or two.
Preventions & Precautions
Helpful as always
- At the time of taking a shower, always wash under your breast properly (using soap and water). Then dry the skin surface completely. Remember, wet or moist environments are a breeding ground for rashes and infections.
- Women with big and heavier breasts need to clean the skin beneath their breasts (because there are skin folds out there which can become the ground for rashes). Or else, lose weight to overcome this problem.
- Make it a policy to wear clean and dry bras. They should be of breathable fabrics like cotton, not synthetic polyester.
- Avoid wearing bras that have an improper fitting.
- In order to reduce friction that further develops into rashes under breasts, it is advisable to apply topical ointments.
- Think it is summers most of the year. Because when you do, you will wear light clothing (that reduces moisture) which helps you maintain a cool environment under your breasts (most of the time). Avoid wearing tight-fitting irritants which will double the trouble.
- Launder your undergarments frequently and carefully. Avoid wearing the same bra the next day.
- Do a check if you have an allergy to cosmetic and hygiene products that you are using or wearing.
- During the hot and humid months, use talcum powder. This will help keep sweating under the breasts to a minimum.
- In case you are diabetic, you need to be extra careful as high blood glucose levels can most often lead to fungal infections.
When To Consult a Doctor?
In case your under-breast rash is very severe, seek medical advice immediately.
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