Redness under the breasts

A red ‘sweat rash’ under the breasts is called intertrigo. It may be sore and itchy, and you may have it in your armpits as well. The rash has a definite edge, and there may be some whitish material on it. It is usually caused by skin-on-skin friction and by Candida fungus or Corynebacterium bacteria, both of which like to live in warm, moist places. If you are overweight as well as having large breasts, the skin crease underneath them is ideal for Candida. Candida also likes skin that has been slightly damaged; this makes it easier for the fungus to take hold.

What you can do

Get a supportive bra to lift your breasts up. Although underwired styles give good support, they tend to trap sweat under the breasts so choose a non-wired style. Cotton is better than a synthetic fibre, because it allows sweat to evaporate. Wash it in a non-biological (non-enzyme) detergent and do not use a perfumed fabric conditioner.

Wash carefully under the breasts with a non-perfumed soap (some perfumes can damage the skin). Do not put any disinfectants in the water. Rinse well to ensure no lather remains in the skin crease. Dry thoroughly but gently – pat dry with a soft towel or use a hairdryer. Do not wash your hair with shampoo in the shower – the shampoo may contain perfume that trickles down and irritates the area under your breasts.

Stop applying creams. If you have been applying creams from the chemist, stop using them, even if they say ‘for Candida’ on the label. You could have become sensitized to one of the ingredients, and the cream could be making it worse. Instead, simply follow the instructions above for 2 weeks. If at the end of that time the rash is no better, see your doctor, who will be able to prescribe a different cream.

Lose weight, if you need to. If you are obese, you may find the rash difficult to eliminate completely unless you lose some weight.

See your doctor to check it is not eczema or psoriasis.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Monday, January 16th 2012

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 26/11/2010 at 09:34

it is very useful to me thank u lot

Posted by Optional on 30/08/2010 at 04:50

Have raw patches under and on the under part of my breasts and also a rash// dr. gave me a pill,one, and an anti-fungal cream. it is as bad or worse than it was It seemed better when i used caladryl on seemed to dryphyllis a bauerit up/ i give up it is very painful phyllis a bauer

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Posted by Anonymous on 13/02/2009 at 01:59

I seem to have had tender breasts for the last 3 months usually around my cycle but lasting a lot longer sometimes 3 wks at a time, sometimes it is painful and sometimes twinges also a little itchy more than painful, also it seems under one there is a whitish patchiness to the skin and lower part of the nipple. I am being checked but have to wait 2 wks obviously a concern, what are you views please? No lumps or bumps felt by doc.