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What Causes Itchy Breasts?
Your breasts might be itchy due to one of these triggers.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, or xeroderma, is a very common issue, especially prevalent in colder months when the skin loses moisture, says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. People who report having dry skin were nearly twice as likely to develop itchy skin.
When your skin becomes dry, its natural barrier weakens. This can allow tiny particles from the environment to get into your skin more easily. These particles can trigger your immune system, causing redness and swelling. They can also activate nerves in your skin and create the urge to scratch, says Paul Rosenberg, MD, the head plastic surgeon at New Jersey Breast Reduction Center in Fort Lee.
Several everyday factors can lead to dry skin on your breasts. Taking frequent hot showers or baths can strip away your skin’s natural oils. Living in dry or desert climates can pull moisture from your skin. As you get older, your skin can become thinner and produce less oil, leading to dryness and itching.
Allergic Reactions
If your breasts are suddenly itchy, certain products you use could be to blame. “Allergic reactions to various soaps and skin creams may result in the release of histamine [a chemical the body produces during an allergic reaction], which also causes itching and redness,” explains Dr. Rosenberg.
- Fragrances
- Perfumes
- Lotion
- Detergents
- Synthetic fabrics in bras
- Metals used in bra clasps
This can trigger contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when something irritates your skin, leading to an itchy and red rash, says Dr. Kopelman.
Skin Conditions
Eczema (a condition that makes the skin red, itchy, and inflamed) and psoriasis (a disorder that causes patches of thick, scaly skin) can also be behind itchy breasts. People with eczema are about four times more likely to have itchy skin, while those with psoriasis are about two times more likely to experience it.
“The symptoms caused by these conditions can be particularly uncomfortable when they occur in areas where the skin folds, like under the breasts,” explains Kopelman.
Skin-to-skin friction and sweat buildup in the crease of the breasts can lead to intertrigo, says Kopelman. With intertrigo, you may notice itching, stinging, and burning in the affected area.
The warm, moist environment beneath the breasts can also create an ideal setting for fungal infections, explains Rosenberg. These infections can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and sometimes develop a rash with small bumps. Ringworm, another fungal infection, on or around the breasts, can also cause itching, Rosenberg adds.
Bacterial infections can be another cause. For example, cellulitis (a skin infection that leads to redness, swelling, and warmth) can develop on the breast, says Kopelman. This can make the skin feel irritated and itchy. Infections can become serious quickly so it’s important to seek prompt medical help for treatment with antibiotics.
Hormonal Changes
Sometimes fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can make the skin more sensitive, says Kopelman. These hormonal changes can also affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, making itchiness more likely.
Postsurgical Itching
If you’ve recently had breast surgery, some itchiness is normal as your body recovers. Postsurgical itching happens as the nerve endings repair themselves and the skin mends, says Kopelman. This type of itching usually improves over time. If it’s severe, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to help with the symptoms.
Medication Side Effects
Some acne treatments, like Accutane (isotretinoin), can reduce the body’s natural oil production. This can result in skin dryness and irritation, explains Rosenberg.
Other common medications can also cause itching as a side effect. Antibiotics like azithromycin (Zithromax) and blood pressure medications like amlodipine (Norvasc) sometimes trigger itchy skin. If you’re on a medication that seems to be causing itching, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives or ways to manage the side effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Itchy skin is common during pregnancy, with about 1 in 5 pregnant women experiencing it at some point. During pregnancy, your breasts grow as they prepare for milk production. This stretching can cause the skin to become tight, dry, sensitive, and more prone to itching.
For women who are breastfeeding, certain conditions can contribute to irritation, says Kopelman. These include mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue), which can cause redness, pain, and itching. Thrush (a yeast infection) may also develop on the nipples, creating intense itchiness.
Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, itchy breasts point to something happening elsewhere in your body. For example, liver or kidney disease can cause itching, which can also occur in the breast, says Kopelman. But these conditions usually cause itching all over the body, not just in one area.