Causes of Itchy Breasts
Though this symptom can be a sign of cancer, more often it is not
Medically reviewed by Gagandeep Brar, MDMedically reviewed by Gagandeep Brar, MD
Itchy breasts are not uncommon and are usually a symptom of noncancerous conditions like dry skin or minor infections. However, there are some serious causes, including inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease—two rare forms of breast cancer.
If you have itchy breasts, it can be distracting and uncomfortable, and your scratching can lead to bleeding or other complications. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Read on to find out the different causes of itchy breasts, and how to treat them.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast infection that most commonly affects people who are breastfeeding, but people with breasts who are not nursing can develop it as well. It may cause a fever, breast pain, redness, warmth, and itching. You may also have a generalized feeling of being sick if you have mastitis.
It is treated with antibiotics, and if your symptoms do not begin to improve within a week, further tests may be done to look for a different cause.
Related: Rash on Breast: Stress, Hormones, or Something Else?
Dry Skin
Dry skin is very common and can occur if you are dehydrated or as a result of cold weather. You may also just be prone to dry skin. Usually, when dry skin causes itchy breasts, the skin in other areas of the body is dry or itchy too.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a rash due to inflammation of the skin. It can be triggered by an allergic reaction to something that your skin has been exposed to, or it may occur without a trigger. Common culprits include new clothes, detergents, perfumes, lotions, and shampoos.
You may be able to prevent dermatitis by using products made for sensitive skin, which usually do not contain irritants such as perfume or dye. Also, be aware that, although it's not common, the nickel in underwire bras can cause an allergic reaction for some women.
Atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema, is a skin condition that usually occurs without a trigger. People with asthma or hay fever may also have atopic dermatitis.
Related: Treating Dermatitis Rashes by How They Look
Yeast Infection
The skin underneath and on the sides of the breasts can become moist, allowing an overgrowth of yeast that can cause itching.
You might find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, or your healthcare provider can prescribe a prescription-strength antifungal medication.
To prevent yeast growth under the breasts, it helps to wear bras that are made of a breathable fabric, like cotton. Wearing a comfortable and supportive bra, even during sleep, can prevent skinfolds from trapping sweat and moisture.
After showering, make sure that the area under your breasts is completely dry before putting on a bra. If you work out, be sure to select an athletic bra that's made of fabric that keeps sweat and moisture away from the skin, and change promptly after your session.
Takeaway
Itchiness after the first few weeks of nursing may be a sign of thrush, a yeast infection that occurs on your nipples. Your baby may also show signs of thrush, which can appear as white patches in the mouth.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky scales on the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the breasts. However, the breasts are not the most common location of the psoriasis patches. Psoriasis can be treated with phototherapy (light therapy) or topical medications.
Heat Rash
A heat rash can result from extreme heat exposure, very heavy or tight clothes, and sweating. Some people develop a heat rash that affects the whole body, and it may resolve on its own, or it can be treated with drying powders.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes that increase the size of the breasts can cause painful or itchy breasts. This includes conditions such as puberty, pregnancy, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Generally, this problem lasts for several days to several weeks. It usually is not accompanied by a rash or discoloration of the breasts.
Breastfeeding and weaning can also cause itchy breasts. Itching or pain often occurs in the first weeks of nursing as your body gets used to the baby’s sucking and the milk leakage. Itching may also occur as your breasts adjust during the weaning period.
Takeaway
Pregnancy-induced eczema is the most common reason for itchiness of the breasts and other body parts during pregnancy. Up to 80% of women who experience eczema while expecting had no symptoms before becoming pregnant. You should be able to treat the itching with emollient-rich moisturizers.
Related: Why Does Menopause Cause Itchy Breasts?
Postsurgical Reaction
If you have had recent breast surgery, itching can be a normal part of the healing process. Also, because it stretches the skin to accommodate implants, breast augmentation surgery can cause itchiness.
Most people find that the itching goes away within a few months after surgery. If itchiness is persistent and intolerable, you should consult your surgeon or your primary care provider.
Radiation Treatments
If your breasts are being treated with radiation therapy, you may experience itching as a side effect. This usually happens along with other sunburn-like side effects such as redness, burning, soreness, and peeling. These side effects tend to occur gradually over the course of the treatment. You may only experience some of them and on only certain parts of your breast.
Itchy Breasts and Breast Cancer
Lumps aren't the only potential symptom of breast cancer. Itchiness, as well as other skin changes, can signal two rare types of breast cancer: inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease.
IBC accounts for 2% to 4% of breast cancer cases in the United States. It spreads rapidly and often isn't recognized until it reaches an advanced stage.
Additional signs and symptoms of IBC include:
Reddening of the skin
Dimpling or pitting of the skin, which is described as peau d'orange because the breast can look like an orange peel due to a blocked lymphatic system
Breast pain
Swelling, thickening, or sudden growth not related to puberty or weight gain
One breast looking larger than the other because of swelling
One breast feeling harder than the other
One breast feeling warmer and heavier than the other
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
Paget's disease is responsible for 1% to 4% of breast cancer cases. The symptoms are easily confused with eczema or other causes of skin irritation.
Paget's disease symptoms include:
Red, thick, or crusted lesion on the nipple that resembles eczema
Pain and/or tingling in the nipple or areola
Nipple changes or deformities, such as retraction or inversion
Yellow or bloody discharge from nipples
If you develop breast itching that lasts longer than a few weeks and is accompanied by any symptoms of IBC or Paget's disease, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Summary
Itchy breasts can occur for various reasons and rarely indicate breast cancer. Mastitis, hormonal changes, yeast infections, dermatitis, and nursing are all noncancerous causes of itchy breasts. Cancers that are known to cause itchy breasts include IBC and Paget's disease.
Taking care of your breasts is important. Talk with your healthcare provider about changes in your breasts or the skin around them. Even if the condition isn't dangerous, you may need treatment. And getting relief from your discomfort is important.
Related: Controlling Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
