Redness under the breasts and the appearance of itchy red pimples are common. The area under the breasts has a risk of maceration, friction with the bra and heat that promote irritation and microbial proliferation whether it is mycotic (candidiasis) or bacteria. Indeed, it is too common for sweating to stagnate under the breasts and rubbing under the breasts is definitely an irritating factor.

In case of redness of the breasts, it is necessary to consult a doctor and if possible a dermatologist.

Nipple irritation is an often embarrassing and sometimes disturbing symptoms. From shingles allergy to more serious diseases, this skin lesion can be a sign of various pathologies.

Red skin, peeling and scratching, sensitivity to touch, tingling, no doubt, these manifestations are those of irritation of the nipple. To get rid of it, the most important thing is to find the cause.

Nipple irritation may be a sign of a bacterial infection caused by:

  • Staphylococcus aureus. 

  • In some cases, it is the result of a local allergy to the laundry, the metal frame of the bra, etc. Nipple irritation can also be caused by an external irritative element such as underwear that rubs on the skin.

  • In some people, the origin is viral in the image of shingles that can also affect the nipples.

  • It can also be a symptom of a more serious pathology, Paget's disease of the breast. This rare condition is a sign of underlying breast cancer. 

What is Eczema of the breast?

It is eczema of the nipple skin, and most women develop, will have an underlying breast cancer. Eczema disease occurs in about 1 or 2% of women who have breast cancer, it first appears as a scaly, red rash affecting the nipple and areola. It can be very painful, can bleed and it will not go away. The disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can be very similar to other skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. 

This condition usually affects:

  • the nipple first, 

  • then spreads to the areola, 

while the other skin problems usually start in the surrounding areas. 

Symptoms of Breast Eczema

At some point in their lives, most men and women will experience itchy nipples. Many factors that can cause the condition. Dermatitis of the breast and nipples can have several causes. 

These include eczema and irritation or allergic dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis can also cause eczema.

Some forms of eczema result from an allergic reaction or contact with products such as purified lanolin, chamomile ointment and perfumes.

Symptoms of breast eczema can include:

  1. itching,

  2. Burning

  3. pimples

  4. crying or fleeing lesions

  5. the formation of crusts or scales, or the formation of plaques

The treatment of nipple or areola eczema includes:

  1. avoid things that cause or aggravate the reaction

  2. avoid scratching as this can worsen the situation and lead to infection

  3. keep the skin hydrated with moisturizers

  4. use topical steroids and other prescription medications as recommended

  5. using antihistamines

Diagnosis of Breast Eczema

Antibiotic treatment may be necessary in case of infection. People should make sure to take the medication as directed. 

The doctor will discuss possible causes of redness under the arms and in the breasts:

  • causes

  • mycosis

  • dermatophytes

Dermatophytosis forms dry plates with progressive extension. It is quite rare under the breast unless it is associated with a mycosis of the surrounding skin.

The doctor will move towards one or more causes of breast eczema depending on the symptoms: bilateral and symmetrical redness under the two breasts or unilateral under one breast, the presence of drought or on the contrary oozing, centrifugal extension, sharp limits or crumbled contours, presence of vesicles, pustules, cracking at the bottom of the crease.

The doctor sometimes makes a mycological sample (for direct examination and culture) or bacteriological and sometimes a skin biopsy (he takes a small piece of skin under local anesthesia for a microscopic analysis).

What are the Treatments for Breast Eczema?

If the irritation is related to an infection, antibiotic or antiviral drugs will be the treatment of reference. To specifically treat the lesions around the nipple, they must be dried with a local antiseptic that will also prevent superinfection.

In the case of eczema, the eviction of the allergen is important, and the thrust can be treated with a local corticosteroid.

Special case: breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can lead to nipple irritation in many women. In some cases, it is recommended to space breastfeeding or to seek a better position. 

Fight against the contributing factors

The treatment of local factors favoring fungus is preponderant. Local factors that favor fungus usually include:

  • maceration (avoid wearing synthetic undergarments and tight clothing)

  • moisture (carefully dry the breasts after washing)

  • irritation of the skin (treat the irritative symptoms of the skin as they can constitute a factor of development of the mycosis)

Fungal

The doctor uses prescription antifungals.

They are applied in cream, spray, milk, powder usually twice a day for 3 weeks

In case of resistance to treatment, the doctor may prescribe oral antifungals.

How to avoid the dangers of Eczema of the breast

Many of you must have heard of Paget's disease, which is a serious bone disease, but many of you may not have heard of Eczema of the breasts, so I'm hoping that the ladies there who read this article will notice the content, because they may come into contact with this disease at some point in their lives.

In case of bacterial superinfection or oozing

If the lesions are oozing or superinfected, mild local antiseptics may be used.

Fungal

Of used antifungal premises whose forms (milk, powder, gel, lotion and so on) do not favor maceration. It is applied twice a day for 3 weeks.

Eczema under the breasts

The allergic eczema results from contact with an allergen causing eczema, most often perfumes, creams care.

It is quite rare and is treated with dermocorticoids.

Irritation

It is often the result of a too meticulous toilet, the application of irritating antiseptics, rubbing, repeated sea baths, cosmetics or accidental contact with a caustic substance like bleach and other products. The irritation is often brilliant red, wrinkled with sometimes vesicles or even wounds and accompanied by a sensation of burning

Irritation is frequent under the breasts in the presence of seborrheic keratoses, small raised brown patches

Other more Rare Diagnoses Under the Breasts: