Itchy boobs? You can blame it on these 7 reasons

If you’re experiencing itching all around your breasts, you need to watch out! That’s because you might be at fault. There can be many reasons why your breasts are all itchy and red.

According to Dr Veena Aurangabadwala, gynaecologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai, having itchy breasts is not a major problem, but skin irritation can occur due to varied reasons. For example, hair regrowth, sunburns, insect bites, dry skin, or healing wounds.  

Your bra also has a role to play here. According to Dr Veena, selecting a proper size bra is as important as paying attention to the quality of the fabric, regular changing and washing of bras. Selecting the bra fabric suitable for your skin will also keep irritation and itching of the breasts at bay.

Here are some major reasons for itchy breasts

1. Not washing your bra regularly

Not washing your bra regularly could lead to skin irritation. Moreover, a wound on and around the breast area can get infected, after it comes in contact with the same unwashed bra consisting of bacteria.

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2. Sunburn and heat rashes can also lead to itchy breasts

Being topless outdoors could be one of the reasons for skin irritation, as your breasts are sensitive to sunlight. This can also cause sunburn, following intense itching, as the breast skin is sensitive. A heat rash is also a reason for itchy breasts. This happens when the sweat gets trapped under the skin, blocking its pores.

3. Using the wrong soap, laundry detergent, or dryer sheets

“Select a proper soap as per your skin type, and identify allergies with any particular substance or ingredient used in the soap you are using. The harsh detergent as well as using dry sheets or towels to dry your bra can cause skin irritation on your breast. One should take utmost care, especially those who have sensitive skin,” says Dr Veena.

4. Not wearing a skin-friendly bra

Selecting suitable bras is important to avoid skin irritation. Bras are made with all types of fabric, and some kinds can be seriously irritating for your breasts. Whenever you wear the bra, it gives you a signal about the wrong selection of size, fabric, and shape which further has the potential to disturb your skin. Hence, one needs to be more careful while selecting a bra, considering the above facts.

5. Pregnancy, new motherhood, or breastfeeding

Pregnancy is followed by breastfeeding, which sees changes in your breast and its size, which can further contribute to itchy boobs and nipples. Normally the breastfeeding process leads to dry and irritated skin as well as cracked and bleeding nipples. A change in brassiere size and style, and good moisturisation are warranted in such times.

“Though the chances are very low, but the itchy breasts can also be a symptom of cancer,” suggests Dr Veena.

6. Dry skin

Having dry skin around the boobs can also lead to unpleasant itching and scratching. Yes, we know, this is embarrassing!

7. Eczema

It is a chronic skin condition leading to inflammation, as well as dry and itchy skin on any area of the body, including your breasts.

The last word

The above-mentioned reasons are common causes of itchy breasts.  However, in rare cases, the itching of breasts could also be a symptom of breast cancer.  The disease is rare but serious, hence ignorance could lead to life-threatening situations. This disease invades your skin dermis, forming an inflammatory response. It also shows up in the form of various symptoms like puckering or dimpling, red or inflamed skin and raised skin temperature, whenever you touch. One should consult a doctor for a thorough clinical examination in such a scenario.