The good news: Most are mild or easy to treat.
Still, in rare cases, a breast rash can be a sign of something more serious.
Heres a roundup of likely causes, plus when to call a healthcare professional.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Typically, its the result of breastfeeding challenges but can also affect women and men who aren’t nursing.
You may have flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea.
Usually, mastitis can be treated with oral antibiotics in about a week and a half.
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But it may take as long as three weeks to clear up.
If it doesnt, or it gets worse, contact a healthcare professional for a follow-up.
If youve got the rash but no fever, call a doctor to determine what to do next.
Treatment is needed to prevent it from getting worse.
Shingles
If youve hadchickenpox, the varicella zoster virus that causes it remains in your body.
Later in life, it can reappear as shingles in the form of a painful rash.
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So keep your distance if you suspect you may have it.
Your doctor can prescribe pain medication as well as antiviral medications, which can help shorten the attack.
Symptoms include a breast rash that might be painful, itchy, red, and shiny.
You might have nipple irritation andif youre nursingnipple pain that doesnt end after you stop or change positions.
Antifungal medications can ease pain and irritation.
Ringworm
Despite the icky name,ringwormhas nothing to do with worms.
It’s a scaly, ring-shaped rash triggered by a fungal infection.
you’ve got the option to pick it up from other people, towels, or even pets.
Typically, an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal cream will do the trick within two weeks.
If not, contact your doctor.
You may need to take antifungal pills, too.
Blame the heat, humidity, and a too-tight shirt, chest strap, or bra.
If that doesnt work, contact a healthcare professional.
Its sparked by a tiny mite that burrows into your skin.
Scabies frequently comes with a rash made of little bumps or hives that form a line.
While HS can affect anyone at any age, it is most common in Black females in their 30s.
Symptoms of HS include:
HS can be painful and cause scarring.
In rare cases, it can develop into a serious infection.
HS can be treated with topical prescription medication, over-the-counter pain relievers, and an at-home skin care plan.
In some cases, a dermatologist may drain or remove a painful lump.
It causes a red, moist rash that can itch, burn, and sting.
It can be treated with barrier creams, like Aquaphor or Desitin (zinc oxide).
If the rash develops into a yeast infection, it can have an unpleasant musty smell.
Intertrigo can also cause a serious infection known as cellulitis.
Intertrigo can be prevented by keeping skin folds clean and dry.
Wash with antibacterial soap, dry the areas well, and apply antiperspirant under your breasts.
Reducing skin-to-skin contact and friction can also help.
Its cause is unknown, but it is more common between ages 10 and 35.
The rash typically clears up on its own after about six to eight weeks and does not require treatment.
If it itches, you’ve got the option to apply lotions, lubricants, or hydrocortisone cream.
Symptoms ofeczemacan vary vastly, but theyre often triggered by stress or irritating soaps, fabrics, or fragrances.
Pemphigus
Pemphigusis an autoimmune disease that causes a painful, blistering skin rash.
A genetic condition, pemphigus is more common among people with Mediterranean heritage.
Pemphigus can be fatal if not treated promptly.
It is treated with steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs like Rituxan (rituximab).
More advanced treatment options, like plasmapheresis, may be needed.
The symptoms, causes, and treatments vary depending on the condition.
For example, a rash due to ringworm can be treated using an over-the-counter antifungal cream.
A healthcare provider can perform a diagnosis and offer a treatment plan.
you’ve got the option to treat a sweat rash under breasts by keeping your skin cool.
Yes, breastfeeding can give you a rash on your breast.
The rash may be due to mastitis, which is breast inflammation that is often resulting from an infection.
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