Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNon-Cancerous CausesCancerous CausesComplications and Risk FactorsTests and ExamsAt-Home ManagementWhen to Visit a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Non-Cancerous Causes
Cancerous Causes
Complications and Risk Factors
Tests and Exams
At-Home Management
When to Visit a Healthcare Provider
Having a rash on your breast can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. There are lots of possible reasons for a rash on the breast, and different areas, such as an underboob rash, rash on the nipple, discoloration or redness around the nipple, or rash on the side of the breast, can point to different causes. When you know what might be causing your rash, you can find treatment and see a healthcare provider.
Continue reading to learn more about a rash on the breast, including possible causes, treatments, and when to seek help.
Noncancerous Causes of Rash on Breast
The most common causes of a rash on the breast have nothing to do with cancer. Still, they can be very uncomfortable. Here are a few common causes of a rash on the breasts andunder the breasts.
Intertrigo
The most common cause of a rash on the breast or an underboob rash isintertrigo.It’s an itchy discolored or red rash that happens in the folds of skin, including under the breasts. It happens when yeast, other fungi, or bacteria grow in warm, moist skin folds. Thesymptomsinclude:
A Word From VerywellClusters of acne can sometimes look like a rash, depending on the location where it occurs, such as under the breast. Some people have severe flares of nodules and pustules, called hidradenitis suppurativa, which can also appear as a rash along, under, or between the breast.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Clusters of acne can sometimes look like a rash, depending on the location where it occurs, such as under the breast. Some people have severe flares of nodules and pustules, called hidradenitis suppurativa, which can also appear as a rash along, under, or between the breast.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Clusters of acne can sometimes look like a rash, depending on the location where it occurs, such as under the breast. Some people have severe flares of nodules and pustules, called hidradenitis suppurativa, which can also appear as a rash along, under, or between the breast.
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Heat Rash
Another cause of underboob rash isheat rash, which happens when sweat glands become blocked, trapping sweat under the skin.The symptoms include:
Heat rash usually resolves on its own. Cool compresses and avoiding excess heat can help.
Eczema
Breast eczemacan cause a rash on or around the nipples, areola, or other areas of the breast.Symptoms of breast eczema include:
Treatment for breast eczema includes a skin care routine, avoiding triggers like fragrances, and working with a dermatologist.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can cause a breast rash that includeshives. The symptoms of an allergic rash will likely include:
Hives usually resolve on their own, but if you have any serious symptoms including changes in your breathing, see a healthcare provider immediately.
Infections
Infections includingshinglesandscabiescan cause breast rashes. Symptoms vary depending on the root cause, but may include:
If you believe you have shingles, scabies, or another type of infection, see your healthcare provider.
Mastitisis an infection that occurs in people who are lactating when a milk duct becomes clogged, then infected. It may cause a rash, discoloration or redness, or swelling on the breast, along with flu-like symptoms.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and the hormonal changes that accompany it can causepregnancy-related rasheson the breasts.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)is one of the most common pregnancy rashes. Symptoms of PUPPP start on the abdomen and can spread, including to the breasts. Symptoms include:
Cancerous Causes of Rash on Breast
Although cancer is rarely the cause of a breast rash, the idea of cancer can be really scary. So, it’s important to be aware that in rare cases, a breast rash can be a sign of cancer, sometimes appearing before or instead of a lump.Here are two cancerous causes of a rash on the breasts.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast canceris a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that can occur in males or females. The first sign of this cancer is often a rash that appears suddenly.The appearance of the rash can vary, but symptoms include:
If you experience these sudden changes, you should see your healthcare provider immediately.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
Another cancerous cause of a breast rash, including discoloration or redness on the nipple or a rash on the nipple, isPaget’s disease of the breast(or nipple).This is a rare type of cancer in the nipple or areola. Symptoms may come and go but often appear only on one breast. They include:
If you experience these symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away.
Non-Blanching Rash: Causes and When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Tests and Exams to Diagnose Breast Rash
Oftentimes, a healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of your breast rash through a physical exam. In addition, they may order:
How to Manage Rash on Breast at Home
Keeping your breasts dry can help prevent many rashes.Wearing a bra, liner, or barrier cream to keep your breasts from rubbing may help. In addition, avoid any triggers or allergens, which can include certain fabrics, scented soaps, and detergents.
See a healthcare provider whenever you notice sudden changes in your breasts, including swelling, discoloration, or discharge. When coupled with a breast rash, these can be signs of serious infection or—in rare cases—cancer.
Summary
There are many possible causes of breast rash, most of which are relatively harmless (though uncomfortable). Keeping your breasts dry and cool can help prevent heat rash and intertrigo, two of the most common causes of breast rash. In very rare cases, a breast rash can be a sign of cancer. If you notice sudden changes in your breast size, color, or texture—especially if those changes are only on one side—see a healthcare provider immediately.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Breast Cancer Now.Intertrigo (rash under the breast).
National Breast Cancer Foundation.What is a breast rash?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of shingles (herpes zoster).
Office on Women’s Health.Common breastfeeding challenges.
Kar S, Krishnan A, Shivkumar PV.Pregnancy and skin.J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2012;62(3):268-275. doi:10.1007/s13224-012-0179-z
MD Anderson Cancer Center.What does an early inflammatory breast cancer rash look like?
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