Ayeast infectionunder the breast usually looks like a raised, shiny, reddish-brown rash where the skin folds under the breast. The rash can be itchy or painful and cause tiny blisters that ooze and crust over. It may also give off a bad odor.

The shape of the rash will often look the same on each side of the skin fold, This is because the fungus that causes most yeast infections, calledCandida,thrives in moist environments. In areas like the breasts where skin-to-skin contact creates excess moisture, therash underneath the breastwill often be a mirror image of the rash on the breast itself.

This article explains the causes and risk factors of a yeast infection under the breasts. It also describes how the infection is treated and prevented.

Verywell / Julie Bang

Causes and Risk Factors

Under normal circumstances,Candidais but one of many microorganisms that reside on the skin as part of the body’snatural flora. When the natural flora is in balance,Candidais kept in check and doesn’t cause any problems.

When the balance is disrupted,Candidacan suddenly overgrow and establish an infection. When this occurs on the skin, it is known ascutaneous candidiasis.

A yeast infection can develop under the breasts due to a common inflammatory skin condition calledintertrigo. This is where skin-to-skin friction combined with trapped moisture disrupts the integrity of the skin. The trapped moisture also causes surfaces of the skin to stick together in skin folds such as the breasts and armpits.

These factors not only promote the overgrowth ofCandidabut also allow the fungus to infiltrate damaged tissues. The resulting infection is known ascandidal intertrigo.

There are other factors that can contribute to yeast infections under the breasts:

Diabetes

When you have uncontrolleddiabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can fuel the growth of the fungus.On top of this, uncontrolled hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels in the skin, decreasing circulation and making it harder to fight skin infections.

Large Breasts

Large, heavy breasts—especially those not well-supported with a bra—are more likely to rub against the skin of the upper torso. The skin under large breasts may also be harder to keep dry and well-ventilated. This can cause intertrigo which, in turn, can lead to a yeast infection.

Obesity

People withobesitytypically have deep skin folds, including those under the breasts. They may also sweat more due to thicker layers of fat (adipose tissues) under the skin.

Moreover, obesity places the body under constantinflammation, which in and of itself increases the likelihood of intertrigo.

Together, these factors not only increase the risk of candidal intertrigo but make it more likely for the infection to recur even with effective treatment.

Climate

Skin can get and stay excessively moist in hot, humid environments. This givesCandidaample opportunity to multiply and spread.

Health Problems

People with certain health conditions are at greater risk of candida intertrigo and are more likely to have recurrent and hard-to-treat episodes.

This is due in large part to the suppression of the body’s natural immune response. In short, when your immune defenses are down,Candidahas the opportunity to overgrow.

Conditions associated with an increased risk of candidal intertrigo include:

How to Treat a Yeast Infection Under the Breasts

Cutaneous yeast infections are most commonly treated with topical antifungal creams, ointments, and sprays that you apply to the skin. Some are availableover the counter (OTC). In severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription option.

Some of the topical antifungals used to treat candidal intertrigo include:

With twice daily application, most people will see improvement within a week or so.

Prevention

When it comes to cutaneous yeast infections, the best defense is a good offense. Here are some tips that can help:

Summary

Yeast infections can develop in skin folds where moisture gets trapped, such as under the breasts. The rash usually looks red or reddish-brown and may cause blisters or crusting. It may also be painful, itchy, or emit a bad smell.

Obesity, smoking, certain health conditions like diabetes, and simply having large breasts can increase the risk of yeast infections under the breasts.

5 SourcesVerywell 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.Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Kinney BS.Intertrigo and secondary skin infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(7):569-573.Turner SA, Butler G.The Candida pathogenic species complex.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(9):a019778. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a019778Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2018;11:175–85. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.Nnadi NE, Carter DA.Climate change and the emergence of fungal pathogens.PLoS Pathog.2021 Apr;17(4):e1009503. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1009503

5 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.Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Kinney BS.Intertrigo and secondary skin infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(7):569-573.Turner SA, Butler G.The Candida pathogenic species complex.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(9):a019778. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a019778Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2018;11:175–85. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.Nnadi NE, Carter DA.Climate change and the emergence of fungal pathogens.PLoS Pathog.2021 Apr;17(4):e1009503. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1009503

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.

Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Kinney BS.Intertrigo and secondary skin infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(7):569-573.Turner SA, Butler G.The Candida pathogenic species complex.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(9):a019778. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a019778Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2018;11:175–85. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.Nnadi NE, Carter DA.Climate change and the emergence of fungal pathogens.PLoS Pathog.2021 Apr;17(4):e1009503. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1009503

Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Kinney BS.Intertrigo and secondary skin infections.Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(7):569-573.

Turner SA, Butler G.The Candida pathogenic species complex.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014;4(9):a019778. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a019778

Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2018;11:175–85. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841

American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.

Nnadi NE, Carter DA.Climate change and the emergence of fungal pathogens.PLoS Pathog.2021 Apr;17(4):e1009503. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1009503

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