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When weather gets hot and sticky, many people find their skin reacts in unpleasant ways. Rashes near the groin and under the breasts are especially common when the weather is hot and humid. What can you do to treat under-breast rash or jock itch?
A Cry for Help to Treat Under-Breast Rash:
Q. I have large breasts and have had an unpleasant rash under them for about a week now. I have tried a bunch of home remedies that I found on your website. Coconut oil was too greasy. Paper towels get stuck to my skin and baby powder leaves tiny clumps under my breasts. I even tried Desitin diaper rash cream but it dried the skin out too much. Do you have any other advice for me? I am feeling desperate.
Ways to Ease Uncomfortable Rashes:
A. Under-breast rash, or intertrigo, is an exceptionally common problem at this time of year. Heat and humidity encourage the growth of fungus that can cause a rash. It is the same type of organism that causes jock itch. While there are a number of approaches you can try to treat under-breast rash, we urge you to see a doctor and make sure that it is nothing more serious.
Liquid Laxative (Milk of Magnesia) for Under-Breast Rash:
Q. I’ve had trouble at times with irritation under the breast and in the groin area. Thanks to your website, I found a great remedy–topical milk of magnesia.
I use it as a deodorant and I think it works better than branded deodorants. I just use the hair dryer after applying it so it doesn’t run. I do the same for the area under my breasts daily. No more irritation!
A. Under-breast rash has a fancy medical name: inframammary intertrigo. It is usually associated with skin folds where sweat can accumulate and encourage the overgrowth of yeast.
Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) does not stop sweating as antiperspirants do. However, it does control odor if used in the armpits. We suspect that it may alter the balance of microbes on the skin. That might discourage the fungus that causes irritation.
Aluminum Antiperspirants vs. Under-Breast Rash?
We suspect that some people might try applying an antiperspirant or deodorant to control moisture in delicate places. We would discourage aluminum-based products around the breast, though. This topic is highly controversial. An article in Current Medicinal Chemistry (Jan. 1, 2024) touches on the topic:
“The potential association between aluminum-containing deodorants/antiperspirants and breast cancer has been investigated and debated. This paper comprehensively analyzes existing literature to examine the evidence and provide insights into this relationship. This comprehensive review discusses aspects related to the absorption and distribution of aluminum compounds, its effects on the induction of oxidative stress, the estrogenic activity of aluminum, and potential disruption of hormonal pathways, and the potential role in breast cancer induction…Continued multidisciplinary research efforts and collaboration between researchers, regulatory bodies, and public health authorities are vital to developing a more definitive understanding of this complex topic.”
A review in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Sept. 2023 concluded:
“In light of the precautionary principle and based on the data obtained, it is better to avoid antiperspirants that contain Al [aluminum]. Deodorants without aluminum are not implicated in breast cancer, either clinically or fundamentally.”
Should you be interested in an aluminum-free deodorant, here is a link to our People’s Pharmacy Unscented Magnesium Rich Roll-On Deodorant.
Cetaphil Cleanser:
Some men have found that using Cetaphil cleanser for the affected area can help control jock itch. The propylene glycol it contains has antifungal activity. We would expect this cleanser to be equally effective in easing under-breast rash.
Hand Sanitizer:
One reader offered the following innovative approach:
“I have read your advice on the heat rash women often develop under their breasts. I myself have tried many things, but then I experimented with wiping the area twice a day with hand sanitizer.
“Applying hand sanitizer stings for a minute, but the rash dried up in far less than a week. If I am careful to use this remedy at the first sign of redness, the heat rash never really gets a start. I am sure the antibacterial activity of hand sanitizer is what makes it work so well.”
Although we have not seen research confirming that a rash under the breasts is caused by yeast, we suspect that is often the culprit. That is presumably why many women find that antifungal creams or powders help them overcome under-breast rash.
Dandruff Shampoo:
Another popular remedy is using dandruff shampoo to wash the skin that has the rash. Be gentle: fungal infections should not be scrubbed or irritated.
Original Listerine:
Other people, both men and women, have utilized the antifungal activity of old-fashioned amber Listerine for jock itch or to treat under-breast rash.
Smelly Bra Problem:
Rash is not the only troublesome problem women have reported. This reader finds that her bra smells nasty, even after just a few hours of wear.
Q. I am a large-breasted woman with an embarrassing issue. Whenever I wear a bra, by the time I take it off it smells bad. I have to wash the bra after just one wearing, even if for only a few hours. This is not like an underarm odor. Could it be a sign of a fungal infection?
Cornstarch under the breast doesn’t help. Would it be safe to try amber Listerine? I don’t want to use any risky chemicals.
Discourage Intertrigo:
A. Skin on skin friction, such as under the breasts, is called intertrigo (American Family Physician, April 2014). The resulting inflammation often creates a hospitable environment for fungi or even bacteria that could cause an unpleasant odor.
Wiping under the breasts with amber Listerine would be safe. We don’t know whether it would be comfortable, as it might sting irritated skin. Other women have reported treating under-breast rash with Cetaphil cleanser, hand sanitizer, dandruff shampoo, milk of magnesia or diaper rash ointment with zinc oxide.
You will probably need to continue washing your bras after each wearing at least until the condition clears up. You would not want to re-infect yourself.
Read on to learn what people have used for summertime rashes and irritations.
Elaine of North Carolina told her story:
“Listerine works wonders on this rash under the breasts. Apply it daily following a shower. It doesn’t hurt to apply it before bed as well.
“Once the Listerine has dried, pat on cornstarch or a good body powder without perfume. Results should be seen in less than a week. Once control has been established and rash disappears, apply Listerine every few days to maintain a rash-less state.”
Milk of Magnesia:
Jim in Virginia contributed this:
“I’ve had tremendous success with most skin irritations by just applying Milk of Magnesia. I’ve seen it work on shingles (mine), jock itch (my brother), a scalp rash that was diagnosed as a viral infection that persisted after two years of treatment (a business associate), diaper rash…you name it, it works. Amazing. I buy the generic version at the dollar store.”
Treat Under-Breast Rash With Antifungal Creams:
Some women find that OTC antifungal creams or ointments do the job, while others devise absorbent bra liners that can be replaced easily when they become damp. Remedies that work for diaper rash can often overcome under-breast rash as well.
Helen M. wrote:
“I am using a baby ointment with zinc oxide; when this is finished I plan to go to straight zinc ointment. I use the ointment every day, under my breasts, under my belly and in my groin. What with being diabetic, I have a tendency towards yeast infections. If one slips by my prevention methods, I use Bag Balm to treat it.”
Tea Tree Oil:
Some people like to use a lotion containing tea tree oil, which also fights fungus. Be careful, though. Tea tree oil can trigger an allergic reaction similar to contact dermatitis in sensitive people. That is the last thing you need in that delicate area.
Green Tea:
Here is one last suggestion, from another reader:
“Put two green tea bags in a medium size bowl with water. Let this sit for a couple of hours. Use a clean washcloth dipped in the solution as a cold compress a few times a day. I have used green tea bags in bath water when the kids had diaper rash, and it did wonders.”
Green tea also has antifungal properties (Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2009, vol. 5, issue 20). A key constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate aka EGCG, appears to disrupt folic acid metabolism in both bacteria and fungi (British Journal of Pharmacology, March 2013).
Anna
I’ve suffered for years with breast rash. I found the baby power works well for me.
Robyn
Under my breasts, I use the antifungal dry powder sprays that you can find in the foot section of the pharmacy. It keeps the area dry while treating the irritation.
Miri
I too am large breasted. I had an area rubbed somewhat raw from the underwire. It did not go away for weeks. I rubbed it with hand sanitizer a couple of times and it cleared right up. I always stuff a thin small cotton towel into the bottom of my bra, even wearing a soft bra like I mostly do nowadays. It’s much more comfortable and I do not want a fungus getting a toehold in that area.
Sandy
My dermatologist said to use a little Desinex powder there every morning, and it keeps my skin smooth and dry with no irritation.
Lynn
My PCP recommended raw apple cider vinegar for under breast rash, and it works very well for me.
Joan
I haven’t had an under breast or groin rash since using Desenex powder(main ingredient:Miconazole Nitrate 2%
Antifungal Treatment.
Laura
Witch Hazel when applied with a cotton round works wonders for this rash.
Sandie
I use diaper rash cream..then pat with zeaborb powder. Clears up by next day
Gloria
A hair dryer under the breasts works wonders. Then use paper towels to prevent skin from touching skin. Also, corn startch helps after dryer.
Sue
zeazorb af powder works great! first powder that has worked for me. my dermatologist recommended it. you can get it at walgreens or walmart. Get some if you’re itching!!
MARY
I use emuaid EMUAIDMAX Ointment – works extremely well
Ron
I use vinegar on jock itch. I put a few drops on a wet, clean washcloth and wash the area. If I catch it early, that’s all it needs.
Linda
Cornstarch or “Glide” by Gold Bond.
Patty
There is a product hospitals use called Interdry. It is a silver-infused polyester fabric. You cut it to size, use in a single layer in creases, with the fabric extending outward from the crease to the open air, wicking perspiration outwards to dry. It is very expensive, best price for a roll 12 in. X 12 ft. at around $75. It must be changed daily, and instructions say if washed, the silver is lost. I find plain white paper towels work better, and are very inexpensive.
I apply 1% clotrimazole to the affected area daily, then the paper towels. Most info online says to wash & dry any area with a fungal problem at least once daily, perhaps twice if you sweat for hours.
My problem is chronic, under breasts and at top of thigh under overhang. I will be trying some of the other remedies shared here to see if I can gain better control. I don’t have much hope of ever actually getting rid of the problem. I am convinced it is living in my skin, even when no symptoms are present, and will always flare up given the right circumstances. I have struggled with it year-round for decades
I find that wearing all-cotton garments helps, and any amount of spandex in legging or other garments blocks air circulation, holds in heat and moisture, and contributes to worsening the condition. Constant vigilance is the only thing that keeps it under control. Left untended, it will result in bleeding.
Pamela
I switched to an herbal-based deodorant to eliminate aluminum. I spray this beneath my breasts, and any other hot sweaty area, and have not had any issues with rashes in the last 2 years.
Kimsby
Prevention is the key to control of under-breast rash. I use a hair dryer, set on low heat to completely dry the area after a shower, and before getting dressed. I haven’t had a recurrence since I started doing this every day. To clear up the rash initially, I used a combination of a name-brand medicated powder and People’s Pharmacy MOM roll-on deodorant…after drying the area thoroughly, using the hair dryer technique.
Deborah
I use Betadine for any itchy rash. When dry, I pat on medicated powder.
Lyn
My doctor recently diagnosed me with skin tags that itch. The area becomes damp, predominantly while sleeping.. The itching and dampness are irritating to the skin folds on my stomach. I used Cetaphil body wash, & an anti-fungal cream to no avail. Should my Dr. culture to see if its fungal? I use a hairdryer on warm to thoroughly dry the area after showering, something my Dr. suggested. Any ideas for skin tags in folds of skin?
Pam
Mexsana medicated powder is my go-to. It works!
Susan
Once you have cleared up the rash I suggest using anti-perspirant and/or deodorant. I use this daily in Florida, as the humidity and heat can cause my under breast area to perspire heavily. I, too, am large-breasted (36DDD). Hope this helps.
Pam
My oncologist recommended placing 100% cotton material under my breast inside the bra. This really worked well for me. I used 100% cotton from a clean sock.
Becky
I use a powder with a weird name, Anti-Monkey Butt and Lady Anti-Monkey Butt. The lady version has corn starch and calamine powder; the regular has talc and calamine powder. It was developed for motorcycle riders to prevent sweaty, chapped backsides during long rides. It works great on all my crevices.
MarieS
Put a small towel under your bra!!! A few years ago I had an area rubbed by a badly fitting bra. It wasn’t bad but but not clearing up on its own.
One, I applied hand sanitizer and it cleared right up. I also started putting a small golf towel up underneath my bra. What a difference!! My bra is so much more comfortable since I started doing that.
Sondra
I’m 69, and sometime last year I developed a red rash under my left breast that had an odor. It was itchy a few days before I decided to look at it in the mirror and saw the rash. After showering, I applied a triple antibiotic ointment on it. No itching the next day. Repeated this for three more days. Red rash went away and so far has never returned. This may help someone else.
Joyce
I have not had a rash under my breast, but every time after my shower, I dry off well & use Zeasorb AF. Some people use this for athlete’s foot. On the container it says #1 Dermatologist Recommended. I hope that this helps someone.
Connie
For a number of years, I have used strips (approx. 16 inches long and 6 inches wide) from one of my husband’s old white undershirts (100% cotton) and tucked them under my bra. It’s completely comfortable, and it helps absorb sweat that creates the environment for uncomfortable rashes.
Anna
I work with breastfeeding moms, and one easy thing they can do is to wash under their breasts with a mild soap and water several times a day, and then dry the area with a hair dryer so it is completely dry. This seems to help a lot!
Pat
I use a deodorant, usually a men’s one that keeps the area dry.
Trish
I had a lot of problems with rash and itching under my breasts and belly. I found the key was making sure the skin was completely dry. I use my blow dryer after I shower. When dry I use medicated powder and haven’t had any problems in years.
Monica
I use a product called Body Glide that I found on Amazon. Looks similar to deodorant, but clear. Use it under breasts to keep dry and will prevent the rash. My boyfriend uses it go prevent jock itch. Can be used anywhere to prevent chaffing as well. No smell and colorless. I have not had a rash since I started using it.
Barb
I experienced the same type of rash under one breast. The skin was dark, thickened, and it spread slowly. After 4 months of trying various home remedies, I went to my physician who prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1%. Within one week the rash began to subside and within 3 weeks, it was nearly gone. This product was reasonably priced.
Sue
I put my deodorant under my breasts- just one swipe under each. It keeps the rash and the smell away.
J S
I have found that, for me, Lotrimin AF Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray, Miconazole Nitrate 2% works great. (orange label) It is a cooling spray and eliminates the rash overnight. I buy it at Amazon: 3 cans about 20.00.
Ruth
I have large breasts, 40c, and had a bad rash under both breasts. My doctor told me to go purchase a medicated powder to put on the rash. I used this powder, and the rash completely went away after using it for 2 weeks. Months later I’m still rash-free. The name of the powder is AMMENS Medicated Powder, and it’s 100% talc-free.
Mina
For a couple of decades, since I worked outside in a nursery, I have been preventing irritation under my breasts by using a folded flannel towel inside my bra. Completely prevents the problem. I change it and dry it several times a day in sweaty weather, but then can re-use until the week’s laundry.
May be a little tacky-looking if anyone notices, but I wear loose clothes, so that is minimized. And worth it to prevent painful irritation.
Jeri
Thank you for this article! I’ve had a mild fungal rash on my inner upper thighs for months, and two antifungal creams suggested by doctors did not help. The discomfort began traveling down my thighs toward my knees and was increasingly uncomfortable. I tried using Cetaphil on my inner thighs, and the problem vanished after washing it twice. Thank you!!
Jackie
I use baby oil or Avon Skin So Soft Bath oil under breasts, stomach, navel, and groin area, after every shower (dry areas completely before spplying any oil, cream or powder). Also switched to Hanes cotton sports bras, and cotton panties. These remedies work very well for me.
Years ago, my family doctor said to use oil based OTC athlete’s foot meds. They worked, but are way too expensive for larger areas. Furthermore, an intern in my doctor’s office once prescribed an old folk remedy from his grandmother: he advised me to apply a thick layer of Barbasol shaving cream to my son’s raw, red, doggedly persistent diaper rash, and use cotton diapers, not disposables. Ammazingly, it worked better and more quickly than prescription ointment, Desitin, or zinc oxide! He explained that a fungus cannot survive without oxygen. The oils, creams, ointments or the shaving cream starves the organism of oxygen, thus killing it. Not sure if powder works the same, but my late husband used medicated powder on his jock itch. He said it was the only thing that worked for him. It smelled like Listerine.
Carol
I have this problem every summer. Monistat has a gel to powder chaff relief that prevents this if I apply it every day. Have been using this several years. It is hard to find though, but it is available on Amazon. There is only one Walmart locally that I find it. Drug stores in my area do not carry it.
Sherry
Wipe with Vinegar after every shower will cure any fungus issue
Pat
I had a problem with under-breast rash and tried many remedies. I had some success with Milk of Magnesia, but finally eradicated the problem by using a couple of non-woven esthetic wipes–sometimes called 4x4s (these are dry and are not infused with any product). I folded each wipe in half length-wise and placed them under each breast with the bottoms of the bra cups holding them in place. They work by absorbing the sweat, thus keeping the skin dry. I use them during the hot summer months and no longer have a rash problem.
LI
I find Bactine to be very effective. Keep in mind, however, that Bactine is not meant to be applied over large areas of skin.
Marti
Here is the most simple and effective remedy, which also works at belly creases: Gold Bond Extra Strength Medicated Powder! My dermatologist didn’t have any ideas, other than prescription ointments, and when I started using Gold Bond years ago and told him about it, he was amazed. After all these years, I have not had a sore or rash since.
Clara
I found that applying isopropyl alcohol to the area works for me, daily, when worse apply every hour until itch reduced.
Esther
I had a very persistent problem with an itchy rash under one breast. Cured it by putting plain white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spraying some on the affected area a few times a day.
Incidentally, the same solution worked at clearing up a years-long toenail fungus.
Linda
I thought I was the only one this happened to. I have been using Desitin ointment and it releaves the sweaty areas for several days before having to apply it again. I am 75 so I hope this helps.
Pat
From long experience (I’m 75, with heavy breasts), I recommend first cleansing with simple soap and water, patting completely dry, then applying simple vinegar to the area, and letting it air dry, lifting the breasts gently until it does so. Then don’t add a thing!
Leigh A
Cornstarch is not a good choice of powder, as it feeds yeast/fungal infections. I use antifungal cream and then Zeasorb Powder. I am going to try Cetaphil soap though. I have been washing with Lever 2000. That sounds like it might work better.
Julie
It is ironic that I got this link in my mailbox at this time. I had a rash under my breast for the first time last week. I used Vermont’s Original Bag Balm on it and it was gone in a couple of days.
Anne
I use Zeasorb Prevention powder, or if flare up, Zeasorb AF powder…important to use a talc based powder, not corn starch based which feeds a fungus.
Karen
At the first sign of the itch, I apply Vicks Vapo Rub. The cooling sensation feels refreshing and I itch no more! The rash eases and then is gone!
Mary
Mom had a terrible problem with this. Numerous trips to the doctor helped but didn’t solve the problem. I came across ‘Athletic Wrap’ it is soft, thin and sponge like. It wicked the moisture away. Applying it after the salve from the doctor worked. Recently I had a slight irritation in the armpit area, my bra stitching was making it worse so I wore it inside out with the satin against my skin, did the trick.
Alice
I keep apple cider vinegar in my bathroom for this purpose. Works great.
Jill
Use coconut oil with a little turmeric added. Rub under breasts right after a shower.
Queenie
I find that wiping down the area once or twice a day with unscented baby wipes takes care of the rash and keeps it from coming back. I keep some next to the sink in my dressing room to use for wiping around the sink, cleaning up makeup mistakes, and now this.
Susan
Baby Powder! Period.
Juanita
I use organic vinegar. I apply once per day. It kills the fungus completely. Even if I go a few days without applying, it only takes one application to get it cleared up again.
Denise
I just bought bamboo bra liners and will be sending to my sister too. I got mine online.
Rob
Firstly : remove all forms of sugars from your diet. This is the most effective treatment. Secondly: at the first hint of trouble, take an oregano oil capsule. This works very quickly. If things have gotten away on you, dip a cotton wool ball in olive oil, then add a drop of oregano oil & use to wipe the area carefully. Alternatively, use a strip of cotton plus the oils & leave in place. (Note : there will be a strong smell from the oil.)
Pam
I saw some of these suggestions before, and one reader mention Zincofax. I ordered 3 things the reader suggested but started with Zincofax. It worked so well that the other things (Vagisil and something for jock itch) are still unopened 2 years later.
I have a little tube at home for after showers (dry the area thoroughly first) and one in my gym bag. Totally prevents itching or rash. The only downside is it leaves a little residue on the clothes it comes into contact with, but that washes out easily. You can learn to use less, just a thin film, with practice. It doesn’t take a lot to make an occlusal barrier that prevents sweat getting in contact with the skin.
I had itching that progressed to soreness to infection sometimes under the breasts, in the belly fold, and at the tops of the legs where they meet the body. No longer a problem!
Joan
Burt’s Bees Baby diaper rash ointment worked for me, and it’s all natural
Helen
Desenex foot powder eliminated the problem for me.
Ann
I did away with this awful problem years ago. I apply deodorant and,VOILA, no sweat, no rash, no itch. It works great for me even in the hottest, most humid weather.
Ray
Use a hair dryer to dry the underbreast area after shower and anytime it’s sweaty. I began doing this on my genital area for jock itch, and my wife now does it on her breasts. It works well.
Char
Gold Bond Medicated Powder works great. Apply each morning. It smells like amber Listerine and has the consistency of cornstarch, so the previous suggestion of those 2 items makes perfect sense. Using the powder daily (or after each shower) is just an easier solution.
Katrina
Try deodorant, worked for me.
Renee
Zinc oxide is great BUT the main thing is to get completely dry when you get out of the shower. Your hair dryer is your best friend here. Use it anywhere you get heat rash, including behind the knees, under tour chin, and in the crook of your elbows. I think the blast of heat dries you better than your but also kills germs on the skin. I do this year round. I only apply the zinc oxide to a few very vulnerable spots in the hottest weather.
Marty
I have a friend who has been plagued by under breast-rash for years. When she had to have breast surgery to remove a lump, they insisted she buy Dial Gold (antibacterial) soap to use before and after the surgery. Turns out using that soap completely cleared up the chronic rash as well and it has not returned.
Susan
Zinc oxide works really well. I used to buy baby diaper rash cream because of the zinc oxide content. Then one day when I was putting on my sunscreen I realized it to contained zinc oxide, so now I just use my sunscreen since I always have some and don’t have to make a special trip for diaper rash cream. Works like a charm.
Gerry
Zesorb powder works well. I had some left over from taking care of mom a few years ago, and it does the trick. I do have a big bottle of listerine and will try that when the powder is gone. The listerine helped get rid of cats in the flower beds too!
Tammy
I had this problem and used Lotrimin to clear it up. Once cleared, I use my deodorant, Degree Motion-Sense that has no aluminum in it. Have not had a rash since.
Tallyn
I use to use cornstarch, but now I use MOM deodorant. Not only does it cut down on the sweating, but it is an easy way to apply milk of magnesia quickly and with no mess – plus, it dries quickly!
K.
Aloe Vera Gel works extremely well! That is what I use and have had amazing results
Karen
Gold Bond powder under each breast after my shower has completely healed my rash. I use it every day after I use my hair dryer on cool setting to make sure my skin is really dry.
Paula
Milk of Magnesia did the trick for me. I applied it with a cotton ball every night after showering.
Nancy
Don’t wear a bra! The dang things are simply a fashion statemnt, trap moisture, and rub the sensitive skin under breasts. If you can’t stand the thought of going braless for healthier skin, at least wear a very light weight all cotton one.
Michele
I use unscented baby wipes, and they work for me.
Margie
I found that changing into a fresh clean bra every day solved the problem. I shower after gardening or sweaty outdoor activities and put on a clean bra.