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Hot humid weather that encourages sweating can aggravate the natural moisture of skin folds. The consequence can be a yeast or fungal infection on the skin. When this occurs near the groin, we call the resulting rash “jock itch.” There is no similar term for a rash under the breasts, but the problem is just as vexing. What can you do to get rid of under-breast rash?
Desperate for Solutions for Under-Breast Rash:
Q. I have recently developed an itchy rash under my breasts. I am allergic to fragrances (both natural and synthetic) and many powders and lotions just make the condition worse.
So far, going braless is my best solution, but this is not a pretty sight in a menopausal woman. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Going Braless Is Not Necessary:
A. We have been surprised by the number of women who complain about under-breast rash at this time of year. Then again, yeast and fungus thrive on the skin in hot humid weather. Warm dark skin creases such as the groin or under the breasts are especially susceptible to this problem.
If going without a bra is helpful, that might suggest that a bra liner to wick moisture away would be useful. Generally, this problem is more common in women with large breasts who may find it uncomfortable to go braless.
Fighting Fungus Should Help:
Some people report that anti-fungal creams such as those sold for athlete’s foot help or even clear up the under-breast rash. Your fragrance allergies rule out a few popular approaches such as Listerine and Gold Bond Medicated Powder, but there are other possibilities. Vinegar applied to the rash may make it less hospitable to fungus.
Some women use a diaper rash ointment with zinc oxide to protect the skin. One woman found that a mixture of one part witch hazel and one part unscented milk of magnesia made a soothing lotion. So long as you stay away from the fragrances that trouble you, one of these approaches may give you relief.
Sue
Maryland
Make sure that you also wear a fresh bra every day. Since I hand wash my bras, I tend to wear them 2-3 times between washings. I’ve stopped doing that in the summer (switched to daily washing) as I believe it was contributing to my rash.
Gene
Everett, Wa
I have had success using coconut oil under my breasts during the summer.
Sarah Frates
Houston, Tx.
I have ideas for both prevention and treatment. I, too, have lots of problems with fungi and yeast and allergies and live in a humid p,ace. Wash frequently and dry thoroughly, using a hair dryer on low for all folds and crevices. Use a powder like Desenex with 2% Miconozole under breast. (Same medicine as in yeast infection medicine. ). I have been using this between my toes and under my breast for 30 years. To treat a worse fungus, my dermatologist prescribed Nystatin, an anti fungal I am not allergic to, I am allergic to Lamisil and metals. I now sleep in 100% cotton PJ’s so that my legs do not touch each other. As a last resort, I recently bought a BedJet that blows gently into a sheet to help prevent sweating at night. Expensive, but it works.
Jan
Ohio
‘suffered this years ago, so severe it turned raw and bled. Tried lots of things with no success. Final answer was Monistat. Worked like a charm!
Pam
TX - Texas
I do Milk of Magnesia under breasts. Living in sub-tropical TX we have humidity in the 90’s from May to October. I also put a little in groin area being very careful not to get it any in other places. It helps me stay dry; when I do perspire in those areas at least I don’t itch!
Annie
Illinois, USA
I have experienced this “under-breast” problem for several years and have tried a variety of things, including many mentioned by other readers here. I was hopeful about Zeasorb (sp?) but did not like the scent and thought it had kind of a gritty feel to it in that tender area. Although I always try for the least “invasive” and most natural remedies as first choice, I avoided corn starch because of many reports about its not being a good choice for problems like diaper rash (akin to this “under-breast” problem) and likewise, avoid talc. Everything from coconut oil to diaper rash creams to zinc oxide (helped but very messy in that area) and finally I THINK I have found something that actually works and is not messy, smelly, etc. It is not all that “natural” but it’s acceptable to me (and I’m a VERY “natural woman!”) I’m looking at the tube now for the specifics: It says: Medline Remedy With Olivamine Antifungal Cream Targeted Treatment ‘Nourishes and helps relieve fungal symptoms of itching, burning and irritation. Non-Allergenic, Non-Sensitizing.” Reading from the Ingredients, it says “Active Ingredient….Miconazole Nitrate 2%…..Purpose…..Antifungal”
It also has a long list of ingredients that I won’t reproduce here for space reasons, but it includes aloe, various citrus oils, and so on in the “natural realm” but also has ingredients that many would object to, such as some PEG and some ‘methylparaben’ ingredients. I’m not a chemist, pharmacist or other medicinal professional, so I won’t even attempt to comment on any controversy around any of the ingredients. All I know is this product has given me a tremendous level of relief this summer and it is easy to apply, has no odor that I can discern, does not stain, is not greasy and is completely comfortable, at least that is my experience. I hope this helps any of you who also suffer with this problem and if you have it, you know that “suffer” is accurate, just like a baby with diaper rash suffers. Best wishes –
Joy
Seattle
Listerine was the answer for me.
Sarah F
The 2% Miconozole is the same ingredient that is in Desenex powder, Desenex cream, and Monostat that many use for yeast infections. Works great. There is nothing wrong with corn starch. It is extraordinarily safe. There is no scientific verification that talc is dangerous.
The safest non-medical treatment is vinegar or cornstarch, but I think Miconozole works best. Putting clean dry white cotton or linen men’s hankies under one’s breast also helps. Change them often.
Linda H.
Florida
Due to high humidity here, I have to add extra drying to my underarms and breasts. I do this with my blow dryer on medium heat. Then I apply a powder that has corn starch and baking soda. At least I am good and dry when I start out.
I just read about the deodorant and may give that a try too, before the powder.
Donna
Oregon
My daughter and I have found the BEST treatment for a rash under the breasts is corn starch.
We apply it several times a day at first and it begins working immediately. Try it, you will love it!!!!
C C
CA
I, too, have this problem. The Dr. gave me a $50 prescription (with insurance yet) and it no longer works. So, having had success with Mentholatum or Vapor-rub, I tried it with good success. Also use Jock Itch powder when putting bra on and it lasts all day.
Marry
South Carolina (SC)
I use Tinactin antifungal spray for athlete’s foot every morning all year long. Works great for me.
Mary
NC
In view of the recent lawsuit about talc powder, is it safe to use Zeasorb under the breasts? I have switched to corn starch but it is messier than Zeasorb.
HelenM
Modesto
Corn starch is food for yeast infections which are probably the most common cause of skin fold rashes. My yeast seem to have mutated/evolved to where the methods I used to use to smother them out no longer work. I have diabetes and even with numbers under reasonable control get more yeast infections than someone without the disease. For the last two times I have had to resort to diflucan after a week of battling it with yeasticides covered with bag balm. And the summer is just beginning! I have also used zeasorb in the past but find it dries all the skin, not just the part with the yeast. It sort of migrates. However, rather than another half dozen diflucan between now and summer’s end, I might try it again. Prevention is key, I think I will try the toilet paper as suggested above, but during the course of a day too. I am 78, have been overweight for years, parts of me that used to stick out have fallen, so I have lots of skin folds. I use bag balm religiously to prevent and then treat (smother) the yeast, just does not do the job anymore. Have used diaper rash ointment too, vaseline and the special skin care given to me when I had radiation for breast cancer. All work for a while only.
Carolyn
WA
I use a product called Monistat Complete Care, Chafing Relief Powder Gel. It stops the itching for me.
Mary
tx
Make sure you dry problem areas after a shower with toilet paper. A towel does not get it dry enough.
Jan
27215
I get uncomfortable too and bras with wires were unbearable for me. Now, the only thing I wear is the sports type bras or those that have only gathers in between and beside the breasts for shaping. Those I buy that have padding in them aren’t a problem because the padding is easily cut away. Another good thing about these type bras are that they are either cotton or very light nylon type fabrics that help you stay cool. Also using the anti fungal soap called Defense cuts down on bacteria in sweaty areas. Finally, a non talc bath powder made with corn starch will help maintain dryness under the breast.
Molly
Portland, OR
I have had good luck with coconut oil. I apply it at night.
Susan
Florida
I live in Florida were it is always hot and humid – I’ve used many of the above mentioned – the best remedy for me is Caladryl lotion. ( The old pink stuff for bug bites. ) Also cotton bras work better then the moisture wicking bras.
Carole
Israel
I suffered for years from under breast soreness and itching, until I discovered that using a good general body cream (Dove, or similar) EVERY DAY after my shower has solved the problem completely. I live in Tel Aviv and the summers are unbearable hot and humid. Try my remedy. It works for my partners “Jock Itch” too
Travis
Seattle
White distilled vinegar works fantastic on skin fungus. Apple cider vinegar does too, but distilled white vinegar does not stink near as much. Also works great on jock itch and athlete’s foot. I have used it for years. I put some in a spray bottle and spray it on before going to bed and again in the morning after a shower. Let it air dry before getting dressed. It works every time. Usually takes 2-3 days depending on how bad it is.
Mary
Montana
I had this yeast infection under my breasts last year. I tried all the usual stuff that you’ve mentioned. However, the thing that helped me get rid of it, was CORN STARCH. My doctor recommended this. And my rash was gone in just a few days. I now keep a box of corn starch under my bathroom sink and apply it after my shower instead of the regular powders.
Kathleen
Elmurst, il
After bathing and drying your hair continue on with your hair dryer to dry under breasts, rear cheeks and spread toes and dry also – now your body goes into bras, socks and underwear completely dry and avoids rashes caused by moisture. Change undergarments daily which should go without saying but living in a house of “older” people that need to be told i guess good hygiene isn’t as universally known as i thought,.
Lizzie
Massachusetts
As someone in her 60’s who exercises daily, I had to deal with this over the years.
Trying to prevent the rash in the first place is very important. I’ve learned to keep this area dry by always using my hair dryer after working out to dry under my breasts. Then I apply a mixture of cornstarch and baby powder.
A huge help has been placing a piece of paper towel under the bra band on each breast. It collects the moisture very well. I even do this when I mow the lawn.
Patricia
Virginia
I use an antiperspant
Jessica
FL
re: Gold bond powder, (perhaps not all products) if my memory serves me right, it contains a carcenogenic ingredient and should be used w/ care. FYI, Never use on puppies, as their skin is so thin and absorbed easily.
Marilynn
Illinois
I found using antiperspirant every morning on the places that sweat and get yeast infections, it is nearly always effective. I’d say it took away 98% of my problems.
Joan
St Petersburg Fl
I am 76 years old and have had this problem since we moved to Fl 30 years ago. Mostly under the breast but sometimes in the groin. About 15 years ago my husband went to a dermatologist for a skin problem and the Dr gave him a precription for clortrimazole. It worked wonders. I thought well it worked for my husband’s fungal rash maybe it will help the under breast rashe. I used it twice and the rash was just about gone. Since then clortrimazole has gone OTC and you can buy it anywhere. In the beginning it was expensive but now I buy a generic version from an online retailer and get 5 tubes for $10. It seems to be useful for a lot of other things. When my son gets a small zit he puts it on a couple of times and it’s gone.
Of course its primary use is athletes foot. Who knew it could be useful for so many other things.
Laura
South Carolina
I know this may seem very strange, but I put a couple of paper towels under my bra chest band, or I have also used a light colored bandana – even my husband’s silk handkerchief – anything to absorb the moisture under my breasts. I find this gives me great relief.
Lizzie
Greensboro
To prevent the itching/pain/rash in the first place try a bra liner. It is a simple shaped strip of very lightly padded or doubled cloth that one places under the bra band in front. I don’t know where to find one locally but they are widely available in mail order. Amazon.com will give you an idea of prices & brands, expect 3/$15 or so. They are washable and reusable. The best solution to this problem for me has been a correctly fitted bra. Go get a professional fitting for a really good bra, especially if you have a large bust (I’m a 44E). Yes, they can be expensive but you can usually find the same item on EBAY or on sale racks at department stores. My $88 brand can usually be found for $15 – $30 (new) on Ebay. I don’t have rashes or back aches now and my clothes fit and look better.
Carrie
Oregon
I had this rash off and on for years. Found Quinsana, anti-fungal powder, finally cleared it up.
Lynn
FL
This is a constant problem for me. Use Milk of Magnesia daily under breasts and in groin creases. If I spend the day without MoM in a housedress without undergarments, it gets much worse and I have to use anti-fungal creams for the next day or two. Situation has been the worst ever here in Florida’s high humidity.
marlene
I get this rash as well but what has been a preventive for me is to put some antiperspirant and some powder under my breasts in the morning. If there has been a bad rash I use diaper ointment or Jock itch cream.
Jean
Sequim, WA
If time is short, I will put some brown Listerine on a makeup pad and swipe it where the fungus is. If I have more time, I will smear a lavender lotion on it. The lotion should be heavy with lavender.
Patty
I live in Texas and it is warm and humid here much of the year and I have battled these rashes for years, but have found a very workable solution. I have used Clotrimazole cream (originally sold under the brand name “Lotrimin” for athlete’s foot) under my overhanging belly, where legs meet the trunk of the body, and under my breasts daily for years. If my feet flare up, I use it there too but I mostly wear sports sandals year round and it’s not a problem, but that is where it originally started.
When an area is red, it is important to wash gently with warm water and soap, rinse and dry once or twice per day. Using paper towels to dry the affected area will keep from transferring fungus to your towels. Treat the area (once per day if no rash, twice if there is a red rash) with any 1% clotrimazole product. One can find it in tubes for as little as $.88 for oz. in the big box discount retailer (WM) in a bargain bin in the front of the store. Far cheaper than buying the ones in the althlete’s foot section or the vaginal version. The ones in the bargain bin sometimes contain some aloe vera, but none so far contain fragrance. I believe that once one gets a rash like this, it may be permanently lying in wait, ready to flare up. As long as you use a small amount daily, you can prevent further flare-ups. A very thin coating works well. It is water soluble, so in very hot sweaty weather, you may need to reapply.
Another help for a very bad rash in the crack of the legs or underbelly is to use silver impregnated fabric specifically for that use. You cut it into strips 1 to 2″ wide and insert either flat or folded into the crack. The expensive initially is high, but the silver remains active to kill pathogens and the fabric can be washed over & over and re-used. The product is called “InterDry Ag” Google “InterDry” to find the best price. It can vary for just over $50 to over $100 for the large roll (10 inches x 12 feet). Works extremely well to not only keep the skin layers separated so skin can breathe, it helps evaporation and the silver retards fungus and bacterial growth. It can be used with the anti-fungal cream. For comfort, just place it in the skin fold without stretching. Stretching it tight will irritate the rash as you move. In top load washers, you may need to wash inside a bag to keep the strips from going down the drain.
GT
Nebraska
My understanding is that coconut oil has antifungal properties. I have had the same problems with under the breast itchiness and rash and started putting some coconut oil under my breasts after showering. This has taken care of the problem. I’ve had no rashes or itchiness since doing this starting a year ago.
mei
Wisconsin
Sometimes just keeping the area dry and avoiding chafing can help. Remember everything has fragrance/scents in it nowadays – soaps, lotions, etc. Perhaps try a different soap and use it very sparingly. After showers or bathing dry the area carefully by patting with a soft cloth (not rubbing) and then letting it air dry further. You can use a fan or use a blow dryer on cool setting. Hold the breast tissue away from the chest so the rashy area is allowed to dry well. Dry similarly when changing clothing also (2-4 x per day is great.) Wear clothing that limits rubbing or chafing. These same suggestions work for reddened irritated rashy skin in other areas also (under abdomen folds, jock itch areas, feet or underarm areas, etc.) Parents will recognize them as things that are used for diaper rash also.
Sondra
North Carolina
For the last few years I have been using deodorant under my breasts and this works very well because it keeps the area dry; if you have allergies try unscented or one made for sensitive skin.
Lynnie
South Carolina
I am a heavy set woman with a very large bosom and used to be plagued by this problem. I found relief by using body oil that I make myself with grape seed oil (from my kitchen cupboard) and a blend of essential oils. Although I cannot tolerate perfumes and scented body lotions, I find that essential oils do not irritate my skin (or nose) and several have anti fungal and antibiotic properties that help my skin.
To 2 oz grape seed oil I add 7-10 drops of: essential rose, sandalwood, geranium, jasmine, & lavender. Then 1-2 drops of palma rosa and patchouli oil, and shake to mix well. I use 1/2 tsp daily after I shower and dry off – under my breasts and in my groin area. Smells wonderful and keeps the skin clear. I’ve used this for years – literally a couple of decades – and I don’t have a problem with rash in the summer. On the really hot days, I change my bra when I get home from work – to keep that delicate area clean and fresh at the end of the day.
Odel
NJ
I’ve dealt with this rash under my breasts during the summer for years. I find that applying aloe can clear the rash most times in a day if not in a day or so. Works great. No mystery to anyone how good aloe is good for the skin in just about any situation.
Gerry
Florida
Try cornstarch or try Zsorb, a powder I used for my mom who had severe rash etc. from adult diapers. I’ve used Zsorb myself for under breast rash, works great.
Millie
Virginia
Going braless makes this itch worse for me. My doctor suggested Zeasorb powder. It is fragrance free, easy to use and anti-fungal. It works for me.
Jane
After the condition became very painful, my best solution has been a combination of virgin coconut oil (an excellent antifungal), and strips of white flannel that I cut to fit under my breasts to absorb moisture.
Stephanie
NEW YORK
Cotton sports bras with a layer of white cotton in the front work well . (I wear fruit of the loom) They were suggested by my doctor. Since I started wearing them I have very few problems. I keep an anti fungal cream (which you can purchase over the counter) on hand for my infrequent flareups. This will clear it up in a couple of days if you apply it at the first sign of a problem and it will take away the discomfort almost immediately. Hope this helps you ! P.S. Get the bras that look like the top of a sleeveless T shirt.
Sharil
NC
My dermatologist suggested a powder called Zeasorb several years ago for this problem and it always helps my rash to clear up at this time of year.
Brenda
under breast rash: I get this on occasion. In fact, just recently had a bout with it. I clean it well with rubbing alcohol. Then I cover it with large band aides to keep the bra from rubbing and irritating it. after a few days of this treatment it goes away and I’m OK.
Cherry
Gold Bond medicated powder is great for rashes, and it doesn’t leave residue on your bra straps the way regular baby powder does.