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Under-breast itch is a nagging problem for many women. Some find it especially troublesome during summer weather, when skin fungus find a hospitable home in the warm, dark, moist folds under the breasts. But one reader came up with a different explanation, and solved it by turning her bra inside-out.
Should You Wear Your Bra Inside-Out?
Q. I finally figured out that the itch that follows sweating along my bra line is actually a latex allergy. Finding a latex-free bra has proved challenging, so now I wear all my bras inside-out (outside-in). Usually the latex is on the inside, and the outer covering is a smooth satiny fabric. This has made a wonderful difference!
A. We never thought of wearing a bra inside out, but it seems like a simple solution to your problem. Latex-free bras are available online.
Many women experience under-breast rash in hot weather. In some cases, the irritation may be caused by a fungal infection similar to jock itch.
Other Readers Offer Remedies:
Numerous readers have shared their remedies for this situation.
One wrote:
“I had a terrible rash last summer (both under my breasts and in the fold under my stomach). Someone told me to try Dr. Bronner’s tea tree liquid soap and Gold Bond medicated powder. Twice a day (morning and before bed) I wash the areas with the tea tree soap, rinse and dry well and then use the medicated powder on the areas. It has cleared up the rash completely, though I do not like the medicated aroma.”
Tea tree oil has antifungal activity, and so does Gold Bond medicated powder. We suspect that this reader, like many others, has trouble with fungal overgrowth when the weather gets warm. Here are some recommendations readers have found helpful for fighting fungus:
Ruth in Seattle found that putting an extra layer between the irritated skin and the bottom of the bra helped a lot:
“I have had a problem with under-breast rash for many years, especially in the summer. I had tried dandruff shampoos, but they were way too harsh on my very sensitive skin. What I found that worked was wearing a thin cotton tank top under my bra or shirts. I found that it keeps my skin dry and keeps the rash under control. I also found that bathing or washing the area often helps along with the thin cotton tank top. I only use mild soap and water, no baby wipes, they made the rash worst.”
If you have come up with a different approach to ease this irritating problem, please let us know by putting your story in the comment section below.
Diane
I seem to be sensitive to nylon/polyester in bras, including the stitching. It triggers rashes. Natural fibers help a lot, but the stitching can be problematic.
Marie
I don’t itch or have a rash in the location described, but I decided to try wearing my bra wrong side out just to see if it benefitted me in any way. I feel that it helps me to stand up straighter, almost like a posture bra. It certainly is more comfortable.
I appreciate the comment above about wearing underpants wrong side out. I will try that as well.
Charlotte
USA
Why on earth are women willing to wear bras with rubberized cups – latex or otherwise? I never have, and never will. I use a tad of coconut oil in the winter to avoid skin-on-skin irritation, and talcum powder in the summer. If you must wear a bra, buy a lightweight cotton one!
Esther
Israel
My problem was definitely fungal, not latex, because it was only on one side. I found that putting a few drops of vinegar (or a shpritz or two or three from a spray bottle) on the red patch stopped the itch right away. A few applications a day for a few days made the red patch fade to a light brown and seem dormant, and a single application every few days after that stopped the itch from coming back, even at the height of summer.
Sylvia
Mississippi
I have found that putting a mini pad under both cups inside my bra helped avoid the skin irritation, especially in hot weather.
Kitty K.
chicago
I am a large woman that had rashes under my breast for years. My doctor told me that when I get out of the shower, after drying my hair, I should lift my breasts and dry underneath with the hair dryer until the skin is completely dry before getting dressed. This solved my problem and has never reoccurred.
He said he suggests this to other patients with rashes on their toes, feet and butt cracks as well. A major cause of bacteria and rashes in these areas is rushing from a shower into clothes and shoes without being bone dry.
Fat people with folds that never get to air out compounds the problem – the hair dryer solution solves both.
Momtotut
Georgia
After spreading the dandruff shampoo to the rash, go ahead and finish your shower and rinse off as usual. There’s no need to leave the suds on.
Momtotut
Georgia
I use dandruff shampoo in the summertime since it is usually free of citric acid. I suds up my hair then using my soapy hands I wash under my breasts and if I have a heat rash in my groin, I continue there with the shampoo suds. This always clears up the rashes for weeks, usually for the rest of the summer!
GiGi
North Carolina
I have had a problem with moisture under my breasts and in the folds of my lower body since I was a child. I tried everything I could think of and even prescription medications. I finally found something that works and is reasonably priced and easy to use. I use roll on deodorant. Non allergenic, non scented, Almay makes a great one. I have been using this for 20 years and it has been a miracle cure for me. I do use it daily and have had no problems since then.
Lucy
Buffalo
I have prevented underarm and under breast rashes for years with anti-dandruff shampoo and Listerine (store brand,amber). The same routine works to prevent rosacea outbreaks on my face.
Cathy
Maryland
Fold a white cotton handkerchief diagonally and then fold it over on the longest side twice more. Place the resulting ‘cotton strip’ under your breasts but inside the lower edge of your bra. Sometimes on the hottest days, I may change the handkerchief 2 or more times — whenever the strip becomes sweat-soaked. This has solved my summer skin fungus issue for 25+ years.
Lynda W
Spring Lake NC
I use underarm MOM deodorant from the People’s Pharmacy under my breasts and it keeps me from sweating so much and I do not itch.
Sandra
Oregon
I use Zeabsorb AF antifungal powder under my breasts and anywhere else I may have itches. I have been able to control the itching this way. The powder keeps the areas dry.
Diane
Durham NC
Re Bra Rash: Many years ago my gynie doctor told me to wash and dry well and then use Desitin, the zinc oxide diaper rash cream that is used on babies.
ACL
Texas
Because bras are expensive and I only had a couple my habit was to wear them 2 or 3 days before changing to a clean one. All year long, I had terrible itchy rashes and hives under my breasts.
One day, someone with the same problem said her solution was to wear a clean bra every day.
Although we both showered every day her problem totally cleared up so I tried her method and I haven’t had a problem since!!
I do use Caldesene powder before dressing and that is a big help too. It has a light pleasant smell.
Sue
Oregon
Mine itches the middle of my back so I turned it inside out. It helped!
Jane H
I like Hyland’s calendula ointment, after a shower. The petroleum jelly helps it stay in place even while sweating from the heat.
Shirley
Amherst NY
My radiology oncology nurse suggested dusting with baking powder to keep the area dry. It works for me.
Jo-Anne S
Sarnia, ON Canada
What works for me is using a natural deodorant under well dried breasts after a shower. This seems to keep the sweat at bay and prevents a rash. Discovered this while desperate one day a year ago and never a rash since.
Your rash should be cleared up before applying this. This can be done by washing with soap and water and rinsing well then dry really well. Apply something like after-sun lotion or calamine which will soothe and encourage healing.
Once cleared up do the deodorant thing. I hear you can get some great natural deodorant here.
Joan
Jupiter, FL
Several years ago I learned about original Listerine from this column. My husband and I both use this. I dampen a cotton ball with original Listerine and swipe it under my breasts.
I then place a folded tissue under my bra. Should it be a particularly steamy day, I may need to replace the tissue. My husband prefers to use the original Listerine in a small spay bottle to spay his groin area. We have had no problems for years.
Lynn
NC
Daily application of good old MofM after bathing takes care of it just fine.
sally
winter park, FL
After suffering with a nasty rash under my breast and in the upper crook of my legs, my gynecologist suggested that I dry thoroughly after my shower … apply milk of magnesia to the areas and when that dried, to dust the areas with corn starch … worked like a dream … haven’t had any problems since … (I live in HUMID Florida!)
Barbara
Texas
I use Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo in the shower and when I get out, I use, Zeasorb AF powder for athletes foot under the breasts. It has worked for me. There is no medicinal odor. Both smell nice.
Ginger
Oregon
I had a collection of handkerchiefs from my father who had passed.
I fold those and put them along the bottom of my bras. It stops the sweat and makes it very comfortable.
Marianne
Georgia
I have found that wearing 100% cotton clothes is the best solution to keep sweating to a minimum because cotton doesn’t cling and dries quickly. I also have switched to 100% cotton sheets, pillowcases, and blankets all year. What a difference in not waking up and having to change clothes. Of course, cotton sleep attire is required. ;-)
Sandy
Dallas - Ft. Worth TX, USA (DFW)
I took a page from the deodorant issue and used Milk of Magnesia under my breasts. This worked so well that I only need to use it occassionally since then.
Juanita
Houston, TX
I use plain vinegar applied with a cotton ball under each breast. Even a very inflamed rash will clear up in about two days. The vinegar kills the fungi which is causing the rash. The vinegar smell goes away in just a few minutes. This is the only remedy that has worked for me. The vinegar also works on athlete’s foot.
Linda
Florida
I also have a problem with itching anywhere skin touches skin in warm weather and since I live in Florida, this is pretty much a year round issue. I found that just Goldbond powder isn’t enough so after showering and drying off I apply a thin layer of cortisone cream and follow with the powder and this controls it very well.
Linda
SC
I got white organic cotton flannel cloth at a fabric store, cut two strips (measure length from your one side to the other), I sewed the two together to give more thickness. Put this under the bra band in front, wetness and rash problem solved. I have about 10 of these so I can keep them washed as I wear one daily in the summer.
Pia
San Diego
I put a layer of Aquaphor on the affected areas, under the breast and under the belly. It works!
Becky
New Jersey
I treat the rash with amber-colored Listerine (or its generic substitute). I let this dry before dressing. The rash usually goes away within 1-2 treatments. I also use pure cornstarch powder to keep the area dry.
Barbara
Texas
I use Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo in the shower and when I get out, I use, Zeasorb AF powder under the breasts. It has worked for me. There is no medicinal odor. Both smell nice.
Ginny
Texas
A solution of Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with water worked for me when nothing else had helped. Completely cleared up the rash and itch. I still use it once a month or so just as a preventative measure, but I’ve had no further problem.
Pat
Oregon
There are cotton and bamboo/cotton liners for under the bosom with the bra on top and then there is cotton tummy liners that keep the fold under the tummy dry. Both work really well.
One is Wick-em, another is bamboo bra liner, which has 3 to a package and seems better in some ways, Tummy one is belly liner, I think.
All are on Amazon or just look up online.
Eunice U
Florida
Gold Bond powder works for me.
G.G.
Dallas, TX
Every day, after showering, I wipe amber-colored Listerine over the area under my breasts and over my arms, especially in the crook of elbows, backs of knees. Use a cotton pad. It helps prevent the rash from even starting. On days like today – it’ll 104 today – I use the Listerine twice a day.
Bette
Washington DC
I wear many of my clothes inside out (while at home). I’ve always cut neckline labels out of my clothing, but now I also find the seams irritating — much to my surprise, items like tees and yoga pants are far more comfortable inside out. I just had to train my husband to stop turning my laundry right-side out, LOL!
Mary
Chapel Hill NC
In intensive care units, they use “InterDry Moisture Wicking Fabric with Antimicrobial Silver” between skin folds to decrease the chance of yeast or fungal growth. It comes in rolls of 10” x 36” and 10” x 144”.
Cutting a strip of stay 4” x 10” gives a nice sized piece to place against your skin at the base of the bra. Before using this I suffered every summer with itching and rash; now while using it, not at all. And I wash it and reuse it as well.
ruth
connecticut
I have found it helpful to use my deodorant not only in the bra area but also in the tummy fold and the leg folds.
Ann
Canada
Having had colon cancer and needing to wear a plastic pouch 24/7 I know what we are talking about. I also have hives. I tried Selsun Blue – ferocious on sensitive places. I have not tried the Tree Tea liquid soap or the Gold Bond power, but I definitely will try them. Always lots of good ideas here.
Barbara
Chicago area
I just apply regular Gold Bond lotion after drying the area. Clears it up fast if I catch the redness right away. No bad smell.
Diane
I get under breast rash every summer. The only thing that works for me is at night before I go to bed, I put a thin coat of Vicks vapor rub under my breasts. I usually only have to do this several days a week but it keeps the fungus off my skin.
Charlotte
Maryland
I am 85 years old, grew up on a farm, and my mother taught us to use cornstarch instead of powder. Works like a charm. That is all I have ever used. In all my years, I have not had any problems with rash or fungus or itching. Besides, it is a lot cheaper.
Liz
Missouri
My solution has always been to wear cotton bras and panties. They absorb sweat, but they feel cooler and won’t support a fungal infection.
Pat
Houston, TX
My doctor recommended using the cream for vaginal yeast infection, jock itch, or athlete’s foot under my breasts. I have tried all three, and they have worked well for me in controlling the rash.
RayLinStephens
USA
LOL. I have done this with some bras too – it’s the stitching holding the elastic that rubs and causes my problems. It’s an easy enough remedy.
I have several sets of Cuddles Thermal Underwear – and I noticed I was itching when I wore them. All knits have a knit side and a purl side. Well, the knit side is generally “the right side” but the purl side was causing the itching and a rash.
I now wear my Cuddles insideout – no more problem, other than people thinking I am crazy. I tell them, I know that I have them insideout – but no more rashes!
Naomi
Florida
I had a fungal infection under my breasts a few years ago. The doctor prescribed a combination of fungal and cortisone cream which was very effective. During the summer the area under my breasts stays wet and itchy. A friend mentioned rolling a cotton handkerchief or cotton washcloth and putting it under my breasts inside my bra. I recently learned about Monistat Complete Care Chafing Powder Gel and have been using that in addition to the rolled washcloths. Now the area under my breasts is dry and comfortable all day and no itching.