7 Causes of Itchy Boobs You Should Know

Of course, one of the universal truths of having skin is that it’s going to get itchy at some point. And that’s usually no big deal—if you have an itch on your arm, you scratch it. Ditto for your leg. But when it comes to itchy boobs? Sure, you could scratch them, but you might get a side-eye or two in the process depending on your surroundings. But no need to worry, because having itchy boobs is normal. But if the itchiness is extreme, here are some of the causes you should know:

Your bra is dirty

This is quite obvious. If your bra is dirty, you cannot avoid scratching your boobs.  Dirty clothes, including underclothes, often have bacteria that can infect and irritate the skin. So wash your bra as often as you can.

You have a heat rash

Along those same lines, getting a heat rash on your chest can also cause itchy breasts. When breasts get overheated and start to perspire, the skin of the breasts can become irritated, red, and itchy. Indeed, heat rash typically happens when sweat gets trapped under your skin, blocking your pores. How can you prevent that from happening? Wear lightweight bras and undergarments that will keep the skin of the breasts cool.

Your soap is too harsh

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that can happen when your skin is exposed to something it doesn’t like, and itchiness is one of its major giveaways. If you wash your bras with regular detergent or dry them with dryer sheets, it’s possible your boobs will riot and become itchy. The same goes for towels, sheets if you sleep in the nude, and basically, anything else that can come into contact with your chest, including your body wash.

You have eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy inflammation that can show up as a red rash. If you’ve had itchy breasts for a while and you can’t pinpoint why eczema could be the cause. The over-the-counter topical steroid cream should help. If not, call your doctor to ask about something stronger.

You have a yeast infection under your boobs

You probably associate yeast infections with your vagina, but they’re actually pretty common under the breasts too. Moisture can get trapped under there, creating an environment that’s perfect for yeast to grow, which can result in itchy boobs. To treat it, you’ll need to keep the area dry and use a topical anti-yeast medication.

You have dry skin

The good old-fashioned dry skin could be the reason you have itchy boobs. Dry skin anywhere on the body can cause itching. If you’re prone to dry skin, be sure to keep your breasts moisturized. Using moisturizing creams, topical steroids, extra virgin coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and Aveeno baths can help treat itchy breasts.

You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts will double or triple in size. Stretch marks, which are genetic, may occur and cause itching. If you’re breastfeeding, your nipples may also become dry and irritated. To soothe dry, itchy skin due to stretch marks, the same products as for dry skin in general (moisturizing creams, topical steroids, extra virgin coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and Aveeno baths). For sore, dry nipples, try lanolin cream.

If the itchiness persists, please contact your doctor.