Just like the other part of our body, itchy breasts are a surprisingly common affliction. Don’t believe me? Ask that girl sitting next to you. Sure, itchin’ and scratchin’ is normal from time to time, but if it’s more than just a spare tickle, the itchiness can be super aggravating. Especially when it’s, you know, on your boobs. And it makes you wonder, ‘’Uh, why are my boobs itchy in the first place?’’
While itchy breasts—and nipples—are usually nothing to majorly worry about, due to relatively harmless causes such as dry skin or mastitis. It could be a sign that something is up with your health. Here are some common reasons you have itchy boobs, plus when you should discuss the issue with your doctor.
Your skin may just be naturally dry, but if you’ve recently started using new skincare products or routines that could also be the cause.
1. You Have Dry Skin
Your skin may just be naturally dry, but if you’ve recently started using new skincare products or routines that could also be the cause. So, keep the area moisturized. Regular old body moisturizer is fine for breasts. If your boobs are on the larger side, make sure the underside is dry before you put on a bra, or you might end up with chafing.
2. Your Bra Might Be Dirty
Any dirty clothes, including bras, often have bacteria that can irritate and infect the skin. Even if you are washing your bra often, you could be having a reaction to your bra’s fabric. Synthetic fabrics are the biggest culprit of itchy breast and polyester and latex and really irritating. Instead, opt for a natural material like cotton.
3. Your Breasts Are Growing
During puberty or pregnancy, the skin of the breasts can stretch enough that the tightness causes itching. You can apply moisturizers, topical creams and gels around the area to alleviate the itchiness.
4. Yeast Infection
Most women associate yeast infections with the vagina. But you can get them under your breasts, too, because moisture gets trapped and that’s where yeast thrives—and breasts get itchy. Treatment is as simple as an anti-yeast medication.
5. There’s A Harsh Chemical In Your Laundry Detergent
If you wash your bras with new detergent or dry them with dryer sheets, it’s possible your boobs will riot and become itchy. 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. Fragrance in particular is often a culprit behind allergic contact dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Most women associate yeast infections with the vagina. But you can get them under your breasts, too, because moisture gets trapped and that’s where yeast thrives
6. Itchy Boobs Can Be A Symptom Of Cancer
If you have breast itchiness, it’s much more likely that it’s due to one of the above reasons and not breast cancer. With that said, there’s a small chance it could be inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease that invades your skin’s dermis (the layer of skin that lies beneath your epidermis, the outer layer of skin). The breast usually goes from itchy to red, swollen and warm and the skin may dimple or look pitted like the peel of an orange. If you notice these along with your itching, talk to your doctor so you can get a full screening.
