HELP! My Breasts Itch!

Updated on December 08, 2008
C.R. asks from Turlock, CA
20 answers

Hi there, I know the obvious, I need to go to the dr. but,I was wondering if anyone has had itchy (areolas) nipples, for the most part, but sometimes the rest of my breast also itch, but mostly, it's my areolas. One is particularly "dry" looking and has some dry looking patches. I am definitely NOT pregnant, no chance of that... so, I was wondering if anyone has had this before?? I will be going to the dr. if I can get a chance from work and my gyno. takes months to get in, maybe should go to my family dr., not sure..... please any suggestions, if you've experienced anything like this, thanks and God bless.....
PS I do have very, very large breasts (if that matters?)

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Ok, so I haven't yet got into the dr., but will soon..... the weird thing is my ex-mother-in-law sent me a forwarded email about this lady that got this rare form of breast cancer "Paget's Disease" which is on the outside of your breasts, usually on the areola. Now, I hadn't said anything to her or my ex-husband about this, now I am really getting wierd about this and am calling my dr. today. I am probably "over-reacting", but I will keep you updated. If you'd like me to forward this email to you, please let me know. Thanks for all the advice.....

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.C.

answers from Sacramento on

one thing that help has helped me is putting some lansinoh or lamisil(i can't remember exactly but it's something like that). It really helpd to soothe the itch and softened up the nipple area. I used it when I was breastfeeding but have found that it still helps when i occassionally need it.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Get to the doctor ASAP. My mom had those same symptoms and the dr just kept telling her to put cream on it, etc. Anyway long story short, she had breast cancer and by the time they discovered it, it had already spread throughout her body. And prior to their discovery, she had just had a mammogram that came back negative but her breast never stopped itching. GO TO THE DR! Hopefully it's nothing, but if it is something you want them to catch it early enough to treat it. Good luck and I'll be praying for you. I never want another woman to go thru what my mom went thru.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.A.

answers from San Francisco on

I hope this helps. I too have large breasts. I too have the "itchy" areas. Aveeno has a hydrocortizone cream that I rub on where it itches. It really seems to work. I talked to my gyno about the itching - the first thing she asked was to see my bra - a lot of bra's lock in moisture and could be causing the itching. A couple of years ago I was fitted for a bra and have been using Wacoal bras - a little on the pricey side - but they allow your breast to breathe. She liked the bra. I also told her about the Aveeno and she said if it works, use it. I hope this helps. It is never a bad idea to get it checked out especially since it is in your breast area, but this might get you going on some relief. Good Luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.D.

answers from Yuba City on

Obviously, you know you need to go to the doctor to be 100% sure what is going on. The first thought is that it is Thrush or some other type of fungal infection. This is the more common situation.

However, the worst case scenario is that there is a form of breast cancer that creates a rash. Also there is another form of cancer called Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma that affects the skin, but is a blood cancer. I am living with this and had a 7 inch "rash" on my breast. These cancers can only be detected by biopsy, so PLEASE, go to the doctor and have them check it out. Better safe than sorry, like I was.

Again, I don't want to freak you out, but I want you to take it seriously. Good luck!

H.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.M.

answers from Bakersfield on

hi,thats funny,one of mine did just yesterday-but i did have a new bra on-which seems like the obvious problem,but why just one? since both of yours are, it seems more like it would be related to a skin allergy or sensitivity to something u are wearing,anything new? it could be a hormonal change too tho. make sure u get a good response from your doc u feel is right or get a 2nd opinion! hope u feel better soon!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Sacramento on

C., I don't know if my experience will relate at all to yours, but will tell you in case. I have had itching under my (also very large) breasts for some time. I also had a rash that got very sore... looked a little like hives under there.
I tried an anti-itch cream I keep on hand, and it helped keep the itch down, but wasn't as succesful as I would have liked. After some time, I began to notice an odor with the itch, and began trying to think what the odor could mean. Fungus came to mind so I decided to just try a little of the fungus cream I use on my feet to see how it would work. Got rid of the itch and rash almost immediately! I'm finding that if I use just a tiny amount of that cream on a weekly basis, I'm not having the problem like I used to have. I don't know how that might work in the areola area, but it probably wouldn't do any harm to try it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Modesto on

That happens to me sometimes in the winter when I have dry skin. Try some super-moisturizing lotion (any brand will do, as long as it's for severly chapped/dry skin--I like Gold Bond or Aveeno); that always works for me!

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Stockton on

Just a thought, but certain kinds of fabrics in the bras you wear might be causing an allergic reaction. Even the laundry soap can do it with material so close to you skin. You could be wearing too small of a bra that is causing an irritation. Only your doctor could tell you what is really going on though. If you go to your family doctor he can check it out and know of the urgency and then get you in to a specialist faster than if you tried calling yourself.

Good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.D.

answers from Modesto on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_5tXybj-E

http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/inflammatory-bre...

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC

Not saying you have this but, just want you to go to your doctor and be aware!!! It can be something else... You need to have your self checked to rule this out!!!!

I my self am a cancer survivor and just want to be of help!!!

Love, G.. :0)
http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." ~ Jerry Newport

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.C.

answers from Sacramento on

It could be nothing and then it could be something. I had the same thing but it was both of my breasts were peeling. I had it looked at and it turned out to be nothing. The concern is when one breast is peeling and the other is not regardless if they are both itching. Don't wait. When one breast is doing different than the other, it can be a sign of breast cancer. Don't wait.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from San Francisco on

My first thought was yeast,especially if it is VERY itchy, and has any cracks. an inexpensive salve for bacteria or yeast on skin is Tea Tree Oil. Stops the itch too! I'd be careful with hydrocotizone creams, which can thin the skin .

I use raw virgin coconut oil on my skin, all over after a bath, for a wonderful, natural, rich lotion, that sinks in fast and smells good. It replaces the natural acid base that soap removes. It's less expensive than "lotions" and has NO added parabens which are estrogenetic or any other additions.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Christy.

I have asked the same question with no response before, so checked to see if anyone answers you. My doctor just said to put lotion on my nipples. Sometimes it is the sides of my breasts that itch and it is major itching. I also have a crust on my nipples that I swear reminds me of dried milk, but I haven't breat fed in 7 years. Every other woman I've asked has not experienced this. If you get any good info, please let me know.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi C. -

You need to get to a doctor quickly. It may be nothing but there are other things that are more serious, especially if your breasts become hot to touch or scaly.

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from San Francisco on

it may be thrush. you can get some over the counter anti yeast cream like monistat and try that , or you can try the natural yeast remedies . pat your nipples with a white vinegar/ water solution and let dry two to three times a day. Eat plenty of plain , living yogurt, cut down or cut out sugar , especially juice, and take some good pro-biotcs every day for a couple of months! you should get some relief within 24-48 hours if it is thrush. if it isn't it could be dry skin, hormonal changes or liver stagnation . I know money is tight but if you need to, please give this amazing woman a call, She is an affordable, accupuncturist, and this is right up her alley!

Jill Stevens wholefamilywellness.com ###-###-####

J. Tilsner CPM Awakenings Birth Services

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Fresno on

I have had this alot of times. I don't know if it is a type of yeast infectionn or what but it is awful. I have used the yeast creams and hydrocotisone cream to make it go away and they worked.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.K.

answers from Chico on

I had that during pregnancy, and occasionally during ovulation now... maybe you are having hormonal changes? Try using some Eucerin cream or Aquaphor. Both are really rich and moisturizing without perfumes... Since you said you have large breasts, it could also be the weight stretching your skin, so maybe try a different bra. Maybe a sports' bra. If your family doc is good, he/she could probably help you out and let you know if more specialized advice is warranted. Just ask lots of questions! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I have eczema and the patches that normally show up on my arms and legs can also show up on my nipples. They itch like crazy and it can be difficult to relieve. My dermatologist looked at it, and he said that it was "nipple eczema". I used topical corticosteroid cream, like hydrocortisone. Over the counter strength may not work, and a doctor prescribed cream like fluocinonide or triamcinolone may be needed. Lots of lotion to keep the area from getting dry is also important.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi,
It may be thrush. Ask the pharmacist if there is an over the counter anti fungal she could recommend. It might tide you over until you get to see your doc. Good luck !

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Hey C. -

You don't say how old you are, but with two teenagers, you're likely to be old enough to have had a baseline mammogram -- so, you definitely want to get in and see you doc (whoever you can see first) and get a mammo. That will rule out anything sinister.

The most likely issue, though, is a skin condition. Thrush, maybe -- but it can also be a hormonal issue brought on by normal changes, or it can be simple weather-related dryness. I go through this every winter where my boobs itch like crazy -- try using Sarnac (most large drug stores carry it) which is a lotion that contains menthol and camphor, and it a wonder for relieving itchiness without meds. Also try to avoid really hot showers as hot water dries the skin.

Good luck!

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I had this happen to me and it drove me CRAZY!!! I did some internet research and came up with the fact that this can happen to some people because of yeast (even without a vaginal yeast infection).

I started taking a product called "Yeast Cleanse" by Solaray (they sell it at the Vitamin Shoppe or vitaminshoppe.com). After a bit, the itching went away. Heavenly RELIEF. When I finished the bottle I stopped taking the pills, and unfortunately, the itch usually comes back after a while. I start taking the pills again, and the itch goes away, so I'm sure my self-diagnosis is correct. I find that once the itching stops I can cut the dose (3 tablets twice a day) in half (just take it once a day).

FYI, I remember that there was another, very serious condition with similar symptoms (though I don't remember the details), so if this (or the anti-fungal cream recommended by someone else) doesn't work, you should definitely have it checked out by a doctor.

Good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions