Why Do My Breasts Itch?

Many of us experience itchy skin at certain times. And while we wouldn’t give a second thought to an itchy leg or arm, an itchy breast tends to give us pause.

Perhaps this is a side effect of heightened awareness around breast cancer (and breast cancer awareness is certainly a good thing). However, rest assured, the question "why do my breasts itch" often has a very straightforward answer. Here are some of the causes of itchy breasts or itching nipples:

1. Skin Irritations & Infections Are a Major Cause of Itchy Breasts or Itchy Nipples

Just like the rest of your body, itches generally originate with skin irritation. Sometimes, an itch can be mild and minor, and some can be the result of an allergic reaction or a dermatological condition. The good news is that there are usually skincare or over-the-counter treatments that can alleviate those kinds of itch symptoms.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common affliction, especially in colder months, when moisture can be stripped from our skin more easily. It can result in itchy, dry, and flakey skin. Often you’ll notice itches most at bedtime, as the body starts to relax. Scaly skin is a giveaway and can result in breast itching and even nipple itching.

A body moisturizer will ensure your breast skin stays hydrated. If you suffer from dry skin, it may also be sensitive, so you might want to look for scent-free formulations that don’t contain irritants but allow you to keep your skin moisturized. You might also want to stay away from rough or gritty exfoliators and opt for a gentle body brush instead.

Allergens

Many dietary and environmental triggers can cause allergic reactions. This can impact breasts, too, with contact dermatitis developing on the sensitive skin. But odds are if your breasts in particular are experiencing a topical allergic reaction, it is connected with something that’s coming into contact with this area.

That could be skincare products or even laundry detergent or softener. Tracking down allergens is often a tedious process of elimination, so focus first on what might have changed recently: Did you switch detergent or fabric softener? If so, switch back. You can also try switching to hypoallergenic and scent-free formulations if you’re prone to allergic reactions.

Heat Rash

Heat rash isn’t just for babies. It can happen to adults in hot, humid weather too. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Heat rash develops when blocked pores (sweat ducts) trap perspiration under your skin. Symptoms range from superficial blisters to deep, red lumps. Some forms of heat rash feel prickly or intensely itchy.”

Heat rash can affect your breasts. The good news is that it usually subsides quickly once you cool down and remove moisture.

Yeast Infections

Moisture can sometimes get trapped between or under breasts, making it the perfect environment for a yeast infection (that’s right, it’s not just a vaginal infection). To treat a yeast infection, you’ll need to keep the area clean and dry and use a topical anti-yeast medication until it clears up.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It often affects women on the upper chest area. For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

If you suffer from eczema or painful flare-ups, it is worth going to see your doctor, as there is a range of treatment options you can explore, depending on the severity of your case.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. It does not usually affect the breasts, but in some cases (inverse psoriasis), areas of a fold of skin can be affected. This can include the area beneath the breasts. Like eczema, treatment of psoriasis is worth discussing with your doctor.

2. Your Bra Can Make Your Breasts Itchy

Yep, your bra can irritate you, including causing itchy nipples and breasts! Odds are you won’t be left guessing about this one because you’ll probably experience discomfort whenever you wear the bra in question. But just in case you’re wondering what causes it, it's likely:

Bra Fit

An ill-fitting bra, especially too tight, can squeeze and compress your breasts. You might notice red marks around the band or underwire. But you might also just feel too constricted, and this may cause the sensitive skin of the breasts to react.

Unless you’re wearing the completely wrong fit, this is more likely to happen with sports bras. That’s because they’re designed to really “strap you in” for high-impact activities. And this is one of the reasons why it’s not recommended to wear a sports bra all the time.

To learn more about bra fitting, click here.

Bra Washing

Bras need to be washed often. And, considering a lot of bras require gentle hand-washing, it’s not unusual to drag out the time between washes as long as possible. Trust us; you’re not the only one.

Most lingerie brands will say that regular, gentle handwashing is an excellent way to prolong the life of a bra. But it’s also good to prevent bacteria build-up that can cause skin irritations, especially in the summer months when you perspire more.

One solution is to choose a bra (uhm, hello Knix!) that can be machine washed. That way, you have no excuse not to keep your bras fresh and clean.

3. Breast & Bodily Changes & Development

If your breasts are itchy when you’re going through other bodily changes, it’s not a leap to connect the dots. The sensitive skin of the breasts can react to changes in weight gain and hormonal changes, including puberty and menopause. You may already experience breast tenderness as a symptom of PMS, so don’t be surprised if your skin feels “pulled” or “itchy,” too.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your breasts may double or triple in size. Stretch marks may occur, and these can sometimes be itchy. To avoid this, the treatment is the same as skin irritation; plenty of moisturizer. Look for natural ingredients with soothing properties.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can cause itching, sensitive, irritated and sore nipples, which can be treated with lanolin cream.

Breast Surgery

Any breast surgery (reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation) will result in scarring that will probably cause itching while it’s healing. This usually passes as the breast tissue and skin recovers.

4. Medical Reasons, Including Breast Cancer

Mastitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. You might also have fever and chills. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breastfeeding (lactation mastitis).”

Mastitis is most often associated with breastfeeding, but breast tissue infection can occur in women who are not nursing. For women who are nursing, a meeting with a lactation consultant will cover some of the best practices for avoiding mastitis.

Mastitis does require a visit to your doctor. It’s likely she will prescribe antibiotics and/or pain relievers. If you are nursing, you should be able to continue. But again, your doctor will guide you on your treatment.

Benign Tumor

Sometimes, a noncancerous tumor in the breast duct can cause an itchy, crusted nipple. While these tumors are not cancerous, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to rule out anything serious and decide on appropriate next steps. Learn more about benign breast conditions from Susan G. Komen.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and very aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.”

Odds are your itchy breast is much more likely to be dry skin than IBC. Inflammatory breast cancer is usually accompanied by other symptoms (read more on the National Cancer Institute). And even then, those symptoms might point to a different cause or condition. 

Paget’s Disease of the Breast (A Rare Form of Breast Cancer)

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Paget’s disease or Paget disease of the breast (also known as Paget disease of the nipple and mammary Paget disease) is a rare form of breast cancer involving the skin of the nipple and, usually, the darker circle of skin around it, which is called the areola.”

Symptoms of this rare form of breast cancer include itchy breasts, especially itching, tingling, or redness in the nipple and/or areola. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for skin irritations, as it is a very rare form of cancer. As with any cancer, treatment for Paget’s Disease will be decided with your healthcare provider, depending on your cancer stage, health, and other factors.

Radiation

If you’re undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, you may experience itchy breasts. This is because radiation kills skin cells and causes dryness, peeling, and itchy skin.

To provide some relief, massage the breast area with an ice cube. Wear natural loose-fitting fabrics and drink plenty of fluids. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream.

When to Seek Medical Advice Regarding Itchy Breasts

Always see your doctor if you’re excessively worried or experiencing prolonged discomfort or breast pain. You should feel comfortable visiting your doctor even if the verdict is “everything is fine.”

However, there are some signs and symptoms of itchy breasts that you definitely should not ignore. Please seek medical advice if you experience:

• Prolonged itching on nipples or breasts that lasts more than a week and does not respond to moisturizers or home treatments.
• Intensely itchy breasts that wakes you from sleep or drives you to distraction.
• An itchy nipple or areola area, especially if the skin is also flaky.
• Breast tenderness, breast pain, or swelling alongside the itching.
• Any rashes on, between, or under the breasts.

In general, breast health is something all women should be aware of. Make sure your doctor is examining your breasts at your regular check-ups and be familiar with your own breast health. When you reach the appropriate age, go for recommended mammograms.

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 1, 2022.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.