Breast rash is a change in the color or texture of the skin on the breast. It can be due to irritation or disease. A breast rash can be itchy, scaly, painful or blistered.
Some rashes occur only on the breast. But most breast rashes have the same possible causes as rashes on other parts of the body.
Make an appointment
A breast rash is rarely an emergency. But make an appointment with a healthcare professional if your breast rash doesn't respond to self-care or if you also have:
- Fever.
- Severe pain.
- Sores that won't heal.
- Streaks coming from the rash.
- Yellow or green fluid oozing from the rash.
- Skin that's peeling off.
- A history of breast cancer.
Seek emergency medical care if your rash comes with:
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness or swelling in the throat.
- A rapid worsening of symptoms.
Self-care for breast rash
In the meantime, you may find some relief from your symptoms with these measures:
- Take a cool bath or put a cool washcloth over the rash for a few minutes. Do this a few times a day if it helps ease your symptoms.
- Use a gentle soap in the shower to clean the area. After you shower, apply a gentle moisturizing cream free of fragrances. Do this while your skin is still damp. Don't use fragranced products such as body washes, soaps and creams on the rash.
- Take care of your skin. Don't scratch the rash.
- Think about recent behaviors that may have caused your rash. Have you tried a new soap? Have you been wearing scratchy clothing? Stop using any new products that may have caused your rash.
Show References
- Menta A, et al. Inflammatory breast cancer: What to know about this unique, aggressive breast cancer. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2018; doi:10.1016/j.suc.2018.03.009.
- Cellulitis. In: Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/bacterial-skin-infections/cellulitis. Accessed Dec. 19, 2023.
- Hives. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-overview. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Micheletti RG, et al. Atopic dermatitis, eczema, and noninfectious immunodeficiency disorders. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin Clinical Atlas. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Micheletti RG, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, recalcitrant palmoplantar eruptions, pustular dermatitis, and erythroderma. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin Clinical Atlas. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Micheletti RG, et al. Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin Clinical Atlas. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions.html. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Rash 101 in adults: When to seek treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/rash-101. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Briggs JK. Rash. In: Triage Protocols for Aging Adults. Wolters Kluwer; 2019.
- Paget disease of the breast. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/paget-breast-fact-sheet. Accessed Jan. 24, 2024.
- Papadakis MA, et al., eds Breast abscess. In: Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. McGraw Hill; 2024. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.
- Candidiasis (mucocutaneous). In: Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/fungal-skin-infections/candidiasis-mucocutaneous. Accessed Jan. 25, 2024.
- Link JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 1, 2024.
April 26, 2024Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/breast-rash/basics/definition/sym-20050817