Causes of Itchy Breasts

Itchy breasts are not uncommon and are usually a symptom of noncancerous conditions like dry skin or mastitis. However, there are some serious causes, including inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease—two rare forms of breast cancer.

If you have itchy breasts, it can be distracting and uncomfortable, for you—and your scratching can lead to bleeding or other complications. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment to relieve your symptoms.

Read on to find out the different causes of itchy breasts, and how to treat them.

Noncancerous Causes

While cancer is a possible reason for itchy breasts, it's usually not the cause. There are many possibilities your healthcare provider may consider first. Itchy breasts can be a sign of a health problem, can result in persistent discomfort, and can be effectively treated.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that most commonly affects people who are breastfeeding, but people with breasts who are not nursing can develop it as well. It may cause a fever, breast pain, redness, warmth, and itching. You may also have a generalized feeling of being sick if you have mastitis.

It is treated with antibiotics, and if your symptoms do not begin to improve within a week, further tests may be done to look for a different cause.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is very common and can occur if you are dehydrated or as a result of cold weather. You may also just be prone to dry skin. Usually, when dry skin causes itchy breasts, the skin in other areas of the body is dry or itchy too.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a rash due to inflammation of the skin. It can be triggered by an allergic reaction to something that your skin has been exposed to, or it may occur without a trigger. Common culprits include new clothes, detergents, perfumes, lotions, and shampoos.

You may be able to prevent dermatitis by using products made for sensitive skin, which usually do not contain irritants such as perfume or dye. Also, be aware that, although it's not common, the nickel in underwire bras can cause an allergic reaction for some women.

Atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema, is a skin condition that usually occurs without a trigger. People with asthma or hay fever may also have atopic dermatitis.

Yeast Infection

The skin underneath and on the sides of the breasts can become moist, allowing an overgrowth of yeast that can cause itching.

You might find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, or your healthcare provider can prescribe a prescription-strength antifungal medication.

To prevent yeast growth under the breasts, it helps to wear bras that are made of a breathable fabric, like cotton. Wearing a comfortable and supportive bra, even during sleep, can prevent skinfolds from trapping sweat and moisture.

After showering, make sure that the area under your breasts is completely dry before putting on a bra. If you work out, be sure to select an athletic bra that's made of fabric that keeps sweat and moisture away from the skin, and change promptly after your session.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky scales on the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the breasts, However, the breasts are not the most common location of the psoriasis patches. Psoriasis can be treated with phototherapy (light therapy) or topical medications.

Heat Rash

A heat rash can result from extreme heat exposure, very heavy or tight clothes, and sweating. Some people develop a heat rash that affects the whole body, and it may resolve on its own, or it can be treated with drying powders.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes that increase the size of the breasts can cause painful or itchy breasts. This includes conditions such as puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weaning. Generally, this problem lasts for several days to several weeks. It usually is not accompanied by a rash or discoloration of the breasts.

Postsurgical Reaction

If you have had recent breast surgery, itching can be a normal part of the healing process. Also, because it stretches the skin to accommodate implants, breast augmentation surgery can cause itchiness.

Most people find that the itching goes away within a few months after surgery. If itchiness is persistent and intolerable, you should consult your surgeon or your primary care provider. 

Itchy Breasts and Breast Cancer

Lumps aren't the only potential symptom of breast cancer. Itchiness, as well as other skin changes, can signal two rare types of breast cancer: inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease.

IBC accounts for 2% to 4% of breast cancer cases in the United States. It spreads rapidly and often isn't recognized until it reaches an advanced stage.

Additional signs and symptoms of IBC include:

• Reddening of the skin
• Dimpling or pitting of the skin, which is described as peau d'orange because the breast can look like an orange peel due to a blocked lymphatic system
• Breast pain
• Swelling, thickening, or sudden growth not related to puberty or weight gain
• One breast looking larger than the other because of swelling
• One breast feeling harder than the other
• One breast feeling warmer and heavier than the other
• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Paget's disease is responsible for 1% to 4% of breast cancer cases. The symptoms are easily confused with eczema or other causes of skin irritation.

Paget's disease symptoms include:

• Red, thick, or crusted lesion on the nipple that resembles eczema
• Pain and/or tingling in the nipple or areola
• Nipple changes or deformities, such as retraction or inversion
• Yellow or bloody discharge from nipples

If you develop breast itching that lasts longer than a few weeks and is accompanied by any symptoms of IBC or Paget's disease, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Summary

Itchy breasts can occur for various reasons and rarely indicate breast cancer. Mastitis, hormonal changes, yeast infections, dermatitis, and nursing are all noncancerous causes of itchy breasts. Cancers that are known to cause itchy breasts include IBC and Paget's disease.

Taking care of your breasts is important. Talk with your healthcare provider about changes in your breasts or the skin around them. Even if the condition isn't dangerous, you may need treatment. And getting relief from your discomfort is important.

A Word From Verywell

Fortunately, itching is rarely a sign of breast cancer. However, having itchy breasts can be a sign of infection. And scratching can lead to redness and bleeding, and may even cause an infection. Paying attention to your breasts, such as with breast self-exams, annual gynecologic visits, and regular mammograms, can keep you up-to-date on any changes in your breasts so you can seek a prompt diagnosis and treatment if something is not right.