Top Causes of Itchy Breasts and How to Find Relief
Published on April 23, 2025
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Occasional itchiness around the breasts can be mildly annoying, but when the itch is constant or distracting, it can become irritating. The itching usually has simple causes, such as dry skin, that can be treated at home. In some cases, though, itchy breasts could be a sign of a health issue requiring medical care.
Below, we’ll cover why your breasts might itch and ways to find relief. We’ll also discuss when to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms.
Common Causes of Itchy Breasts
Your breasts might be itchy due to one of these triggers.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, or xeroderma, is a very common issue, especially prevalent in colder months when the skin loses moisture, says Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. People who report having dry skin were nearly twice as likely to develop itchy skin.
When your skin becomes dry, its natural barrier weakens. This can allow tiny particles from the environment to get into your skin more easily. These particles can trigger your immune system, causing redness and swelling. They can also activate nerves in your skin and create the urge to scratch, says Paul Rosenberg, MD, the head plastic surgeon at New Jersey Breast Reduction Center in Fort Lee.
Several everyday factors can lead to dry skin on your breasts. Taking frequent hot showers or baths can strip away your skin’s natural oils. Living in dry or desert climates can pull moisture from your skin. As you get older, your skin can become thinner and produce less oil, leading to dryness and itching.
Allergic Reactions
If your breasts are suddenly itchy, certain products you use could be to blame. “Allergic reactions to various soaps and skin creams may result in the release of histamine [a chemical the body produces during an allergic reaction], which also causes itching and redness,” explains Dr. Rosenberg.
Other products that can cause allergic reactions include:
- Fragrances
- Perfumes
- Lotion
- Detergents
- Synthetic fabrics in bras
- Metals used in bra clasps
This can trigger contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when something irritates your skin, leading to an itchy and red rash, says Dr. Kopelman.
Skin Conditions
Eczema (a condition that makes the skin red, itchy, and inflamed) and psoriasis (a disorder that causes patches of thick, scaly skin) can also be behind itchy breasts. People with eczema are about four times more likely to have itchy skin, while those with psoriasis are about two times more likely to experience it.
“The symptoms caused by these conditions can be particularly uncomfortable when they occur in areas where the skin folds, like under the breasts,” explains Kopelman.
Skin-to-skin friction and sweat buildup in the crease of the breasts can lead to intertrigo, says Kopelman. With intertrigo, you may notice itching, stinging, and burning in the affected area.
The warm, moist environment beneath the breasts can also create an ideal setting for fungal infections, explains Rosenberg. These infections can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and sometimes develop a rash with small bumps. Ringworm, another fungal infection, on or around the breasts, can also cause itching, Rosenberg adds.
Bacterial infections can be another cause. For example, cellulitis (a skin infection that leads to redness, swelling, and warmth) can develop on the breast, says Kopelman. This can make the skin feel irritated and itchy. Infections can become serious quickly so it’s important to seek prompt medical help for treatment with antibiotics.
Hormonal Changes
Sometimes fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can make the skin more sensitive, says Kopelman. These hormonal changes can also affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, making itchiness more likely.
Postsurgical Itching
If you’ve recently had breast surgery, some itchiness is normal as your body recovers. Postsurgical itching happens as the nerve endings repair themselves and the skin mends, says Kopelman. This type of itching usually improves over time. If it’s severe, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to help with the symptoms.
Medication Side Effects
Some acne treatments, like Accutane (isotretinoin), can reduce the body’s natural oil production. This can result in skin dryness and irritation, explains Rosenberg.
Other common medications can also cause itching as a side effect. Antibiotics like azithromycin (Zithromax) and blood pressure medications like amlodipine (Norvasc) sometimes trigger itchy skin. If you’re on a medication that seems to be causing itching, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives or ways to manage the side effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Itchy skin is common during pregnancy, with about 1 in 5 pregnant women experiencing it at some point. During pregnancy, your breasts grow as they prepare for milk production. This stretching can cause the skin to become tight, dry, sensitive, and more prone to itching.
For women who are breastfeeding, certain conditions can contribute to irritation, says Kopelman. These include mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue), which can cause redness, pain, and itching. Thrush (a yeast infection) may also develop on the nipples, creating intense itchiness.
Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, itchy breasts point to something happening elsewhere in your body. For example, liver or kidney disease can cause itching, which can also occur in the breast, says Kopelman. But these conditions usually cause itching all over the body, not just in one area.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional itchy breasts may be harmless. But if it becomes persistent, severe, or comes with other symptoms, it’s important to get checked out, Kopelman says. Pay attention to these warning signs that should prompt a visit with your healthcare provider:
- A new lump in your breast
- Nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody
- Changes in the skin texture, like thickening or open sores in the breast
- Dimpling of the skin
- A nipple that suddenly pulls inward (inverted)
- Persistent rash that lasts for several weeks
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or tenderness that might mean there’s an infection
- Itching and redness in breasts with implants, which could be a sign of implant rupture
- Intense itching that’s severe enough to disrupt your daily life
- Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments or home remedies
Warning Signs
Most cases of itchy breasts aren’t linked to breast cancer. But Kopelman notes that some rare types of breast cancer can cause itching, such as:
- Paget’s disease of the breast: This rare type of breast cancer affects the nipple and areola, causing persistent itching, redness, flaking, and crusting. These symptoms are often mistaken for eczema.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): An aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and an itchy, rash-like appearance. Unlike common skin conditions, IBC symptoms don’t improve with typical skin care treatments.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these warning signs.
At-Home Treatments for Itchy Breasts
Most cases of itchy breasts can be managed at home with a few adjustments to your routine and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Below are some options to consider.
Lifestyle Changes
You may be able to reduce itchiness by switching fabrics and trying topical treatments. Try the following:
- Use a cool compress. Rosenberg recommends placing a cold or cooled washcloth on the itchy area for quick relief. The cool temperature can help soothe the skin.
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics. Wearing loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton can minimize friction and prevent sweat buildup, both of which can cause itching, Kopelman explains.
- Keep the area dry. If sweat or moisture is an issue, Rosenberg suggests using an absorbent powder to prevent excess dampness, which can lead to irritation or fungal growth.
- Moisturize regularly. For dry skin, Kopelman recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free skin moisturizer.
Over-the-Counter Medications
If home remedies aren’t enough, these OTC options might help:
- Hydrocortisone cream: Hydrocortisone is a steroid that can reduce inflammation caused by your body’s immune response. “If there’s mild redness or irritation, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help calm the skin,” says Kopelman.
- Antifungal creams: If a fungal infection is to blame, Rosenberg suggests using an OTC antifungal cream or ointment like clotrimazole. These work by targeting fungal overgrowth, which can cause persistent itching and irritation.
- Anti-itch lotions: Lotions with colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid are fantastic for soothing dry, irritated skin, says Kopelman.
If home treatments don’t work, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. They can get to the root of the issue and offer an effective treatment. For example, you may need a prescription antibiotic if a bacterial infection is the culprit behind your itchy breasts.
How to Prevent Itchy Breasts
Preventing itchy breasts often means taking steps to protect your skin. Rosenberg recommends avoiding clothing that can cause irritation. For example, certain dyes used in clothing can trigger reactions in people with sensitive skin. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different colored fabrics. If you notice patterns of irritation, avoid those specific colors, especially in bras and shirts. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation.
The products you use matter just as much. Harsh soaps and scented detergents can trigger allergic reactions, Kopelman says. Fragrance-free products can help keep your skin calm and itch-free.
Moisture and pH balance is also important. “Maintaining a healthy pH of your body through proper diet and hydration can be the best prevention,” Rosenberg says. When you bathe, use warm instead of hot water and limit your shower or bath to 5 to 10 minutes to avoid overdrying your skin.
The Takeaway
- Itchy breasts can be caused by hormonal changes, skin dryness, allergic reactions, and environmental irritants like harsh soaps and synthetic fabrics.
- Heat, sweat, and moisture trapped under the breasts can lead to irritation and infections and trigger itching.
- Home remedies such as cool compresses, wearing loose-fitting and breathable fabrics, and over-the-counter creams can help soothe or prevent the itch.
- For persistent itching along with a breast lump, discharge, skin changes, or a rash that won’t go away, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Common Questions & Answers
When should I be worried about itchy breasts?
If the itching is persistent and you notice redness, a lump, discharge, or changes in the breast texture, it’s best to see a healthcare provider. These could be signs of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Can breast cancer cause itching all over the body?
Breast cancer-related itching usually occurs in the breast or nipple area and often comes with other symptoms like skin changes. If you’re itchy all over your body, it’s likely due to another cause, such as allergies or a medical condition.
What hormone causes itchy breasts?
Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause itchy breasts. When these hormones fluctuate during your period, pregnancy, or menopause, they can make your breast skin drier and more sensitive.
Resources We Trust
- Cleveland Clinic: Yeast Infection Under Breast
- Mayo Clinic: Paget’s Disease of the Breast
- Moffitt Cancer Center: Inflammatory Breast Cancer Rash
- American Academy of Dermatology Association: Dry Skin
- NHS Cambridge University Hospitals: Eczema of the Breast or Nipple
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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Meet Our Experts
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.
Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.
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