Why do my breasts itch
Itchy breasts are symptoms that many women experience at some point in their lives. And, given their condition, it is normal to wonder what this symptom is and why it appears. The skin of this area of the female body is very sensitive and most of the time it can feel itchy. Due to rubbing against some type of tissue or coming into contact with some irritating hygiene product. However, itchy breasts can also be associated with hormonal changes, pregnancy, skin conditions, and other types of diseases. So it will always be advisable to take into account all the symptoms that accompany this itch. In the following Healthzigzag article, we answer the question of why my breasts itch and show all the causes. Females can try 5 Proven Home remedies to get rid of a rash under the breasts also.
Itchy breasts: a symptom of pregnancy?
Many women ask themselves the following question: do my breasts itch, will I be pregnant? The truth is that although this symptom is not always a sign of pregnancy. It can be one of the first symptoms that a pregnant woman experiences, in addition to other signs as we will explain below.
In this case, itchy breasts in pregnancy are due to hormonal changes that occur in the female body. The breasts are one of the parts of the body that change the most in pregnancy. Since little by little, they prepare to feed the baby. The main changes that a woman can experience in her breasts during pregnancy are those listed below:
- Tickling, tenderness, or discomfort to the touch and swelling due to the increase in female hormones and the accumulation of fat that occurs during the first weeks of pregnancy.
- The skin of the nipple and darker areola.
- Itchy breasts and stretch marks: the breasts are growing and the skin is stretched causing the appearance of stretch marks and itching in the area.
- Bluish veins are more notorious for increased blood supply to the breasts.
- Secretions around 12 to 14 weeks of gestation: Colostrum is secreted, which is the fluid that will nourish the baby right after delivery and before the breasts start producing breast milk.
To alleviate itchy breasts during pregnancy, measures such as the following can be implemented:
- Very well hydrate the skin of the breasts and nipples by applying moisturizers. It is best to buy lotion in the pharmacy, creams containing shea butter, vitamin E, almond oil, etc. are good options.
- Use bras made of natural and breathable fabrics.
- Avoid the use of soaps and gels that are irritating or that can cause dry skin.
Why breasts itch in adolescence
During the puberty stage, adolescent girls may also feel itchy breasts due to breast development and growth as breast tissues expand to their new size. Therefore, it is normal to experience a certain itching sensation in the breasts during their growth. Since the skin, although elastic, requires a period of time to adapt to the new changes that the body is undergoing.
These itches usually tend to disappear after about 1 year. In the event that they are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness or skin rash. It is advisable to go to the doctor, as it could be an indication of an allergy.
Read Also: Causes of pain under the chest
An itchy single nipple from breast cancer
Among the most serious causes of itchy breasts, we can find some types of breast cancer such as the so-called Paget’s disease of the breast. Although it is important to note that it is rare cancer. This usually affects the skin of the nipple and the areola and most patients who suffer from it usually also have one or two tumors inside the affected chest.
- In the following Healthzigzag article, we showcase other Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment.
The main symptoms of Paget disease of the breast are as follows:
- Itching or tickling of the nipple or areola.
- Redness
- Scaly, crusty, or thicker skin on or around the nipple.
- Flat nipple.
- Nipple discharge, which is usually yellow or bloody.
Itchy nipple before the period
Many women claim to feel itchy nipples and breasts before the arrival of their menstruation. Which can happen due to the hormonal changes that the female body experiences during the menstrual cycle… In addition, the itch is usually accompanied by pain, inflammation, and great sensitivity. These symptoms usually appear when the estrogen and progesterone levels are higher. Which is usually towards the middle of the cycle, and which tend to disappear with the arrival of the period.
Some of the tips that can help relieve chest pain and itching before your period are:
- Apply warm water compresses to the breasts for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Massage the breasts by applying a little evening primrose oil.
- Soak some gauze pads with apple cider vinegar and place them on the breasts for about 15 minutes.
- Wear a bra made of natural fabrics and the appropriate size.
- Take a calming and anti-inflammatory infusion such as rosemary, dong Quai, or thyme.
Itchy breasts due to skin conditions
Some skin conditions or diseases may also answer the question of why my breasts itch. Some of the most frequent are the following:
- Contact dermatitis: when the skin comes into contact with certain components of chemicals or some types of tissues, an allergic reaction may occur and, consequently, symptoms such as itchy breasts, redness, irritation, and rash may appear. This could be triggered by frequent use of laundry detergents, soaps, gels, perfumes, deodorants, synthetic fibers from bras, etc. It is important to identify what is causing the allergy to prevent further contact with the skin of the breasts.
- Atopic dermatitis: a chronic condition that causes a skin rash or blisters in the affected area. Which can drain fluid and form a scab… Other symptoms are intense itching, inflammation, dry skin, and redness. It is not very common that it manifests in the breasts, but in this case, it is necessary to consult a professional dermatologist and start the treatment indicated.
- Psoriasis: a disease that affects the skin and occurs when there is a problem in the immune system, which attacks healthy tissues by mistake. When an outbreak of psoriasis experienced, red, scaly spots appear on the affected area, in addition to itching, dryness, and thicker skin. In the following article, we explain in detail how to treat psoriasis.
- Dry skin: When the skin of the breasts is excessively dry and suffers from a lack of hydration, it is possible for itching to appear, in addition to possible irritations and skin rashes. It is important to keep the skin of the whole body well hydrated both internally and externally, so we must apply moisturizers after the shower and try to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water a day.
Itchy breasts during breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, another possible cause of itchy breasts is postpartum mastitis, which is inflammation of the mammary gland due to a blocked milk duct. In addition, an infection can occur if the germs in the tissues of the inflamed area activated and proliferate.
Mastitis usually causes symptoms such as pain, itchy breasts, redness, swelling, and tenderness. There may also be cases in which the patient has a fever and fatigue. Antibiotic treatment must be started to cure mastitis and this must be prescribed by a specialist doctor. To try to relieve symptoms, you can gently massage the affected breast or apply gauze soaked with an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial infusion such as thyme. Published By Healthzigzag.com
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