Intertrigo between the breasts: what to know

Intertrigo develops where skin touches skin and stays warm or damp. Under the breasts, sweat, rubbing, tight clothing, and breast movement can weaken the surface and cause soreness, redness, stinging, itching, cracking, or an unpleasant smell. A yeast infection can grow in the damaged, moist fold; this is called cutaneous candidiasis. The appearance may be different across skin tones, so a clinician may assess texture, tenderness, scale, and any drainage rather than relying on redness alone.

A rash may also come from contact irritation, eczema, or another infection. More detail about the condition is available under [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/) and [Skin Yeast Infection](/conditions/cutaneous-candidiasis/).

Wash the fold with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat it completely dry. Change out of damp clothing, choose breathable fabrics, and use a clean, soft barrier between touching surfaces if it reduces rubbing. Avoid scrubbing, perfumed products, and applying steroid cream without medical advice, because these can aggravate or mask an infection. A pharmacist or clinician may recommend [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) when yeast is suspected. If sweating repeatedly triggers the problem, ask whether [Prescription Antiperspirant](/treatments/medical-dermatology/prescription-antiperspirant/) is suitable.

Arrange medical review if the rash is spreading, very painful, cracked, oozing, foul-smelling, or not improving with careful drying. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly increasing warmth or swelling, pus, red streaks, or feeling unwell. Recurrent episodes deserve assessment because moisture control alone may not address yeast, bacterial infection, allergy, or another skin disorder.

Ask whether the appearance fits intertrigo, whether yeast or bacteria should be treated, and which product is safe for broken skin. Mention new deodorants, fabrics, medicines, sweating, diabetes, or repeated episodes; these details can change the recommended plan.