What should you know about a rash on your breast?

Warm, moist skin under the breast can become irritated in Intertrigo, with redness, soreness or cracking in the fold. Contact Dermatitis may follow a new bra fabric, detergent, fragrance or topical product. Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis can affect breast skin as part of a wider pattern. Heat Rash may cause prickly bumps after sweating, while Ringworm can form a scaly edge. A rash involving the nipple or areola, especially with discharge, crusting, a new inward change, a lump or one-sided persistence, needs a clinician's assessment. The rash alone does not identify its cause.

Rinse gently, pat the fold dry and choose a clean, breathable, well-fitting bra. Change out of damp clothing and avoid fragranced products, new creams and vigorous rubbing. Do not use a combination cream or borrow medication from someone else. Photograph the area and record whether it is itchy, painful, weeping, scaly or linked to a new product. If breastfeeding, mention this when seeking advice so treatment can be selected safely for you and the baby.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, marked swelling, skin peeling or feeling very unwell. Arrange prompt medical review for a hot tender breast, pus, red streaking, a new lump, bloody discharge, nipple inversion or a rash that does not settle. Do not delay assessment of a persistent one-sided nipple or breast change.

Ask whether the rash is in a skin fold or involves the nipple, whether a swab or other test is useful, which products to stop, and what breast changes should prompt a faster review.