Yeast infection rash under the breast

Sweat, warmth and rubbing beneath the breast can damage the skin barrier and allow yeast to overgrow. The area may be bright red, tender, damp, cracked or itchy, with small spots beyond the main rash. Intertrigo, eczema, contact allergy and bacterial infection can look much the same. Genital symptoms such as vaginal itching or discharge may occur separately and should not be used to diagnose a breast-fold rash; vulval pain is another distinct symptom.

Rinse gently, pat completely dry and change out of sweaty clothing or bras. Choose a well-fitting, breathable bra and avoid fragranced powders, deodorants and harsh soaps on the fold. A clinician or pharmacist can recommend an antifungal product if yeast is suspected. Apply only as directed and ask first if the skin is broken, you are pregnant, or you take regular medicines. Keeping the fold dry after bathing can reduce ongoing friction and moisture.

Get checked if the rash is painful, cracked, oozing, spreading, recurrent or not improving with appropriate care. Seek prompt help for fever, rapidly expanding redness, marked warmth, pus, a breast lump, nipple discharge, skin dimpling or a new change in the breast itself. Diabetes, immune problems and some medicines can make skin infections harder to clear.

Does this look fungal or could it be eczema or bacterial infection? Do I need a skin swab? How can I protect the fold from moisture and friction while it heals?