12 Treatments for Itchy Boobs & Nipples

Do your breasts or nipples feel itchy, irritated, or uncomfortable? Feeling an itchiness in your breasts is a common problem that many of us experience, but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable! Fortunately, by nailing down the cause of your itchy breasts, you can address the problem and stop the itching for good. Some ways to treat itchy breasts include moisturizing, avoiding certain perfumes, and even changing up your bathing routine. To learn why your breasts and nipples are itchy and how to treat them, read on.

Things You Should Know

Itchy breasts and nipples are usually caused by non-serious issues, like dry skin, hormonal changes, or detergents.
Treat your itchy breasts by moisturizing and hydrating your skin with lotion.
Address any underlying skin conditions, like fungal infections or eczema, to get rid of the itchiness.
In rare cases, itchy breasts may be a sign of health problems. If you’re concerned, make an appointment with your doctor.

1

Dry skin

Download Article

Use lotion to soothe dry, itchy skin. During dry weather, the skin on your breasts and around your nipples may become chafed and itchy. If that’s the case, use a moisturizing lotion or ointment to hydrate your skin and stop the itchiness.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Thick, creamy moisturizers, such as Eucerin and Cetaphil, may be more effective at moisturizing than thinner lotions. Petroleum jelly is also thick enough to moisturize your skin well, and is very cheap.
- To prevent further itchiness, take warm showers instead of hot showers. Hot water dehydrates your skin and can make itching worse.

2

Fungal infection

Download Article

Treat fungal infections with antifungal cream. If you have a red, itchy rash underneath or on your breasts, you may have a fungal infection. Treat the area with an over the counter antifungal cream daily, and be sure to keep your breasts clean, dry, and sweat-free.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Fungus tends to accumulate in dark, moist parts of the body. The space underneath your breasts is the perfect breeding ground for fungus, especially during hot weather.
- If you use antifungal cream for 1 to 2 weeks and see no improvement, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose your rash and prescribe something stronger if need-be.

3

Pregnancy

Download Article

Moisturize your breasts to soothe itching during pregnancy. When you become pregnant, the hormonal changes in your body cause your breasts to swell, which can make your breasts or nipples very itchy. To combat this itchiness, apply a fragrance-free lotion to your breasts and nipples every day. Be sure to wear a comfortable, well-fitting bra to avoid chafing or rubbing your nipples further.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Always apply lotion and ointment after showering to lock in hydrating and prevent further itchiness.
- For extreme itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream to your breasts.
- Breastfeeding can also cause nipple pain and itching.

4

Menstrual cycle

Download Article

Itchy breasts could mean you’re about to start your period. While most of us experience pain right before our period, that pain can sometimes present as itching or discomfort. If you notice that your breasts or nipples itch a few days prior to your period, it’s just the hormones in your body fluctuating.^{[4]XResearch source} Use lotion to hydrate your skin, and take a pain reliever to combat discomfort.
- Puberty and menopause can also cause nipple and breast itching due to the hormonal changes that come with them.

5

Soap or detergent

Download Article

Switch to fragrance-free products to avoid allergens. If you’re trying out a new laundry detergent or body wash and your breasts are itching, you may be having an allergic reaction. Look for fragrance-free soaps and detergents that won’t irritate the sensitive skin on your breasts or nipples. In the meantime, take an antihistamine to reduce swelling and itching on and around your breasts.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Until your itchiness goes away, soothe your skin with a fragrance-free lotion.

6

Friction

Download Article

Wear loose, cotton undergarments for fast relief. Chafing can cause nipples and breasts to itch. If you often wear tight undergarments or bras, switch to cotton bras that are breathable. Apply an anti-chafing cream to reduce friction and soothe your skin.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Be sure you’re wearing the right size bra, too. A poorly fitted bra could be putting pressure on your breasts or nipples, causing them discomfort. Measure your bra size at home before heading to the store and picking out a new bra.

7

Eczema

Download Article

Treat eczema with thick lotion. You can also try an over-the-counter steroid cream. Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy skin in many parts of the body. If you have eczema elsewhere, you may be experiencing eczema on your breasts. Apply thick salves to your breast once a day to soothe and hydrate your skin.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- If you have never been diagnosed with eczema before, make an appointment with your doctor. They can look at your breasts and diagnose the issue to be sure you’re treating the right condition.

8

Psoriasis

Download Article

See a doctor to treat psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis, which presents on the groins, armpits, or breasts, is usually purple in color and may be itchy. If you’ve noticed any spots on your breasts that are dark or discolored, make an appointment with your doctor. They can prescribe you topical medication to reduce itching and discomfort.^{[8]XResearch source}
- You’re much more likely to develop inverse psoriasis if you have psoriasis on other parts of your body.

9

Hypothyroidism

Download Article

Make an appointment with your doctor to treat an overactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism has many symptoms, one of which is itchy skin that can present on the breasts or nipples. If you think you have hypothyroidism, make an appointment with your doctor and ask them to do blood work. If you do have hypothyroidism, your doctor will likely prescribe you a hormone therapy treatment. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:^{[9]XResearch source}
- Fatigue
- Frequent bowel movements
- Sleep problems
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Weight changes

10

Medication

Download Article

Check the side effects of your medication to see if it causes itchy skin. If you’ve just started a new prescription or changed medications, your itchy breasts could be a side effect of that. Talk to your doctor about your medication to see if itchy skin is a possible side effect.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Medications like cancer treatments, aspirin, blood pressure medication, and opioids are known to cause itchy skin.
- If your itchy skin is caused by your medication, you can work with your doctor to adjust the dosage and lessen the side effects.

11

Paget’s disease

Download Article

Paget's disease is very rare, developing in 1% to 4% of all breast cancers. Paget's disease is a condition that looks very similar to psoriasis or eczema of the nipple and may be itchy. Paget’s disease typically only affects 1 breast or nipple, and you may also experience pain or discharge.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceNational Cancer InstituteAn agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient supportGo to source} If you believe you have Paget’s disease, make an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis.
- Most people with Paget's disease of the breast have at least one tumor in the breast, and about half of them have a lump that can be physically felt during a breast exam.
- Paget's disease is diagnosed by tissue biopsy. It is sometimes diagnosed late since the symptoms present like common skin conditions.
- Treatment of Paget’s disease typically includes surgery and radiation therapy.

12

Cancer

Download Article

In rare cases, itchy breasts may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer is very rare. It occurs in only 1% to 4% of all types of breast cancer, and often presents with itchy breasts. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience changes in the skin and breast tissue, pain, swelling, redness, or dimpling of the skin.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Cancer SocietyNonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and supportGo to source}
- You may feel a warm or hardened area under the skin, and you may also experience discharge from your nipple.
- The nipple may also be inverted, or pulled inward.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Most causes of itchy breasts and nipples are not serious and can be treated at home. If you’re concerned about your itchy breasts, make an appointment with your doctor.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!