BREAST ITCHING: WHY IT APPEARS, COMMON CAUSES AND PATHOLOGIES

Breast itching may be due to non-alarming and normal reasons in every woman's life, such as the type of bra she is wearing, the coming of her period, breastfeeding or pregnancy. But in some (rare) cases there is a disease behind this symptom. Before delving into the matter together, take a "look at the video below to learn the right movements and perform a proper breast self-examination.

Symptoms of itchy breasts

The breast area is extremely delicate and in the case of women it can go through particular periods in which an annoying itch appears. C "it must be said that men can also be subject to itching in the breasts, but in their case it will only be the area of the pectoral muscles that is affected. Let's try to understand what are the symptoms to recognize.

Swelling, tension, painful area are among the very first symptoms related to itching of the breast and often at the base there are hormonal changes such as those typical of the days before the menstrual cycle.
Redness and burning are also symptoms that can appear related to itching of the breast area, especially if an allergic reaction is in progress.
During adolescence, small itchy pimples may appear on the nipples and breasts.
Spots, bubbles with liquid and red dots, on the other hand, indicate a viral infection and cause itching.
In some cases, white discharge from the nipple may be seen and itchy.
Among other common symptoms there is nausea, closely linked to the beginning of a pregnancy: also in this case the breasts swell and can itch.

Breast itching: pathological causes

The causes related to itching in the breast are different and differ in pathological and non-pathological. Let's see what they are.

Skin disorders
Psoriasis, dermatitis and chickenpox are just a few examples of skin diseases that can cause itching in the breasts, as well as in many other areas of the body.

Allergies
Allergies can be of various types: food, seasonal, to insect bites or animal hair and often manifest themselves with itching that can also affect the breast. In other cases we speak of localized allergies when using products that contain substances to which you are allergic, or when you have introduced a breast implant with a special breast intervention.

Mycosis
Breast itching, redness and blemishes are typical of mycosis, an infection caused by fungi or molds such as candida.

Mastitis
Mastitis can affect breast tissue during breastfeeding and is a very common inflammatory disease among new mothers, of bacterial origin, causing itching, discharge and swelling.

Cancer
Cancer is a disease that can also affect the breast, initially manifesting without any type of symptoms. In a second stage, however, it could from the place to itch. There is a rare form of breast cancer known as Paget's disease that affects the ducts through which breast milk passes, causing itching and whitish discharge.

Causes not related to any disease

Feeding time
Breastfeeding can cause itching, irritation and inflammation of the breast tissue, especially in the area of the nipple which is continuously stressed.

Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are normal for all women: they occur during the menstrual cycle, during ovulation, at the beginning of pregnancy, shortly before menopause or after an abortion. In all these cases the much hated itching in the breast can appear.

Skin dryness
If the skin on the breast is extremely dry and dehydrated it can begin to peel and cause itching.

Sweat
Sweating can be the cause of itchy breasts, but we are talking about intense sweating due to exercise or seasonal scorching heat.

Surgical intervention
If you have resorted to surgery such as breast augmentation, the insertion of the prosthesis inside the breast can cause itching especially in the days immediately following the operation.

Radiotherapy
If breast cancer has made it necessary to undergo some radiation therapy sessions, this particular treatment may be the cause of the itchy breasts.

Natural remedies to eliminate itchy breasts

Aloe Vera - the ideal against itchy breasts thanks to its refreshing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is available on the market in the form of a gel to be spread delicately on the affected area.
Calendula - a calendula cream can be useful in case of itchy breasts especially because thanks to its emollient properties it is able to soothe itching and irritation.
Tee Tree Oil - the essential oil of tea tree is useful against infections and counteracts itching very well. It can be applied to the breasts with the help of a cotton swab.
Chamomile - we all have some at home and just create an infusion to apply locally with a cotton pad to soothe the itchy breasts.
Peppermint - thanks to the cooling properties of menthol, this product can soothe itchy breasts in minutes.
Lavender - its infusion as well as the essential oil are rich in active ingredients perfect for soothing itching even in delicate areas such as breasts and nipples.
Oats - 3 to 4 tablespoons of oats added to the bath water will act to soothe the itch.
Bicarbonate - the same applies to oats, but you can also create a compress by mixing a couple of tablespoons with water to obtain a paste, and apply the mixture locally.
Vinegar - valid home remedy for itchy breasts, but not only. Just dip a cotton pad in the vinegar and dab the area affected by the discomfort, without rinsing.
Shea Butter - extremely moisturizing and nourishing, useful for soothing dry skin, preventing it from flaking and causing itching.

Breast itching: what medications to take if it persists

Antihistamine
If the cause of itchy breasts is an allergy, taking an antihistamine drug may help, but only with a doctor's prescription.

Cortisone
A cortisone-based cream is only recommended if the itchy breasts are caused by dermatological diseases. Get advice from your GP.

Antibiotic
The doctor usually prescribes the antibiotic for women with mastitis. In this way even the itch will be a distant memory.

Antifungal
There are also antifungal creams on the market to be used under medical advice and only in the presence of fungal infections.