WHAT IS THIS RECURRING RASH UNDER MY BREASTS?

Dr Philippa suggests some possible diagnoses and ways to ease the problem

Q I have big breasts and keep getting an itchy rash underneath them. When it comes, I tend to put on a nappy rash cream which does help, but it keeps coming back. What could be going on? A

It is hard to say without seeing the rash but I suspect that it could be intertrigo, which is a common rash found underneath the breasts. It is more commonly seen in people with large breasts, or if you sweat a lot.

The rash occurs where the skin rubs against skin and is more likely to develop if the skin is moist, for example if you become sweaty.

There can also be an infection which can be fungal or bacterial. The rash of intertrigo can be itchy or sore, the skin can look red or look darker than usual and there can be weeping areas or sores. You may also notice an odour.

There are a number of steps that you can take in order to try and prevent intertrigo developing or coming back.

It is important to keep the skin clean and dry. After washing as normal, instead of rubbing the skin dry and potentially irritating the area, pat it with a towel to remove moisture – or even use a hairdryer to dry the skin on a cool setting.

Make sure that you are wearing a well-fitting bra which isn’t rubbing or chafing. Wearing a bra made of natural fibres such as cotton can be helpful, but do ensure that you change and wash your bras regularly.

If you do develop intertrigo, then keep washing and drying as above, but you can also apply a barrier cream such as Vaseline or zinc oxide to help reduce the friction which is causing the rash.

If this doesn’t help, or if you are concerned that you may have developed a bacterial or fungal infection, then please see a pharmacist or your doctor.

Some antifungal creams are available to buy over the counter. However other antifungal and antibiotic creams need to be prescribed by your doctor.

Make sure your bra fits well and change it regularly