Rash on breasts

[Leids]

Hi ladies! I've developed a very itchy rash on my breasts. The rash has been there for a couple of weeks but I didn't pay too much mind to it due to other medical issues I've been having since childbirth.

It kind of looks like hives, and is driving me bonkers now. The rash isn't in the nipple/areola area, and there's no increased soreness when feeding or anything. The only thing I can find is about mastitis, but I don't have a fever and aside from wanting to scratch my boobs off I feel completely fine.

Does anyone know what this could be? I do have an appointment on Wednesday with my OB but am curious if anyone else has had this.

 

[Lownthwaite]

Have you changed washing powder / softener?

Have you used just one type of breast pad since birth? Maybe try changing brands see if it's a reaction to them?

Are you changing damp breast pads regularly enough? Itchy and rashy is a common side effect of leaving damp pads against the skin too long.

 

[TigerLady]

All those things. Plus read this:

https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/breastfeeding/816776-hives-breastfeeding.html

 

[Maxy1]

Good on you for posting a pic - now I can honestly say YES!! I have that exact same rash!! I have tried so many things and tbh the only thing that helps me from scratching it til it bleeds is to moisturise it twice a day, every morning and every night with a good quality shea butter (obviously not near a feed time and not on the areaola).

i read somewhere that it may be a hormone rash, because mine gets so much more itchy immediately after a feed when the hormone levels are high to trigger more milk production to re-load the breast.

 

[summer rain]

My mum had a rash like this and it keeps recurring (she obviously isn't BFing at her age ); for her it is caused by yeast/thrush aka candida, it isn't sore just itches and looks like hives or a contact dermatitis type rash. xx

 

[lazer12]

I had a rash on both breasts right after birth for about a week. Looked pretty similar and seemed to be almost exactly where the shields of my breast pump was so I thought contact dermatitis. I washed after every pump session but they itched any time I breastfed because of letdown/tingling. I think it was either dermatitis, hormones, or sensitivity to stretching/engorgement. Regardless, a lactation specialist said I could use hydrocortisone cream and it really helped. I stopped messing with it (easier said than done) and used the cream. Good luck

 

[nevernormal]

I know this is old, but Leids what ever happened with this? What did your OB say? I've been dealing with a similar rash for a couple of weeks. It wasn't terribly itchy to begin with but seems to be getting worse as time goes on. But it's not spreading to the baby or other parts of my body.

 

[Calibeachbum]

@ never normal I just got over this. Mine was a yeast rash. I started taking probiotics, rubbed coconut oil on them (has anti fungal properties), washed them with Selson blue shampoo and used an anti fungal cream 2x a day. Cleared up in 2 days but still continued treatment for 2 weeks. Also boil your pump shields.

 

[nevernormal]

I wasn't pumping when it started. I have pumped twice in the past couple of days but those were literally the first times I've ever pumped. Of course it makes sense to sterilize them again but I guess I should've clarified that. While it may be in a place where a pump is more likely to touch, pumping has nothing to do with it for me.