# Boob rash, it's a thing **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 28, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433 "2017-04-28T13:07:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/1 "2017-04-28T13:07:22Z")
As a heavy busted woman, I never knew about this until recently. Itchy red under boob rash-horrible. And embarrassing and hard to treat per my dermatologist. It was my hideous secret. Until I mentioned it to my also zaftig sister. Apparently among women of bosomness, this is a thing. I’ve been more open about it now, and yes, lots of women suffer with this. So, if you’ve had it or get it, how long to finally get rid of it? Treatments, things that relieve it? ---
**Author:** ![Tranquilis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tranquilis/32/3639_2.png) [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/2 "2017-04-28T14:30:33Z")
**Intaglio** (my wife) is well-endowed. She would empathize. Normally, she works on prevention - preventing moisture buildup, keeping certain areas scrupulously clean, lanolin-heavy lotions, etc. She’s been known to use witch hazel (:eek:) should it happen, and be particualrly bad. Yes, she’s a tough one. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/3 "2017-04-28T14:39:48Z")
I am not a dermatologist, nor do I own boobs, but I would suspect that this could be a [tinea infection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea), which is the same thing (a fungus) that causes athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm, etc. and can be found anywhere on the body that regularly stays at a certain temperature and humidity, which tends to be places where skin touches skin. You’ll find all/most the anti-fungal sprays, creams and powders in the foot-care section, where its most commonly used for treatment of athlete’s foot. You’ll want something with an active ingredient ending in -azole. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/4 "2017-04-28T14:43:22Z")
If it was tinea, the dermatologist probably would have said so. Wearing a structured bra instead of an all-elastic one helps somewhat, I’ve found. Keep things lifted and separated as much as possible. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/5 "2017-04-28T14:58:20Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > If it was tinea, the dermatologist probably would have said so. > > Wearing a structured bra instead of an all-elastic one helps somewhat, I’ve found. Keep things lifted and separated as much as possible. You’d think. But I wouldn’t count on it. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/6 "2017-04-28T15:04:17Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > You’ll want something with an active ingredient ending in -azole. I thought that was for treating hemorrhoids. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/7 "2017-04-28T15:13:09Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > I thought that was for treating hemorrhoids. Not sure if a joke, but… [Antifungal - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifungal_medication#Imidazole.2C_triazole.2C_and_thiazole_antifungals) ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/8 "2017-04-28T15:35:00Z")
Deodorant is what I use to prevent it. Either spray on or just the stick type. Try baby powder first to try and calm down the rash a bit first before using that though. Or even diaper rash cream cause that’s essentially what it is. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/9 "2017-04-28T15:37:20Z")
Not only does my wife use anti-perspirant in her pits, she also uses it under her boobs when the weather is warm. In cooler weather, it’s just her body powder. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/10 "2017-04-28T17:42:46Z")
Lifted and separated, as mentioned. I also powder the girls to keep things dry. I use [Lady Monkey Butt](http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/home/9-lady-powder) or a Burt’s Bees product. I have been known to carry a small bottle in my purse and do a mid-day re-application to keep things chafe-free and dry. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/11 "2017-04-28T18:16:34Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > Lifted and separated, as mentioned. I also powder the girls to keep things dry. I use [Lady Monkey Butt](http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/home/9-lady-powder) or a Burt’s Bees product. I have been known to carry a small bottle in my purse and do a mid-day re-application to keep things chafe-free and dry. I was just coming in to mention this, which I’ve recently seen suggested for underboob rash (possibly on this Board). ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/12 "2017-04-28T18:35:10Z")
Well, if it is fungal, you might NOT want to be putting anything corn-starch based on it. Another more topically specific link, for those still dubious that it’s a thing: > **[Breast Fungus (Itchy Fungal Rash) Causes, Pictures, Treatment – Phaa.com](http://www.phaa.com/breast-fungus-treatment-itchy-fungal-rash-under-the-breast.htm)** ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/13 "2017-04-28T20:31:05Z")
If the “rash” is really due to a fungus, then it’s similar to a condition I had as a kid, only in my crotch and underarms (also hot, sweaty body parts). There are lots of these, but mine was _Tinea Versicolor_: > **[Tinea versicolor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea_versicolor)** > > Tinea versicolor (also pityriasis versicolor) is a condition characterized by a skin eruption on the trunk and proximal extremities. The majority of tinea versicolor is caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa, although Malassezia furfur is responsible for a small number of cases. These yeasts are normally found on the human skin and become troublesome only under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment, although the exact conditions that cause initiation of the diseas The cond... In my case, I was told that it was caused by \*Malassezia furfur \*, which the Wikipedia article says causes it for " a small number of cases". I’m just lucky, I guess. In any event, it proved monstrously tenacious. Selenium Sulfide failed to dislodge it, as did ultraviolet treatments and some clear stuff that smelled like hydrogen sulfide (and which I’ve long suspected of being a placebo). It wasn’t until I was an adult and went back to get it eradicated that the doctor gave me some modern, industrial-strength antifungal creams. That pretty much killed it. If your case is tinea versicolor, rather than simple irritation or some more pliable wimpy fungus, you might have to do the same. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/14 "2017-04-28T21:14:50Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > Not only does my wife use anti-perspirant in her pits, she also uses it under her boobs when the weather is warm. In cooler weather, it’s just her body powder. I do the same. ---
**Author:** ![Periwinkle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Periwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Periwinkle)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/15 "2017-04-28T21:36:40Z")
Oh boy, this is definitely a relevant topic for me. I have dealt with this for years. I think there are two types of irritations. One is a yeast infection from the warmth/moisture, the other is irritation from the abrasiveness of the bra band. My skin has become more sensitive over time so I have to manage this carefully to avoid a painful problem. I’m sure you know it’s critical to keep the area clean and dry. I always use antiperspirant there, sometimes it’s Secret soft solid and sometimes Dove dry spray. If there are any areas of irritation I cover them with anti yeast cream before spraying the antiperspirant, as those shouldn’t be used on broken skin. For the anti yeast cream, just get the stuff for vaginal yeast infections and throw away the applicators. I also wear a soft cotton tank under my bra, I have a bunch of these and wash them after every wearing as with any other underwear. I think this is a huge help to avoid problems. You could try an anti chafing ointment instead of the tank and see if that works, but I really need that layer between the bra and my skin. If things are very inflamed, apply a thick coating of the anti yeast cream, then lay gauze or a soft white paper towel over it, then the tanK. I hope this helps! ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/16 "2017-04-28T21:40:05Z")
> [@AngelSoft](#): > > Deodorant is what I use to prevent it. Either spray on or just the stick type. Try baby powder first to try and calm down the rash a bit first before using that though. Or even diaper rash cream cause that’s essentially what it is. I use deodorant on my man bits to keep from getting a rash down there. You have to be careful which one you you though. Certain types can be sticky and cause more problems rather than solve any. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/17 "2017-04-28T22:09:02Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > I am not a dermatologist, nor do I own boobs, but I would suspect that this could be a [tinea infection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea), which is the same thing (a fungus) that causes athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm, etc. and can be found anywhere on the body that regularly stays at a certain temperature and humidity, which tends to be places where skin touches skin. > > You’ll find all/most the anti-fungal sprays, creams and powders in the foot-care section, where its most commonly used for treatment of athlete’s foot. You’ll want something with an active ingredient ending in -azole. No boobs for me either - but I sometimes get a similar condition at the tops and bottoms of my ears, where they connect to my head. [Tinactin (powder for athlete’s foot)](https://www.tinactin.com/get-the-products.html) takes care of it; I’d recommend the same treatment for the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/18 "2017-04-28T22:51:51Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > Lifted and separated, as mentioned. I also powder the girls to keep things dry. I use [Lady Monkey Butt](http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/home/9-lady-powder) or a Burt’s Bees product. I have been known to carry a small bottle in my purse and do a mid-day re-application to keep things chafe-free and dry. Oh, man, my sister’s birthday is coming up and she would _kill_ me … ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/19 "2017-04-28T23:07:29Z")
The bottle _is_ pretty funny. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2017, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433/20 "2017-04-28T23:18:09Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > I am not a dermatologist, nor do I own boobs, but I would suspect that this could be a [tinea infection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea), which is the same thing (a fungus) that causes athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm, etc. and can be found anywhere on the body that regularly stays at a certain temperature and humidity, which tends to be places where skin touches skin. > > You’ll find all/most the anti-fungal sprays, creams and powders in the foot-care section, where its most commonly used for treatment of athlete’s foot. You’ll want something with an active ingredient ending in -azole. I was going to suggest the same thing, on top of keeping the area clean and dry. This kind of thing alone is often enough for health insurance to cover a breast reduction. 🆒 Don’t use steroids (i.e. hydrocortisone) on it unless a doctor has prescribed them. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boob-rash-its-a-thing/785433.md?page=2)