Intertrigo (rash under the breast)

A rash or soreness under your breasts or between the folds of skin is usually caused by a benign (not cancer) skin condition called intertrigo.

It's a very common condition that can affect anyone at any age. But it can be more common in women who have larger breasts or who are more physically active.

You may hear it called candida intertrigo.

An itchy red or reddish-brown rash under the breast or between the folds of skin is one of the most common symptoms of intertrigo.

Intertrigo can affect one or both breasts or armpits.

Other symptoms of intertrigo include:

• Raw, itchy or weeping skin with or without a smell
• Dry, scaly or cracked skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Prickling sensation on the skin
• Swelling, sores and blisters

Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. For some people, intertrigo can affect their quality of life.

The main causes of intertrigo are:

• Moisture such as sweating
• Heat
• Lack of air circulating
• Friction and chafing between skin folds, where skin rubs against skin
• Some health conditions, such as diabetes

Intertrigo can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.

Intertrigo can happen anywhere on the body where skin rubs against skin, such as between the thighs, the underside of the belly or the armpits.

If you think you have intertrigo, speak to your GP or pharmacist. There are other skin conditions that look similar.

How the rash is treated depends on how severe it is and what’s causing it.

Treatment aims to:

• Reduce the rubbing of skin on skin
• Keep the area dry
• Reduce inflammation and moisture
• Treat any infection and stop it spreading

Your GP or pharmacist may suggest treatments such as:

• Barrier cream
• Steroid cream
• Anti-fungal powder or cream
• Antiseptic wash
• Antibiotic cream or tablets

Speak to your GP or pharmacist about which treatment is best for you.

Intertrigo can be long-term and can come back. 

There are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of getting intertrigo and stop any irritation from getting worse.

1. Wash under your breasts morning and night with a gentle soap or soap substitute, such as an emulsifying ointment. You can ask your pharmacist about this
2. Dry the skin under your breasts thoroughly after washing – gently pat dry with a clean, soft towel or try using a hairdryer on a cool setting. Do not share towels and wash them regularly to avoid spreading infection. If you have been recommended a particular cream, apply this to clean, dry skin
3. Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra made from a natural material such as cotton. Man-made materials such as nylon can trap moisture. It can help to wear a cotton top under your bra. If the skin is weeping, try to change your bra daily or use cotton dressings. If you exercise, wear a well-fitting moisture-wicking bra to help draw the moisture away from the skin
4. Keep to a healthy weight – try to eat healthily and exercise regularly, but be aware that exercising a lot can cause intertrigo. The NHS website has more tips for eating well and exercising

If you would like more information and support or just want to talk things through, our nurses are ready to listen on our free helpline below.