Over the years, we have heard from many women who experience a troublesome breast rash. The skin becomes irritated and red. Often it itches or hurts, especially during hot weather. However, some people report problems all year long. We have heard from many readers about their favorite remedies. One popular approach is zinc oxide ointment.
Diaper Cream Helps Breast Rash:
Q. Under-breast rash was a big problem for me for a long time. No medicated creams or treatments helped until I went old school. Remembering what I used for my babies’ diaper rash, I tried Desitin. Applying it after my shower, or at least once a week, keeps the rash away! I use the white version like I used on the babies. It took about a day before it started to work, but within a week the rash was totally gone.
If I skip a shower for a few days or work out or it’s especially hot out, the redness and itch may start to come back. I shower right away and put the Desitin on. I haven’t had a full-blown rash in over two years.
A. Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste contains zinc oxide (ZnO). It has been used to treat diaper rash for generations. ZnO has well-established antifungal activity. It also provides a moisture barrier that is helpful for diaper rash and under-breast rash (intertrigo).
Vicks Soothes Under-Breast Rash:
Q. I have appreciated your information about using Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet to stop a cough. I have been using it for under-breast rash all summer with astounding results. It gets very hot here in Texas and my job bra gets soaked with sweat. I tried various recommended lotions, salves, sprays and even antiperspirant. Vicks was the only solution to stop the itching and clear the rash. I now use it as a prophylactic salve.
A. Judging from the comments on our website, under-breast rash (inframammary intertrigo) is far more common than most health professionals realize. It seems to be aggravated by yeast or fungus living on the skin. Warm weather always seems to make it worse.
We have received dozens of topical treatment suggestions, including old-fashioned amber Listerine, milk of magnesia, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and zinc oxide, to name just a few.
ou are the first to suggest Vicks VapoRub. However, the thymol, camphor, eucalyptus and menthol that give Vicks its distinctive aroma also have antifungal activity. Polish scientists have shown that camphor is good for preventing skin infections and supporting the skin’s repair processes (Pharmaceuticals, May 31, 2024). This may explain why it helped your under-breast rash so much.
Other Remedies for Intertrigo:
Q. I have had a rash under my breasts for over a year. It’s very itchy and red and though I try to keep the area dry and clean, the rash never goes away. Many of the things I’ve tried just seemed to make the breast rash worse.
My breasts are big, and don’t know if that makes the problem worse. I am embarrassed to go to the doctor for this problem. Are there any remedies that might help?
A. When skin rubs against skin, the friction can cause irritation. That helps explain why big breasts may be more vulnerable to this problem. In addition, if the folds trap moisture, those conditions could lead to a yeast or fungus infection. Fungi are responsible for such miseries as athlete’s foot and jock itch. They thrive in warm damp dark areas, so it is not surprising they would grow in the skin folds under the breasts.
Antifungal Approaches:
Many women report success with anti-fungal creams or powders for fighting breast rash.
Zeasorb to Ease Breast Rash:
Q. I am surprised no one has given you this information for under-breast rash. My dermatologist told me to use Zeasorb AF, an over-the-counter antifungal powder for athlete’s foot. I saw a remarkable improvement after the first application, and a few days later, the rash was gone. This was years ago when I first learned about it.
A. Zeasorb AF contains the antifungal medication miconazole. A systematic review of 41 randomized controlled trials found that miconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin are equally effective as topical treatments for fungus (Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Oct. 2019).
The powder may have an advantage in keeping this delicate area dry. That too is helpful in avoiding irritation and fungal overgrowth.
Another reader wrote:
“I have had a problem with fungal infections under my breasts and in the groin area for many years. Clotrimazole OTC for athlete’s foot works well when I have an outbreak in hot humid weather.”
Some women find that using cornstarch to dust clean dry skin helps keep it dry and discourages the fungus. On the other hand, doctors sometimes discourage that.
Zinc oxide cream used for diaper rash is another favorite. So is milk of magnesia.
Milk of Magnesia Can Ease Rash:
Several women have reported success with milk of magnesia on the irritated skin.
Q. I have suffered for years with dampness under my breasts. This leads to itchiness that will not quit.
When my kids were small, an emergency physician told me to use milk of magnesia on their diaper rash. It worked amazingly well, so I thought I’d try it on my own rash. I got instant relief! I use a blow dryer after I apply it and it keeps me dry all day. I have no more itching.
A. Under-breast rash appears to be surprisingly common. Anything that reduces moisture in skin folds may be helpful against the microbes that cause itching and irritation.
Other women also report success with milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide). This old-fashioned laxative may help dry the skin and change the pH, making the skin less hospitable to bacteria and fungi.
T.W. wrote:
“I use to dab milk of magnesia under my breasts, but now I use the People’s Pharmacy roll on milk of magnesia and enjoy easy, non-messy, and quick applications in addition to a healing plus preventive treatment! Thanks for such a great product!”
Another woman shared her experience:
“During the humid southern summers I am plagued with underarm rash and from time to time rash under my breasts. I mix one part cheap MoM (milk of magnesia with no flavoring) and one part Super Medicated Witch Hazel or Listerine type mouth wash (amber colored) and use this to cure any rash. I also apply a zinc oxide based baby diaper rash ointment to the areas affected by rash. It keeps me comfortable all during the hot weather.”
Other Breast Rash Remedies:
Readers have suggested anti-fungal powders such as Zeasorb AF or zinc oxide cream, also popular for diaper rash. Dandruff shampoo, Listerine, apple cider vinegar and witch hazel have also been recommended.
Susan in Missouri:
“I’ve been able to prevent these rashes under the breasts & the underarms by using witch hazel. It’s also a good facial toner & an inexpensive alternative to the pricey toners at the cosmetic counters. I apply it with a cotton pad; it feels cool & refreshing.”
Lilly in Spokane, Washington:
“I mix equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol and use a cotton ball to wipe off any area that tends to get a heat rash. I do this as a precautionary to keep from getting a rash as once you get a rash, this treatment burns a little bit. Works for jock itch, athlete’s foot, under the breast and other delicate areas.”
M.C. in Greensboro, NC:
“I use amber Listerine, Zeasorb, and MoM. I do not use antiperspirant in the creases because of the aluminum content and I am a breast cancer survivor. Your MoM Aluminum-Free Roll-On is my deodorant now as well.”
E.P. recommends coconut oil:
“I control under-breast rash with coconut oil that I apply after I shower. It doesn’t stain my clothes and it doesn’t lose its effectiveness after years of use.”
You might also try dandruff shampoo. It sounds odd, but dandruff is caused by scalp yeast and dandruff shampoo can tackle skin yeast. Listerine, which can be helpful against dandruff, has also cleared up some under-breast rashes.
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for Breast Rash:
We know this sounds bizarre, but if you think about it for a minute you will realize that fungi do not like an acidic environment. Visitors to this website often report that vinegar works quite well to combat fungal infections of the nails or skin.
Here is just one example:
“I was having this problem also. A friend suggested apple cider vinegar.
“At first I thought she was crazy, but I tried it. Shower and pat dry, blot the rash with apple cider vinegar and allow the skin to air dry. I washed all my bras in very hot water and had the rash cleared in just four days.”
If none of these suggestions work, make an appointment with your doctor. The problem might be caused by something other than fungus that requires medical treatment.
