Eczema is an umbrella term for various inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. If you have one of these types of eczema, you may wonder, “Is it normal to have eczema symptoms on your breasts?”

For many people, including more than 5,000 members of MyEczemaTeam, the breast area is a common location for eczema flare-ups. Breast eczema can cause itching, irritation, dryness, scaliness, and discomfort. It can also make breastfeeding challenging for some people. Although there isn’t a cure for eczema, several effective treatment options can help manage flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

In this article, we’ll discuss five important facts about breast eczema and what steps you can take if you’re experiencing symptoms.

1. Breast Eczema Has Many Causes

What triggers breast eczema? Although the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, common triggers include environmental irritants, household products such as shampoos, detergents, and perfumes, as well as stress and certain food allergens. These factors may trigger the rash associated with eczema, including breast eczema. Individuals with a history of asthma or hay fever and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are at a higher risk of developing breast eczema, especially eczema on the nipple.

Eczema is a leading cause of itchy nipples and irritation around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). The rash can also result from an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis due to exposure to clothing, soaps, lotions, or other substances that come into contact with the skin.

2. Symptoms Include Itchy, Dry, Discolored Skin

Breast eczema can develop anywhere on, between, or under the breasts, including the nipple and chest area. Common symptoms include:

• Itchiness
• Dry, flaky, or scaly skin
• Skin discoloration (red, purple, brown, or grayish, depending on skin tone)
• Thickened skin
• Oozing
• Bleeding from scratching

Eczema weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to enter and cause infection. Areas prone to higher moisture, such as between or under the breasts, are especially susceptible to skin infections. Signs of infection include oozing, weeping, discoloration, swelling, pain, or fever.

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3. See Your Doctor if Breast Eczema Doesn’t Go Away

In rare cases, persistent symptoms of nipple or breast eczema that don’t respond to treatment may be a sign of Paget’s disease, a rare type of breast cancer. Paget’s disease of the breast or nipple is an inflammatory cancer that makes up about 1 percent to 3 percent of all breast cancer cases in women, according to Cancer Research UK, and can also affect men.

Symptoms of Paget’s disease typically include:

• Skin discoloration
• Abnormal nipple discharge
• Itching and burning
• Thick, crusty skin
• Bleeding
• Involvement of only one breast (usually)
• Localized to the breast and nipple area

If you experience breast or nipple eczema symptoms that don’t clear up with treatment, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Have your rash or itchy skin evaluated by your doctor, a dermatologist, or another health care professional. If Paget’s disease is suspected or diagnosed, a mammogram may be necessary to check for underlying breast cancer.

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4. Breast Eczema Can Be Treated With Medication

Many people wonder, “How do I get rid of eczema on my breasts?” Flare-ups of breast eczema typically subside when the cause or trigger is identified and avoided. For mild to severe cases, topical treatments — such as breast eczema creams, moisturizers, or ointments — can help reduce symptoms and clear up the affected skin.

Topical treatments to apply to the affected area include:

• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, which is effective for milder cases
• Fragrance-free moisturizers and lotions, which hydrate the skin and restore its barrier
• Prescription steroid ointments, such as mometasone furoate (Elocon)
• Prescription topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel), which can be especially helpful for sensitive areas like the breasts and face

5. You Can Breastfeed With Breast Eczema

Breastfeeding during a flare-up of breast eczema can be painful to the point that some mothers may feel tempted to stop. Doing so, however, can lead to complications such as engorgement (when the breasts become overly full with milk, causing pain and swelling) and mastitis (inflammation of the breast). While treating breast eczema is important, many mothers worry about how using topical steroids while breastfeeding will affect their baby. When used correctly, topical steroids can safely help heal breast eczema, allowing you to continue breastfeeding more comfortably.

Recommendations for using topical steroids while breastfeeding include the following:

• Allow your nipples to air-dry after feeding.
• Apply a small amount of ointment or cream between feedings.
• Stop using the topical steroid once the eczema clears.
• Avoid using strong steroid ointments for longer than two weeks.
• Talk with your doctor about over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for recurring symptoms, which is generally considered safe during breastfeeding

How To Prevent and Reduce Breast Eczema

In addition to causing pain, itchiness, and discomfort, breast and nipple eczema can lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Additionally, wearing a bra — particularly during a flare-up — can cause chafing and irritation.

Here are a few proactive tips to help alleviate eczema symptoms and prevent flare-ups:

• Take short, lukewarm showers to avoid drying out your skin.
• Keep soap and shampoo away from the nipples.
• Wear unpadded bras to reduce friction and irritation.
• Use fragrance-free products around the breast area.
• Wash bras by hand using a mild soap, as detergents can trigger eczema.
• Thoroughly rinse your skin after swimming, as chlorine and saltwater can irritate eczema.

A MyEczemaTeam member asked for advice on treating the raw skin underneath their breast. Several members replied with what has worked for them:

• ”Have you tried Sudocrem? It helps me when I have raw skin.”
• “Have you tried extra-virgin olive oil?”
• “I used antibiotic cream and my eczema healed.”
• “I like ointments instead of creams.”
• “I use body butter and nontoxic lotion. I have also done oatmeal baths.”

When To Talk to Your Doctor

Breast eczema can be uncomfortable and even worrying, but the good news is that it’s typically treatable with the right approach. Most cases respond well to topical treatments and avoiding known triggers. However, if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment, or if you notice unusual signs — such as persistent discoloration, abnormal nipple discharge, or thick, crusty skin — it’s important to consult your doctor. They can ensure that another condition, such as Paget’s disease, isn’t the cause, and work with you to adjust your eczema treatment plan so you can find relief.

Talk to Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and connect with others who understand life with eczema.

Do you get eczema on your breasts? What tips do you have for others? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below or start a discussion on your Activities page.