Summertime skin rash

July 19, 2013 8:09 PM

Embarrassing skin issue between my breasts and on my butt, please help.

My breasts have grown bigger (from B>DD) in the past year due to hormones. This is my first summer with large breasts. Now when I wear a sports bra (which is many days) both breasts are compressed together and I sweat in the center area between my breasts. Then I develop little white pustules in that area. How do I stop these bumps from happening? Do I need to apply cornstarch, an anti fungal cream, or what? I'm sure this must happen to other large breasted women who can point me in the right direction.

Also, I am prone to develop similar bumps on the back of my butt, especially when I wear tights or spend a lot of time sitting. Will powder or something else help here?

I know seeing a dermatologist would be ideal, but I don't have the money to do that right now.

Thanks for any help!

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (13 answers total)

It's possible this is just a heat rash or it could be a yeast infection. You can google images of the different types of boob-itch if you are feeling brave. General care is corn starch and letting your breasts air out as much as possible. Might want to see if you can shift to a sports bra that is more fitted and not the uniboob type.

I've heard good things about epsom salts in the bath and coal tar soaps. If you've just got a mild problem, you can try something like Gold Bond. If it really does look like it's yeasty you'll want to try a topical anti-fungal.
posted by jessamyn at 8:15 PM on July 19, 2013

Sounds like boob-sweat gone wild to me.

Things that help me:
-A bra made of washable breathable material that actually fits. Freya makes really excellent sports bras for larger cup sizes, for example.
-Baby powder in the sweat zones. (Cornstarch works too but baby powder feels nicer to me - either way the powder technique totally works, don't knock it till you're tried it.)
-A quick wash just with water after sweating and then letting yourself air dry - if you can't walk around without a bra at this time, switch to a fresh one.
-Epsom salts are nice, but rinse off thoroughly.

If the problem gets super itchy or persists or gets a weird smell (more than just you being sweaty and funky, like a proper infected or yeasty smell) try the topical anti-fungal. But I think what you describe is much like any other kind of chafing, where you just need to be kind to your skin.
posted by Mizu at 8:27 PM on July 19, 2013

Welcome to the world of DD! Lift and separate is not just a fashion ideal. Some DD can get away without underwire -- this girl cannot. I have underwire in all my bras including sports bras. It helps keeps the girls under control, is more supportive and wicks sweat.

I'm not sure what's going on with your butt but if it's happening at the same time and due to sweat, sounds more like a heat rash. Take a cool shower, let those areas thoroughly dry and wear something loose fitting to bed. If it's not better by morning you might want to pick up some anti-fungal cream. I have a small tube of Tinactin which I keep for bra chafing/sweat after hot days and activity. It's soothing and works like a charm. Just a day or two after a shower and things are usually back on track.

Don't ignore it, though. Itchy, scaley boobs are no fun for anyone!
posted by amanda at 8:32 PM on July 19, 2013

Are you sure what you're seeing isn't just regular acne? Try washing with an antibacterial soap, changing bras in the middle of the day, and otherwise just try to keep things clean and dry. You might try carrying facial cleansing wipes and swiping the affected areas when you're feeling sweaty. Also, shower immediately after working out. For me keeping sweaty clothes on any longer than necessary is a sure-fire way to cause a breakout.
posted by aspen1984 at 8:55 PM on July 19, 2013

My first thought was a yeast infection as well -- is it itchy? You could try using an athlete's food powder, just dust it onto the affected area, then rub in and brush away the excess with a clean paper towel. This should clear up a mild fungal infection and the powder itself will help with keeping things dry and healthy.

However, if it ISN'T itchy, probably not fungal. Definitely could be straight up body acne. Doesn't hurt to try it both ways, but don't use anti-fungal powder as a prophylactic, as it can lose effectiveness.
posted by telegraph at 9:24 PM on July 19, 2013

I'm a 32F and I wear sports bras all the time and I am a sweaty gorilla beast so we're in the same sweaty boob boat. I agree with the above comments that this sounds more like regular breakouts than anything sweat related but ymmv.
posted by elizardbits at 9:35 PM on July 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

If it's fungus try tea tree oil or vinegar.
posted by brujita at 10:31 PM on July 19, 2013

Blow dry your boobs after you shower, then sprinkle them with baby powder.
posted by spunweb at 10:47 PM on July 19, 2013 [2 favorites]

Try Monistat anti chafing powder-gel. It is the best for moisture related chafing situations.
posted by sweetkid at 10:49 PM on July 19, 2013

It might be keratosis pilaris and for that about the only thing I found that worked is skin cream with glycolic acid.
posted by redindiaink at 5:58 AM on July 20, 2013

If it is yeast, don't use cornstarch because that is basically food for yeast.
posted by fancyoats at 8:33 AM on July 20, 2013

If it's a regular breakout and not a yeast infection, use an acne facewash on the affected areas while in the shower, using a lightly exfoliating scrubber of some sort. I like soaps with salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide, as I find them milder. Once the bumps have cleared up, try applying an antiperspirant to the areas (I do this for my under-boob sweat from time to time). If you believe it may be a heat/friction issue, there are products runners use on their inner thighs to prevent chafing and something like that may help too.
posted by youngergirl44 at 11:38 AM on July 20, 2013

Reconsider bra choices. Boob sweat is much worse if you're not wearing a properly supporting, separating and uplifting bra, which sports bras generally don't do as well.
posted by koahiatamadl at 5:07 PM on July 20, 2013