The skin on your breasts may itch for many different reasons. It could be because you\u2019re allergic to a new laundry detergent. Or your skin might just be really dry and need some lotion.<\/p>\n
But can itchy breasts ever be a sign of breast cancer<\/a>? Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n Why is one of my breasts so itchy?<\/p>\n The good news is that most itchy breast skin has nothing to do with cancer. Here are some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing it.<\/p>\n Allergic reaction: This could be due to any product that comes in contact with your skin, including bar soaps, lotions and laundry detergents. It can be treated with antihistamines or steroids<\/a>. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy<\/a> \u2014 or even the week before your period<\/a> \u2014 can also make your breasts feel sensitive and itchy. This is caused by significant spikes or drops (respectively) in your estrogen levels.<\/p>\n Is it considered more serious when one or both breasts are itching?<\/p>\n I would say it\u2019s more concerning if the itching is one-sided. But I have seen cases in which someone had a yeast infection beneath one breast and not the other. Still, itching is not a common way for breast cancer to present itself. It\u2019s much more likely to be caused by something else.<\/p>\n Are any types of breast cancer associated with itching? Paget disease<\/a> is usually the first suspect doctors think of when a patient reports an itchy nipple. That\u2019s because it typically appears as a crusting or scaling of the nipple, which sometimes extends to the areola. It often looks like the rash caused by eczema, so diagnosis is frequently delayed.<\/p>\n Inflammatory breast cancer<\/p>\n Redness and a thickening or tightening of the breast skin are just some of the hallmark symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer<\/a>. All of those changes can cause itching. But both of these diseases are very rare<\/a>.<\/p>\n What does breast cancer itching feel like?<\/p>\n There\u2019s no one typical way that patients describe it. The only thing I ever hear consistently is from women who have had mastectomies<\/a> followed by breast reconstruction<\/a>. Sometimes, they feel an intense itching so deep inside the breast that scratching the surface doesn\u2019t help at all. Since there can be a lot of scarring<\/a> after a major surgery, that makes sense. Scar tissue often itches as it heals.<\/p>\n When should I worry about itchy breasts?<\/p>\n If the itching persists beyond two weeks without any improvement, see a doctor to get a thorough evaluation. A rash on your breast<\/a> is always worth investigating, just because of its association with inflammatory breast cancer.<\/p>\n But again, most cases of itchy breasts have nothing to do with cancer. So, if you get regular mammograms<\/a> and discuss any worrisome changes you might notice in your breasts with your doctor quickly, we should be able to catch cancer early, when it\u2019s easier to treat.<\/p>\n Oluchi Oke, M.D.,<\/a> is a breast medical oncologist at UT MD Anderson.<\/p>\n
\nDermatitis: This is an irritation of the skin that could be due to friction or chafing. It can be treated with ointments and by removing the source of irritation.
\nDry skin: This is the most common cause of itchy skin. It can be treated with moisturizers.
\nEczema: This is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause intense itching. It can be treated with medicated ointments.
\nMastitis: This is when a milk duct becomes plugged and infected during breastfeeding<\/a>. It can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories<\/a> and antibiotics<\/a>.
\nYeast infection: This usually occurs on the underside of the breast, particularly after intense sweating. It can be treated with an antifungal cream<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nPaget disease<\/p>\n