05/03/2022 By acomputer 794 Views

Itchy breasts: 5 explanations for itchy breasts

Pregnancy warning signs

If your breasts are itchy overnight, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Indeed, these localized irritations in the nipples are sometimes linked to hormonal changes caused by the start of pregnancy. If, at the same time, your period is late in coming and the itching is more intense, you will no longer have a shadow of a doubt about the reason behind your itchy breasts. During the first months, the peak of activity of the blood vessels in the nipples will also lead to feelings of irritation.

The effects of premenstrual syndrome

Itchy breasts are, in most cases, the result of some hormonal change. The tingling sensations you may feel around your nipples may be due to a hormone imbalance. It is not uncommon for premenstrual syndrome to be behind itchy breasts, resulting in itching and tightness that is both uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Itching due to an allergic reaction

Like any other itch elsewhere on the body, your breasts may be itchy due to an allergic reaction or eczema. In this case, to avoid any recurrence, it is important to identify the allergen that your nipples did not support. It could be medicine, cosmetics, perfume, deodorant, or even the detergent you use to wash your clothes. It also happens that your breasts are itchy because of the underwear or lingerie you wear, especially if they are ill-fitting, wet or sometimes dirty.

The consequence of a bacterial or viral infection

If itchy breasts are not always a worrying phenomenon, they are sometimes caused by infections that require the greatest attention. Often, itchy nipples are the result of a skin fungus or candidiasis. In addition to tingling, this pathology is accompanied by reddish spots and bands of white skin. Itchy breasts can also be viral. It is then shingles or chickenpox.

Possible warning signs of breast cancer

Although the cases are rather rare, sometimes itchy breasts are a warning sign of breast cancer. More specifically, it will be a rare form of breast tumors, namely Paget's disease. In addition to itchy breasts, the symptoms of this disease are accompanied by dry skin around the nipples as well as a burning sensation. It should nevertheless be kept in mind that the appearance of these signs is not necessarily linked to cancer. However, it is advisable to check with a specialist whenever the breasts become itchy and the skin dries out.