The odd itch is normal and definitely not something anyone needs to worry over.
However, if you have continuously itchy boobs, there may be a reason for it.
If this is the case, you are not alone, as over 800,000 people have taken to Google to get information about the same thing in recent times, according to the Irish Sun.
Experts at Implant Health revealed to the outlet the five possible causes of itchy boobs, and, thankfully, most are not cause for concern.
There are five possible reasons this could be happening, according to experts at Implant Health; thankfully, almost none of them are very serious.
Paul Harris (who featured on Channel 5’s Botched Up Bodies), Amir Sadri, and Aadil Khan share with the outlet some of the reasons that could be resulting in itchy breasts.
Pregnancy
It’s no surprise that pregnancy features on the list. During this time, bodies change and grow, as well as hormone levels, which are constantly changing, may give breasts an itchy sensation.
This is particularly common during the first stages of pregnancy as your breasts begin to prepare to produce milk.
Inevitably, the hormone progesterone begins to increase, and, with that, the tissue will change, causing the breasts to become itchy.
Stretching Skin
Again, this can happen throughout pregnancy, but also during other periods of rapid growth, such as puberty, weight gain, and even post-breast procedures.
When the skin is stretching faster than it is growing, which can lead to itchy or inflamed skin.
Ensure to stay extra hydrated during this time.
The Implant Health experts reassure that skin is able to stretch and then return to normal when it’s healthy and hydrated.
Change in Weather
It makes sense that the change in seasons would have an impact on our skin. Colder weather normally means drier skin.
With the colder weather now well and truly here, it may bring with it an itchy or prickly feeling in your breasts.
On the flipside, warmer weather may trap body heat around the breasts, causing that unwanted itchiness between and underneath them.
Experts Paul, Amil, and Aadil suggest opting for a bra and clothes made with lighter materials, especially in the summer.
Check the Size and Wash Your Bra
Itchiness around the boobs may simply be an indicator that your bra just needs a wash.
If a bra goes unwashed for too long, bacteria from our skin can breed.
The dead skin cells, oils, and sweats that come from this bacteria can become trapped inside the fabric of the bra, making it a place for yeast and bacteria to fester and cause you itchiness as well as unpleasant odours.
When it comes to fitting, it is very important that you measure your bra size accurately to avoid itchiness or the formation of lumps from ill-fitting bras.
Perimenopause
Again, because hormonal changes can lead to itchiness, it makes sense for perimenopause to feature.
The decrease in oestrogen and collagen within the body can make the skin feel drier, which can cause the areas that hold body heat, such as the breasts and genitals, to itch.
Hot flushes also factor in. Because the change in hormone levels can cause your body temperature to skyrocket all of a sudden, the added sweat can lead to itching.
When to see a doctor?
It’s likely your itchy boobs are being caused by one of the above. However, it is important to note that rashes are one symptom of breast cancer.
Cancer Research UK says symptoms of the disease include “skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash, or redness of the skin”.
Be Breast Aware
These can be signs of inflammatory breast cancer, a less common but quicker-spreading form of the disease.
It’s highly important to check breasts regularly. Learning how your breasts look and feel at different times helps you to understand and know what is normal for you and to recognise any unusual or irregular changes.
The HSE outlines how to perform a breast self-exam.
Step 1
Look for changes in the appearance of your breast. Stand and look in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips.
Step 2
Raise your arms and look for changes in appearance. Check nipples for changes or discharge.
Step 3
Feel your breasts. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast.
Keep your fingers flat and together. Using a circular motion, cover your entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Move your hand from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
You may find it easier to feel your breasts when your skin is wet and slippery so you prefer to do this step in the shower.
READ MORE:
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