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What is a breast rash?
Most breast rashes and intertrigo are
essentially yeast infections. Yeast is everywhere. It is
all over our bodies and even in
the air
we breathe. Normally it is harmless and causes us no concern.
When the proper conditions exist it will attach itself to the skin and
grow and breed.
How does a breast rash Form?
The sensitive skin under a woman's breast
is a perfect place for intertrigo to develop. The breasts trap
moisture in a dark and warm spot. There is heat, lack of light, and
moisture. Breast rashes will form only if all three of these things are present. Remove
just one item and the rash will not form. A rash is intensified and can
become much worse due to chafing from a bra or tight fitting clothing.
How can I prevent a breast rash?
There are a number of ways.
Remember the three ingredients? We can't stop it from being warm under
the breasts. Modesty would prevent introducing the breasts to
light and open air. Therefore moisture management is the key. We
can't stop sweating. That's a fact. But there are
ways to minimize the effects of perspiration. A breast rash is not
pleasant and no woman should have to deal with an itchy breast. Breast
itching can become a thing of the past with some simple changes.
Do's of breast rash prevention.
Moisture management.
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Bathe often. Most rashes are
caused by yeast and by continually keeping the breast clean the rash
will not have chance to take hold. If you have the time shower, take a
nice soothing bath, then rinse off again after.
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Dry your breasts completely after
showering. Use a hair blow dryer if necessary. But don't put
your bra and clothes back on unless you are thoroughly dry.
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Wear loose fitting clothing or
clothing that is breathable. Constrictive and tight fitting clothing
will only trap breast sweat. They will also aggravate a small rash and
make it worse.
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Wear a properly fitted bra.
A bra that is small will help trap moisture. A bra that is loose
will cause undue chafing. Below is information on properly fitting
a bra.
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Lift your breasts up several times
a day and let them breathe. If you have a fan let the fan evaporate any
moisture from the bottom of your bra and clothing. Carry some wet wipes
with you. If the opportunity presents itself freshen up. Be sure
to dry completely afterward.
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Remove wet blouses or bras as soon
as practical
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Always wear a fresh, clean bra.
Wearing a bra that has already been worn is like wearing underwear more
than once. If the bra is moist from a previous days sweat the seeds for
a yeast infection are already present.
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Wear good and effective bra liners
for breast sweat control.
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Don'ts
of breast rash prevention
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Do not use cornstarch as a drying
agent. A rash needs food. Cornstarch is a food. If you use
cornstarch or baby powders that contain cornstarch you are creating a
breeding ground for bacterial growth. Cornstarch will turn into a
breast sweat gravy.
If you must use a powder use medicated talcum powder with as few added
perfumes as possible.
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Do not use antiperspirants under
the breast. Breast skin is delicate. Antiperspirants and deodorants were
designed to go under the arms. Not under a woman's sensitive
breasts.
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Do not remain in wet swimwear any
longer than is practical. If you are done swimming dry off
completely and change as quickly as you can.
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Don't wait. If you feel the onset of a
rash get dry as quickly as you can. Minimize movements to help
stop chafing. Do not scratch or itch your breasts. This will
just make the rash worse.
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If I already have a rash how should I
treat it?
Common sense should guide you. Only you
know if the rash is severe enough to get a doctor's advice. For mild
rashes use all the techniques described above for moisture management.
In addition check with your pharmacist about over the counter remedies
for this type of rash. If you use a diaper rash cream make sure
the breast is as dry as possible before applying it to avoid trapping
moisture. If you decide to use an antifungal cream buy it in the mildest
form possible to avoid stinging. There are also several anti fungal
powders that may be used. The most important single idea is to keep the
area as dry as possible.
Can BraMates bra liners prevent a
breast rash and
breast intertrigo?
BraMates will absorb the breast sweat, keeping
the breast skin dry. Without moisture rashes under the breast and breast intertrigo will not
form.
Can BraMates bra liners cure breast rashes or
breast intertrigo?
BraMates can be used as a preventative
measure to stop the start of intertrigo, but will not cure it. A number of over the counter
remedies are available to relieve the symptoms of the fungal or
bacterial growth under the breast. Depending on the severity of
the breast rash it may be necessary to contact a physician for advice.
Will losing weight help prevent breast
rash?
Certainly. The breast rash forms
where there is skin on skin contact. Reducing the amount of over lapping
skin is very beneficial.
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