Itching in the mammary gland: what are the causes?

Itching in the mammary gland, like any other localized prurite, is manifested by irritating and extremely uncomfortable (up to burning sensation) sensations, which are accompanied by an almost irresistible desire to scratch the itchy place.

And scratching is harmful, because, firstly, it does not help to get rid of the irritation of the nerve endings, which causes these sensations. And, secondly, it can lead to excoriation, that is, combs.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the itching of the mammary glands

In general, itching is a peculiar reaction of postsynaptic neurons of the autonomic nervous system to certain irritating factors. Dermatologists call such the most probable causes of itching of the mammary glands, as excessive dryness of the epidermis (due to lack of moisture); the impact of chemicals falling on the skin, as well as a common skin pathology - dermatitis. Thus, the emergence of contact dermatitis (with pruritus, redness of the skin and swelling) provokes a negative effect on the delicate skin of the breast chemicals in soap, shower gels, bubble baths, as well as skin care products and, of course, washing powders.

By the way, about clothes, more precisely - about bras. Allergists can assume the manifestation of an allergic reaction (especially with genetically determined susceptibility to sensitization) on synthetic materials used in the manufacture of women's underwear. However, the allergy can be completely at anything if the bra is simply tight and rubs the skin on the chest, causing itching. At the neurologist - at absence of obvious dermatological and allergic reasons of an itch - by all means there will be a suspicion on its or his psychogenic etiology, that is as a reaction of an organism to stress.

All the doctors say: if women abuse sunbathing topless or regularly "sunbathe" in a tanning salon, this can lead not only to the itch of the skin on the chest, but also to much more serious dermatological problems.

Also, itch in the mammary gland endocrinologists observe in diabetes (up to autoimmune diabetic mastopathy) and problems with the thyroid gland (with hypothyroidism), and gynecologists - with dysfunction of the ovaries and violation of the hormonal background. And each of the specialists has grounds for their version.

But since the localization of pruritus concerns the organ of the female reproductive system, in its etiology it is best to deal with gynecologists and mammologists. As these specialists note, this symptom causes a natural process of formation of mammary glands in adolescent girls - under the influence of estrogen. Women in the menopause, on the contrary, feel itching in the mammary glands due to the age-related decrease in the production of this hormone. Young women may complain that "the chest is often very badly scratched", unaware that this is one of the consequences of using oral contraceptives containing steroid sex hormones. And in pregnant women - with a general increased secretion of sex hormones - there is a preparation of the mammary glands to lactation, and so they can itch.

Nursing women also often feel itching in the mammary glands - due to the increased stretching of the skin. In addition, with breast-feeding infants, there is an itching of the nipple of the breast. It can cause not only injury to the skin of the nipple in the process of feeding, but also possible infection with fungus of the genus Candida - when in the mouth of the baby thrush.

If - in addition to itching - small bubbles appeared in the nipple area, which burst with the formation of ulcers and crusts, this is the eczema of the nipple. It should also be borne in mind that, having some similarity with dermatological pathologies, the itching of the nipple of the breast can be one of the symptoms of eczematic breast nipple cancer - Paget's disease. Mammology warns: the itching in the mammary gland should be taken seriously by women, since it is impossible to exclude the pathology of the oncological breast, especially when there were such diseases in the genus for the female line.

But the itching under the mammary glands is most often associated with hyperhidrosis (increased sweating). The simplest version: a congestion of sweat (especially in the warm season), redness of the skin and itching under the massive breast in full women. In this case, the dermatologist at first sight will determine intertriginozny dermatitis, that is, the usual diaper rash. And if the patient has an itchy itchy foci, hyperemia and pustules in the folds under the breast, a more unpleasant diagnosis may sound: yeast diaper rash or intertriginous candidiasis.

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Diagnostics of the itching of the mammary glands

Based on the "assortment" of the causes of this symptom, the diagnosis of itching in the mammary gland can be performed by all previously listed specialists, but it is necessary to start with a gynecologist or mammologist.

If there is not enough anamnesis, examination and palpation examination of the breast, then you need:

• to give an overall analysis of blood and urine
• to pass the analysis and blood to sugar;
• take a blood test to determine the level of estradiol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid hormones;
• undergo a mammogram (X-ray of the mammary glands);
• to examine the mammary glands with the help of ultrasound (ultrasound).

If necessary, doctors prescribe an allergological and immunological examination. It is possible that a histological analysis of a sample of an itchy skin tissue (biopsy) is required.

[5], [6], [7], [8]

Treatment of the itching of the mammary glands

The itching of the mammary glands is a symptom, and the symptom always has causes. So, in order to know exactly how to remove the itching of the mammary glands, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence. Again, this indicates that in most cases it is impossible to do without qualified medical care.

Of course, if you put compress on the itchy breast with sodium bicarbonate, then it will be itchy less. For compresses, you will need water at room temperature (200 ml), a teaspoon of baking soda and cotton cloth (for example, a piece of gauze). Soda is dissolved in water, dipped in a solution cloth, squeezed and put on the chest for 10 minutes.

If you know for sure that all the fault is synthetic bras, just replace them with linens made from natural fabrics. You suspect that the skin on your chest itches from detergents - go to a baby soap, and lubricate the skin with olive oil or baby cream.

With diagnosed dermatitis or the presence of allergy, doctors prescribe medications - antihistamines, which block the H-1-histamine receptors and relieve itching. For example, it may be Tavegil (other trade names - Clemastin, Angista, Fumartin, etc.), which recommend taking one tablet (0.001 g) twice a day. But neither the pregnant nor lactating women this drug (like other drugs of this group) can not be taken. In addition, Tawegil's side effects may occur in the form of headaches, dry mouth, nausea and constipation.

When itching in the mammary glands of women during menopause and menopause, the gynecologist can recommend a short-term intake of the combined drug Bellerghal - one tablet twice a day (morning and evening), the course of therapy - 7 days. The drug is contraindicated if a woman has high blood pressure, angina, problems with the kidneys or liver.

Also, doctors advise taking vitamins B and vitamins A, C, E. In general, almost in all cases, you can cope with pruritus. But how to do it right, if the itch in the mammary gland worries you, only the specialist will tell. So do not scratch, and go to the doctor!