Q: The skin below my breasts often gets chafed. What is causing this and what can I do about it?
A: This is a fairly common complaint among large-breasted women—and the bigger the breasts, the higher the chances of developing irritation in this area. If the chafing occurs at your bra line, it could be that your bra is rubbing the skin due to improper fit. Solution: Consult an experienced lingerie salesperson for help in finding a bra that provides support without slippage.
Irritation also can result when the skin at the bottom of the breasts rubs against the skin of the chest. There is little ventilation in that area, so it gets moist and prone to inflammation, similar to a baby’s diaper rash. Try applying a dab of a barrier cream (such as any Desitin product) or anti-chafing lubricant designed for athletes (such as the BodyGlide brand) to the affected area each morning to create a protective layer against skin-to-skin friction. Wait a bit for the product to absorb before getting dressed to avoid getting it on your shirt. Another option is to sprinkle a bit of cornstarch on your hand, then rub it on your skin before you dress. Also helpful: Buy bras made of moisture-wicking fabric… change to a dry bra if you feel damp… or go braless at home to let the area air out.
If the problem persists, see your dermatologist. You may need to use a steroid product, such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a low-potency prescription topical steroid, for a few days to reduce inflammation and give the chafed skin a chance to heal (though you’ll still need to follow the recommendations above to prevent irritation from returning). Be aware: One side effect of steroids is to reduce the immune response, which in turn can promote an overgrowth of Candida yeast. You’ll know yeast is a factor if your skin has white patches that you can wipe off or if little red bumps surround the chafed area. So if you use a topical steroid, combine it with a dab of nonprescription antifungal miconazole gel and let it air-dry before putting on your bra.
