Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
The strangest thing is happening to me lately - the past three weeks or so.
I'm getting this sort of rash which is basically made up of small, red, dry patches. Some of them are raised and some are not; some are itchy and some are not.
They appear only on skin that is covered by my bra, or the immediate surrounding area. In particular, the sides of my breasts, under/around my armpits, and my collarbone/shoulder area where my bra straps sit. They are not pimples and don't appear to be full of anything - more like bug bites, really.
I thought it was one bra in particular that caused it, and going bra-less for two days seemed to clear it up a little. However, I'm rather chesty and it's uncomfortable for me to do that. I've been avoiding the bra in question but my other bras seem to be causing irritation just as badly.
Laundry detergent has not changed, perfume/body wash/etc have not changed.
I've read about intertrigo, but as far as I can tell, that generally occurs in folds of skin (typically under the breast) and I don't have any problem there. I'm not sure if it could be chafing - I've gone to a lot of trouble to make sure I'm actually wearing the right bra size and everything. The offending bras are made of nylon and spandex, but I've been wearing the same Body by Victoria bras for years.
Could I have developed an allergy to the materials used? Has anyone experienced something similar? Chafing? Heat rash? I'm going to wear cotton sports bras for a few days to see if they bother me less, but I'm really uncomfortable without underwire.
I know this is an odd question (and an odd place to ask it) but perhaps someone will have a clue what's going on here. Thanks in advance for reading all about my breast problems.
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Sounds like it could be some sort of a fungal infection. Is it itchy?
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Please avoid using old bras of an ordinary brand. They might be using a different cheaper mix of fabrics. always try to buy quality bras from quality stores/ brands. I have never felt this problem. I am buying bras from Uplifted Lingerie and I am really happy with the quality and services of their products.
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Is this bra brand new?
I used to work in a lingerie store as a teen.. many people would return bras complaining of things like this.. is there any padding/support? it could be that or it could be the material used to cover the underwire is irritating you.
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Hey Raven, well I can tell you exactly but I am using this bra for almost two years!!
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
christy42
Hey Raven, well I can tell you exactly but I am using this bra for almost two years!!
It's getting worn out. Something inside it could be irritating you.
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Try changing laundry detergent to a free and clear type & don't use a softener. My mom had this exact same thing happen after years of using the same detergent/softener and it went away within 2 weeks of switching brands.
Re: Bra Allergy? Irritable Boob Syndrome?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Genoveve
Sounds like it could be some sort of a fungal infection. Is it itchy?
Yes, it's probably fungal / yeast, i used to have this issue when i was doing a lot of hot yoga with sports bras on. My primary care physician recommended that i treat these with a dandruff shampoo, and this worked well for me. Specifically one with selenium sulfide, like Selsun Blue. You don't need to glop it on, just a thin application until it clears up.