It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience itchy breasts while breastfeeding. It is one of the many other problems of breastfeeding that may bother first-time mothers. At times, it may interfere with breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding is essential, especially for the first six months of the baby’s life, and therefore if itchy breasts are bothersome, you must consult your doctor. Read this post to know more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of itchy breasts during pregnancy.
What Causes Itchy Breasts In Breastfeeding Mothers?
There are several reasons why your breasts can get itchy during lactation. Here are the common ones.
1. Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the nipples. The biological name of yeast is Candida, and it is a type of fungus. Candida is usually harmless and found in various parts of the body (1). But the fungus can multiply and cause infection in the moist parts of the body like those around the nipple. Thrush is often the common cause of itchy breasts and nipples among lactating mothers. Symptoms: In some cases of thrush, the baby’s tongue has a layer/coating of white material. They may also have a diaper rash. You may have gotten the infection from the baby or may have transmitted the disease unknowingly as you may have passed on vaginal yeast infection during vaginal delivery.
2. Mastitis
Mastitis is the engorgement of the breast due to the retention of the milk in the milk ducts (3). Bacteria can enter the milk ducts through a cracked or pierced nipple and infect the milk ducts and the fatty tissue, thus causing a breast infection (4). Symptoms:
3. Eczema
Eczema can affect the breast skin and nipples too. Eczema is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation, itchiness, and redness of the skin (5). One category of eczema, which is medically called dermatitis, is contact dermatitis (6). This type of dermatitis can affect the breasts, due to repeated friction caused by breastfeeding (7). Symptoms:
4. Stretch marks
Your breasts are filled with milk during lactation, which can cause the skin around them to expand rapidly and form stretch marks that can get itchy (8). Symptoms:
5. Skin infections
Many skin infections can cause itchiness of the skin. A few examples are scabies and ringworm that can affect skin on the breasts too (9) (10). Symptoms: If the itchiness is due to any of the conditions mentioned here, treating them helps reduce the itchiness of the skin.
When To See A Doctor For Itchy Breasts?
Several cases of itchy breasts require no formal diagnosis or treatment. But in some scenarios you must get yourself check by the doctor:
How To Treat Itchy Breasts When Breastfeeding?
The treatment of itchy breasts depends on the fundamental cause of the condition. Most cases require minimal intervention and can resolve on their own. However, some severe cases will require medication. Treatment options for such conditions include: Managing the underlying condition at home is also a good way of alleviating and also preventing itchy breasts.
How To Manage And Prevent Itchy Breasts At Home?
Here is how to contain and prevent itchiness of breasts. These steps help minimize the risk of mastitis/breast infection, which is one of the causes of itchiness of breast. Moisturizing the skin helps minimize the irritation caused by stretch marks, which do not have a cure.
