A yeast infection is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is popularly known to cause vaginal yeast infections, however it can also cause infection in other parts of the body which are warm and moist, e.g, skin folds.
Candida is part of the usual combination of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that normally live on our skin. In some cases, an overgrowth can occur and that leads to infections.
One area of the body where yeast infections also occur is the breast/chest area.
Another name for a breast yeast infection is breast and nipple thrush (BNT). It can develop in moist and warm places, such as under the breasts and on the nipples.
Signs and symptoms of breast yeast infection
These are some of the most common symptoms of breast and nipple thrush:
Rash under breast
Candida infections on the skin don’t usually cause a foul smelling discharge. Instead, it can cause a breast rash that is raised, swollen, tender, shiny, and red. As thrush progresses, the affected area can expand quickly. The skin in that area may also become flaky, discolored, and cracked.
Itching
Fungal infections tend to cause intense itching and burning sensations. This can range from mild to severe.
Nipple pain
Nipple pain caused by thrush typically occurs after expressing milk. It can also be painful when clothing brushes against the affected area or cause a stabbing or shooting pain during breastfeeding. Nipples may appear more pink/red than usual.
If you experience a sudden increase in breast pain, it could be a bacterial superinfection in addition to the initial thrush.
Causes
Yeast infections under breasts commonly occur in conjunction with breastfeeding. However, they can still affect anyone regardless of whether they’re breastfeeding, their breast size, or their age.
Thrush can occur shortly after beginning to breastfeed, especially if the baby has oral thrush. Oral thrush is especially common for people who had vaginal candidiasis at the time of childbirth or if their baby has taken antibiotics.
Although thrush doesn’t usually affect healthy skin, it can quickly affect damaged skin, and if left untreated, it may cause severe breast and nipple pain, itching, redness, and inflammation. This can lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked or if scratching causes open sores or raw spots. Other factors that increase the risk of yeast infection on breasts and nipples include:
- Cracked nipples or skin lesions during breastfeeding
- Use of breast pads
- Recent antibiotic use
- Previous vaginal yeast infection
- High stress levels
- Inadequate diet
- Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or HIV
- Environmental factors, including warm climates and humidity
- Not rinsing or towel drying the area under or around the breast
Treatment
In most cases, thrush can be treated with simple over-the-counter medications. Topical antifungal medications (creams/ointments) that can be applied directly to the skin are effective for the treatment of fungal skin infections, and they frequently have long-lasting results.
Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid creams may also help to relieve your symptoms while the infection is clearing.
Mild yeast infections tend to clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don’t even require any treatment. Moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to resolve with treatment.
It’s important to rule out oral thrush in your baby and make sure you’re using correct technique while breastfeeding. If your baby is diagnosed with oral thrush, they may require a course of antifungal treatment.
In addition to treatment for yourself and your baby, it is important to:
- Clean bottle nipples and pacifiers thoroughly after use by boiling for five minutes. Replace weekly, if possible.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after diaper changes and before and after applying any creams or lotions to prevent the spread of thrush.
- Wash towels, bras, cloth nursing pads, and similar items in hot, soapy water and air dry.
Prevention
The best way to prevent yeast infections under your breasts is by keeping the area clean and dry. Other tips to help prevent thrush include:
- Keep nipples dry. If you use breast pads to prevent leaks, it’s best to use disposable pads and change them frequently.
- Sleeping in your bra can irritate your skin, so you may want to avoid doing this.
- Wear a comfortable bra made of natural materials, like cotton.
- Wash your nipples and the skin under your breasts with warm water after breastfeeding or sweating, and pat them dry.
Fortunately, yeast infections under the breasts typically respond well to treatment.
If your symptoms don’t resolve within a week or two, see your health care provider for a repeat assessment and possible alternative treatment. If the infection recurs within two months, see your doctor to check that there isn’t an underlying medical condition such as diabetes. However yeast infections recur quite often during breastfeeding.
