Acne on the neck and chest is an annoying nuisance that affects many women. Moreover, regardless of age: this happens to young girls, middle-aged women, and elderly ladies. Brushing away the rash and acne that appears, hoping that sooner or later “it will go away on its own,” is unreasonable and even dangerous. Firstly, the rash spoils the appearance, preventing you from wearing clothes with a deep neckline. Secondly, it usually leaves unsightly scars on the body. Thirdly, itching is felt on the body in the places where it forms. Fourthly, a rash usually doesn’t just appear; it always indicates a malfunction of the body, and often a dangerous disease. Therefore it is necessary to fight it.
Let's talk about all this in more detail.
What kind of fungus appears under the breast?
The main reason for the development of diaper rash under the mammary glands is the activation of the Candida fungus .
This opportunistic microorganism constantly lives on the skin and mucous membranes of a person and does not harm him.
Uncontrolled growth of fungal spores in the chest area begins when favorable conditions occur.
Types of disease
Depending on the degree of skin damage, the following types of mycosis are distinguished:
- keratomycosis . Affects the upper layer of the epidermis. Characterized by pronounced symptoms: pain, redness, itching;
- dermatomycosis . The process affects the deep layers of the epidermis. The disease is characterized by a long course;
- candidiasis . A disease caused by the activity of the fungus Candida albicans. Mycosis can affect all areas of the skin on the human body and penetrate into internal organs. A distinctive feature of the species is a whitish coating on the affected area of the epidermis.
Causes of rash on the sternum in women
Since the skin in the chest area is particularly tender and sensitive, it reacts very sensitively to any external irritants and changes within the body.
One or two pimples, as a rule, should not cause much concern, since their appearance is most often caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands . In such cases, it is very important not to squeeze out single pimples, since there is a high risk of introducing pathogenic microorganisms and spreading inflammatory processes.
You should also understand what exactly caused the blockage of the sebaceous glands and eliminate this problem. The fact is that the sebaceous glands can become clogged with dead cells, sweat and fat, which accumulate on the skin for a long time, which in turn happens if a woman is careless about her own hygiene, namely:
- does not take water procedures after intense sweating (after physical exertion, in stressful situations, in hot weather, etc.);
- wears contaminated clothing for a long time;
- uses low-quality cosmetics or those that are not suitable for her skin type.
Attention ! Frequent rashes due to poor hygiene can provoke serious dermatological diseases.
You should not associate the appearance of acne with blockage of the sebaceous glands if:
- the rash is focal in nature;
- Large areas of skin suffer from rashes;
- Large pimples and unusual shapes appear.
In such cases, the reasons for the appearance of a rash on the chest lie much deeper.
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According to experts, the most common causes of acne on the sternum in women are:
- The individual reaction of the body to such allergen irritants as:
- household chemicals;
- medicines;
- some food products;
- Sun rays;
- pet hair.
Allergic rashes usually appear in the form of hives or many very small pimples in the chest, abdomen, neck, and a rash may also appear on the arms and face . You can cure such rashes only by accurately identifying the allergen and completely eliminating it from your life.
- Hormonal imbalances as a result of nervous tension. Any negative emotions provoke the release of certain hormones, which in turn affect metabolism and other physiological processes in the body. Such a shake-up of the female body is often reflected on the skin in the chest area and on the back with an itchy rash. It is possible to eliminate this kind of rash only by completely getting rid of nervous tension. Sometimes you have to take sedatives and seek help from a psychologist.
- Incorrectly chosen clothes, and, in particular, a bra. Synthetic and uncomfortable clothing does not allow the skin to breathe, which causes excessive sweating and accumulation of sweat on the skin. The result of this phenomenon is heat rash.
- Malfunctions of internal organs. Everyone knows that the skin is actually a mirror that reflects the health of the internal organs. And if problems arise in the operation of any system, this can be reflected on the skin in the form of large pimples, which, as a rule, are painful. kidney diseases;
- liver diseases;
- dysbacteriosis and other problems of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT);
- problems with the hormonal system;
- problems in the field of gynecology.
- eczema;
dermatitis;
With such serious skin ailments, the rash has a rather unusual appearance; during an exacerbation, suppuration and bruising may appear. Such pathological acne requires special treatment.
- chicken pox;
measles;
Rashes of infectious etiology are treated primarily by suppressing the infection itself.
Causes of fungus
Contact with the Candida fungus on the skin under the mammary glands does not always cause the development of mycosis.
The following factors trigger the activation of pathogens:
- increased sweating caused by wearing synthetic underwear, excess weight, large breast size;
- microcracks and abrasions of the skin;
- decreased immunity;
- violation of hygiene rules;
- chronic diseases;
- microcracks and deep wounds on the skin under the breast;
- uncontrolled use of antibiotics.
Etiology and pathogenesis of herpes infection
Herpes on the chest appears more often in nursing mothers. The causes of the disease are:
- decreased immunity caused by pregnancy and childbirth,
- infection,
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Herpes is always present in the body. When suitable conditions arise, it begins to reproduce. Since cracks and damage are found on the breast during lactation, the virus freely enters these places. The disease is promoted by hypothermia and stress. A cold can also provoke the activity of the pathogen, due to which the immune system is reduced.
Symptoms
At the beginning of the disease, the fungus under the breast looks like a slight diaper rash in the form of spots, sometimes the skin becomes wet. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms appear:
- itching, burning;
- secretion of a sticky liquid with a sour odor;
- swelling of the skin;
- whitish coating.
The development of the fungus goes through three stages:
- Mild : slight irritation, redness, itching;
- Medium : development of rash, erosions, appearance of a brown tint to the skin;
- Severe : formation of deep ulcers, suppuration.
How can breast allergies be treated?
Treatment involves:
- The use of antihistamines (tablets, syrups, dragees).
- Use of antimicrobial drugs (for infection).
- Use of hormonal agents (corticosteroids).
- Following a hypoallergenic diet. Patients should exclude from the menu food allergens that are found in seafood, nuts, and strawberries.
- Taking sorbents (for food allergies). Polysorb, Enterosgel, Polyphepan or activated carbon are prescribed.
- Stopping exposure to the allergen.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Elimination of etiological factors (treatment of helminthiases, normalization of hormonal levels).
- Conducting allergen-specific immunotherapy.
- Physiotherapy. For atopic dermatitis, UV irradiation (ultraviolet irradiation) is effective.
- Infusion therapy (to accelerate the removal of the allergen).
It is recommended to consult a doctor before therapy.
For allergic rashes, ointments, creams and gels based on corticosteroids are prescribed. These include:
- Lokoid.
- Advantan.
- Hydrocortisone.
- Comfoderm K.
- Akriderm.
- Triderm.
- Belosalik.
These drugs are prescribed for severe urticaria, itching and contact dermatitis.
Reduce itching, redness, rashes and swelling of the skin. Local agents (Psilo-Balm, Fenistil gel, Dimetinden) and systemic blockers of H1-histamine receptors (Cetrin, Zodak, Cetirizine, Loratadine, Loragexal, Allegra, Claritin, Clarisens, Erius, Zyrtec, Suprastinex, Suprastin, Diazolin) are effective.
Non-traditional methods of treating an allergic rash on the chest include:
- the use of traditional medicine (nettle decoction for oral administration, celery juice, dill juice as lotions, a mixture based on string and chamomile for lotions, raw potatoes);
- taking baths (with oak bark decoction, soda);
- drinking tea with raspberry roots.
The causes of allergies under the breasts are fungal and bacterial infections, excessive sweating, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), and scabies.
The following bacteria can cause a rash:
- staphylococci;
- streptococci;
- viruses (herpes, measles, rubella);
- meningococci.
Human infection occurs through contact (through the skin) or aerogenic (through the air) route. Bacterial toxins cause allergies, damage blood vessels, which leads to a rash.
The rash is accompanied by the following fungal diseases:
- Pityriasis versicolor. Caused by fungi. Multiple round spots of various colors (brown, yellow, brown, pink) appear in the chest or back area without signs of inflammation.
- Ringworm. A contagious fungal disease that affects the skin, hair and nails. The rash is represented by spots, along the edges of which there is a pink roller of small nodules and blisters. In the central part the spots are pale.
- Microsporia. It is characterized by the appearance of a rash in the form of swollen red ring-shaped spots up to 3 cm in size. At the same time, skin, hair and nails can be affected.
- Actinomycosis. It is characterized by the formation of tubercles on the skin, turning into pustules and fistulas.
These are inflammatory skin diseases of non-microbial etiology. This group includes contact allergic, atopic and simple dermatitis. With this pathology, along with rashes, tissue swelling, hyperemia, itching, tingling and an increase in local temperature are observed.
The cause may be skin contact with detergents and cosmetics (gels, soaps, creams, washing powder), wearing uncomfortable (tight) clothes, taking medications, or contact with animals. The rash in this pathology is localized in a fold of the skin and is represented by small serous blisters.
A common cause of rash and itching is scabies. This is a disease caused by microscopic mites. The rashes are localized on the mammary glands, abdomen, lateral surfaces of the fingers, thighs and buttocks.
The elements of the rash are represented by papules and vesicles. Upon examination, scabies can be detected. Additional symptoms are itching and crusts on the skin.
Diagnostics
Symptoms of fungal infection of the skin under the breast are a reason to visit a dermatologist. Despite the obvious signs of mycosis, which are visible even in photographs of patients, the correct diagnosis can only be made by a specialist.
The doctor will examine the patient, analyze the dynamics and nature of the manifestations of the disease, and suggest laboratory tests:
- smear analysis to identify the pathogen;
- blood and urine tests;
- blood glucose test.
Analyzes make it possible to determine the root cause of the problem, associated pathologies, and the resistance of pathogens to antimicrobial drugs.
IMPORTANT! During the examination, differential diagnosis of psoriasis, eczema, and allergic dermatitis is necessary. If necessary, the dermatologist prescribes a consultation with a mammologist for the patient.
Complications of the disease
If complications occur, relapses of the disease are possible. Herpes affects the central nervous system and can lead to the development of neuralgia.
Possible complications:
- cervical erosion,
- miscarriage in early pregnancy,
- neurological pathologies and retardation of fetal development,
- in men – inflammation of the prostate or impotence,
- transverse myelitis,
- cervical or prostate cancer,
- meningitis,
- encephalitis,
- necrotizing myelopathy.
The appearance of herpes on the chest is possible due to immunodeficiency, which can lead to viral inflammation of the lungs and bronchi.
Fungus treatment
Treatment of fungus under the breast begins with eliminating the factors that provoked its activation.
The most important condition is measures to prevent excessive sweating of the skin under the mammary glands.
It will not be possible to cure the disease without eliminating the increased hydration of the skin under the breasts.
Doctors advise changing a tight synthetic bra to a loose cotton one.
The basis of therapy is local antifungal drugs, which are applied to the affected areas after hygiene procedures and treatment with antiseptic solutions. Between ointment treatments, the skin is dried with baby powder or talcum powder.
ADVICE. Pads made of cotton fabric under the breasts have a good effect. They absorb excess moisture and keep your skin dry for several hours.
Medications
When the diagnosis of cutaneous candidiasis is confirmed, the main method of treatment is the use of antimycotic drugs. In the initial stages of the disease, ointments are prescribed:
- "Lamisil";
- "Terbinafine";
- “Clotrimazole”;
- "Exoderil".
Advanced stages require the use of systemic drugs for oral administration:
- “Griseowulfin”;
- “Sporanox”;
- “Orungal”;
- “Irunin”;
- “Fluconazole”;
- "Lamisil."
When a secondary infection occurs or purulent inflammation develops, anti-inflammatory, healing ointments are additionally used:
- “Solcoseryl”;
- “Actovegin”;
- “Panthenol”;
- "Levomekol".
To maintain immunity, medications are prescribed:
- “Derinat”;
- “Immunal”;
- “Immudon”;
- vitamins of group B, C, E.
Video recommendation
The real experience of a woman in the fight against fungus under the breasts and in other places of the body where similar problems can arise. We will talk about the use of Solcoseryl ointment.
Folk recipes
For fungus under the breasts, remedies prepared according to folk recipes provide a good healing and antifungal effect.
Often, at the very beginning of the disease, the problem can be dealt with without the use of medications .
According to patient reviews, the following folk remedies are the most effective:
- Aloe pulp . The pulp is extracted from the leaves of an adult plant (3-5 years old), rubbed into the affected area, and washed off after 10 minutes.
- Corn starch . Used as a powder to absorb excess moisture.
- Compresses with chamomile infusion . Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of flowers and leave until cool. A cloth is soaked in the resulting infusion and applied to the skin. The procedure time is 15 minutes.
- Vinegar-soda solution . Mix soda and apple cider vinegar in a 2:1 ratio, apply to the skin, and wash off after 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day.
- Garlic gruel with butter. The ointment helps relieve redness and stop the growth of fungus. The components are mixed in equal proportions and applied to the skin 2 times a day.
- Calendula and olive oil ointment. The product relieves inflammation and heals microcracks. Calendula and oil are mixed in equal quantities and left for 7 days. The ointment is applied to the skin 5-6 times a day until symptoms disappear.
- Tea tree oil . The product has a pronounced antimycotic effect. 4-6 drops of oil are mixed with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Apply to the skin with a cotton swab twice a day.
- Infusion of medicinal herbs. A medicinal tincture is prepared from yarrow, burdock, wormwood, and plantain. Pour a teaspoon of herbal mixture into a glass of boiling water and leave for 5 hours. The infusion is used to wipe the affected areas before applying medicinal ointments.
ADVICE. The use of decoctions of medicinal herbs to wipe the skin between the application of antifungal ointments helps to quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease and stop the growth of fungal spores.
Features of treatment for nursing mothers
A woman who discovers herpes on her chest during breastfeeding should stop lactation, as the virus poses a danger to the baby.
To prevent lactation from stopping, it is necessary to express milk. It can be given to an infant after pasteurization. If only one breast is affected by the disease, the baby can be fed with the second after hygiene procedures.
A nursing mother is prescribed:
- vitamins,
- immunostimulants,
- diet.
Antiviral medications are prohibited during this period.
If signs of herpes are found on one breast, urgent treatment is necessary to prevent infection of the second.
Therapy
There is an opinion that it is quite possible to deal with single boils at home. However, traditional medicine alone may not be enough, and using medications without a doctor’s prescription is fraught with side effects.
Conservative treatment
Local therapy turned out to be the most effective in terms of impact on boils:
- Ointments with pulling properties (Ichthyol, Levomekol).
- Antiseptics.
- Disinfecting solutions (zelenka, Fukortsin).
- Antibiotics.
- Wound healing agents (Solcoseryl).
Given the special situation of pregnant and lactating women, many of these drugs are contraindicated for them. In this case, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed in pediatric dosages, vitamin complexes, immunostimulants, antibiotics (Ceftriaxone), anesthetics, and antipyretic drugs. Treatment is carried out under close medical supervision.
What does a boil look like?
At the first stage of the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, a slight redness appears on the skin, reminiscent of a regular pimple. However, after a short time, the diameter of the formation increases (the surrounding connective tissue also turns red) and becomes denser, as a result of which a white dot forms in the middle of the “bump”. This point is the very necrotic core, inside of which there is purulent content.
The photo shows what a boil on the chest looks like:
Pimples in the décolleté area
A scattering of acne on the décolleté area is not uncommon. Most often, the reason is elementary - uncleanliness. But if your chest is covered with acne that itches and hurts, then you should consult a specialist for a diagnosis.
Reasons for appearance
Common factors that provoke the appearance of rashes are:
- seborrhea;
- allergic reaction;
- stress;
- hormonal imbalances;
- illiterate care of the dermis.
What can it be a symptom of and how to recognize it
Seborrhea is understood as the active production of glandular secretions. Pimples appear on the chest more often in men who actively play sports and take steroids.
With keratosis, keratinized cells appear that accumulate around the bulbs. Small bumps appear.
Prevention measures
In order to reduce the likelihood of infection with Staphylococcus aureus, as well as to prevent its active reproduction, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:
- You cannot use other people’s personal belongings, including hygiene items, clothing, and a comb.
- Hygiene procedures should be carried out regularly, especially if excessive sweating is observed.
- Any damage to the skin (scratch/injury/insect bite) must be treated promptly with an antiseptic.
- An important role is played by high-quality nutrition, absence of bad habits, hardening, and exercise.
Boils are not as dangerous as they might seem if their treatment is approached comprehensively and with medical assistance. However, we should not forget about concomitant diseases of the body, as well as the state of the immune system.
Acne on the chest and décolleté is a common occurrence that affects both men and women. The appearance of acne on the chest can occur in people of any age group, and quite often they take on a focal form.
After convergence, in most cases, scars remain, which are not so easy to get rid of. The occurrence of any acne in this area cannot be ignored when starting to eliminate them. But to do this you will need to find out the true cause of the problem.
