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Itchy breasts:5 explanations for itchy breasts

Pregnancy warning signs

If your breasts itchy overnight, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Indeed, these localized irritations in the nipples are sometimes linked to hormonal changes caused by the start of pregnancy. If, at the same time, your period is late in coming and the itching is more intense, you will no longer have a shadow of a doubt about the reason behind your itchy breasts . During the first months, the peak of activity of the blood vessels in the nipples will also cause feelings of irritation.

The effects of premenstrual syndrome

Itchy breasts are, in most cases, the result of some hormonal change. The tingling sensations you may feel around your nipples may be due to a hormone imbalance. It is not uncommon for PMS to be behind itchy breasts, causing itching and tightness that is both uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Itching due to an allergic reaction

Like any other itching elsewhere on the body, it happens that your breasts itch due to an allergic reaction or eczema. In this case, to avoid any recurrence, it is important to identify the allergen that your nipples did not support. It can be a medicine, a cosmetic product, a perfume, a deodorant, even the detergent you use to wash your clothes. It also happens that your breasts itch because of the underwear or lingerie you wear, especially if they are ill-fitting, damp or sometimes dirty.

The consequence of a bacterial or viral infection

If itchy breasts are not always a worrying phenomenon, they are sometimes caused by infections that require the greatest attention. Often, itchy nipples are the result of a skin fungus or candidiasis. In addition to tingling, this pathology is accompanied by reddish spots and bands of white skin. Itchy breasts can also be of viral origin. It is then shingles or chickenpox.

Possible warning sign of breast cancer

Although the cases are rather rare, sometimes itchy breasts are a warning sign of breast cancer. More specifically, it will be a rare form of breast tumors, namely Paget's disease. In addition to itchy breasts, the symptoms of this disease are accompanied by dryness of the skin around the nipples as well as a burning sensation. However, it should be kept in mind that the appearance of these signs is not necessarily linked to cancer. However, it is worth checking with a specialist whenever the breasts become itchy and the skin dries out.