Monday, July 16, 2012 linda asks

Q: Rash on breast

I am not sure if this is the right place to post my question, but after reading some of the other posts I am awed by the knowledge and caring shown by the ladies on this board. Now for my concern: Are rashes associated with breast cancer smooth and indistinguishable by touch alone or are they rough and/or raised? I have a completely smooth, flat inflamed area on the outside of my right breast, about 2 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches in size. It appeared a couple of days ago, the same day I got my period after not having it for three months--I am close to menopause. I have been using hydrocortisone cream on it. The overall red color seems to be easing slightly, but there are areas that are still quite red. If this is just a rash, any ideas about how long it might take for hydrocortisone cream to resolve it completely? If it doesn't resolve, of course I will seek medical attention.Thank you, and best wishes and health to all of you.

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Answers (2)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

7/16/12 12:33pm

Linda, breast rashes are nearly always NOT a symptom of breast cancer, which is a good thing to keep in mind as you deal with this. Please read our post on breast rashes for more information about what might be causing this - which could be anything from hormones, to a change in laundry soap, to a new bra.

My fellow health guide, Phyllis, will no doubt be adding her feedback here; she's had inflammatory breast cancer, which can indeed begin with a rash; and she has more information than I about what a potential IBC rash might look like.

That said, I think the rash would have to get much worse, and be accompanied by other symptoms (swelling, pain, heat - infection-like symptoms) for you to truly worrry about cancer. Your plan is sound: watchful waiting. Hopefully this will resolve on its own soon. Good luck, and let us know what happens, OK? PJH

linda

7/16/12 2:53pm

Thank you, PJH. I've never had smooth red splotches like this--and on one breast. Weird! My nipple on that breast has also been quite tender but it seems to be improving slowly. I can rule out laundry soap and bras--no changes there. But hormones??? Mine are haywire as I head closer to menopause. :/

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

7/16/12 4:10pm

I've had weird breast rashes before - no known cause, no treatment, they just disappear. So who knows... Good luck with menopause! Such a wonderful time... PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

7/16/12 7:34pm

One frequent characteristic of inflammatory breast cancer is dimpled skin, like the peel of an orange, so a smooth red area does not sound like the usual rash. Usually the redness covers a large portion of the breast. Swelling, warmth, pain and itching frequently are also present. There are so many types of skin rashes that inflammatory breast cancer is not the most likely cause of your rash. However, having read letters from hundreds of women diagnosed with ibc, I have learned that the presentation of ibc can vary widely, so the fact that your symptoms are not typical does not mean that you should relax your vigilance. If you don't see an improvement in a few days, check in with the doctor. You may need a different type of medicine. I don't see any reason for you to panic, but do be persistent until you find out for sure what is causing the red area.

linda

7/16/12 10:05pm

Phyllis

Sharing your knowledge and experience is a tremendous gift--thank you for helping to keep me focused. I will hope for improvement over the next few days, and will be persistent and visit a doctor if I don't see complete resolution. The very best to you!

Linda

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

7/16/12 10:18pm

Glad to help. Let us know what the rash turns out to be.

Q: Rash on breast

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