Although Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease of the breast are two forms of breast cancer that may include itching as a symptom, it is unlikely a be a symptom of cancer. IBC is associated with other symptoms such as inverted nipple, soreness, swelling or sudden enlargement, aching, swollen lymph nodes under the arm, etc. Paget's usually has the rash around the nipples. You need to see a dermatologist and have a skin biopsy done. This is likely caused from an allergic reaction and it could be a new soap, cosmetic or a new bra. Formaldehyde is often used as a fabric finisher and is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and is also a known allergen. If you stop and think about it you may have purchased a new bra recently or perhaps even switched laundry detergents.  

Have you changed your lanudry detergent? Maybe you are allegic to something.  Are you using a new bra maybe made with laytex and you are allegic to it. I know of alot of people who are allergic to laytex.  Did you change deodorant or soap? Check these things and if everything is the same as you have always used them then you should go see a doctor.

good luck!

Amber

9/27/09 2:07am

So could it be allergic reaction to detergent even if there is not a rash and they just itch?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/27/09 6:48am

Yes, Or it could be a nerve issue, similar to shingles. Itching can be either interna (skin), or external (nerves). PJH

MJfan4life

9/27/09 1:23pm

Yes, it could be an allergy or sensitivity to something in the detergent.  Try changing your detergent to something like: all free clear. It has no dyes, perfume or preservatives. You can read more about it here:

http://www.all-laundry.com/#/freeclear/

They even have a coupon so, good luck!

 

p.s. try to use a moisturizing lotion... maybe the skin is dry and therefore itchy.

Help, I've had an itchy and swollen right breast for months,,, tried scubbing (gently) every day..I am just 50 and freaking out... had a mamogram 1 year ago. SHOWED SMALL CYSTS . been diagosed with fibocistic breast disease for years, they said NOT  TO have any caffeine or chocolate over 10 years ago !!! (my 2 favorites)   should I get it checked again... hev several.. look like Zits under the breast///HELP 

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

10/20/10 5:40am

Yes, you need to call the doctor today and have this checked out.  This article on how symptoms of various types of rashes and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's Disease of the Breast can overlap may give you some ideas of what might be causing your symptoms, but only a doctor can make a definite diagnosis.  The problem could be allergy related, in which case the doctor will need to decide whether a cream or oral medicine would be most helpful.  The bumps under the breast might hint at a fungal infection which would require a different type of cream than an allergy.  If the problem is IBC, then you need to be under medical care immediately.    Usually the symptoms of IBC progress rapidly (days or weeks, not months), so if you don't also have redness and skin dimpling, then it is less likely to be cancer.  Nevertheless, breast swelling and itching are not symptoms to ignore.  Please call your doctor and be assertive about getting this diagnosed.  Ask for a referral to a breast surgeon if the problem does not clear up quickly after you begin whatever treatment the doctor tries first.  My best wishes for good news.

What does it mean when your nip is itch like crazy?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

1/14/11 9:03pm

Could be all kinds of things, Dorothy, from an allergy to nromones. Please read our post on nipple issues; it'll give you good information about whether/when to see a doctor about this. PJH

My breasts have been itchy for a while now. I'd have to say since I was 18 or so, and I'm now 20. -- I had told my mother when I was still in High School, but my parents never really cared about taking care of me. So I haven't had them checked out.

The itching can come and go at times, and it hasn't gotten worse or better. There's also like zit type bumps on my breasts too. And yes it's both. My nipples don't itch though. And since it's been a while since all of this happening I have changed things. I don't wear the same bras, I don't use the same soap, or luandry soap.

The only thing that I could think of is, I think I have a allergy to dogs, and my husband has a yellow lab...That sheds REALLY bad, so there's dog hair EVERYWHERE, and pretty much no way to get rid of it.

And I didn't start having this problem until me and him started dating...

Any ideas?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

7/ 4/11 10:24pm

Sounds like you might have an allergy - perhaps to animal dander. Have you considered seeing a dermatologist? I'd think that would be your best recourse for getting some resolution to this problem... Good luck - PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

7/ 5/11 7:29am

Because the itching comes and goes and has not gotten worse overall, I think it extremely unlikely that this would be cancer.  Your detective work in thinking it could be the dog does suggest a possible allergy.  It seems strange though that an allergy to the dog would be causing symptoms just on your breast.  Are your new soaps and laundry products designed for sensitive skin?  I agree with PJ that seeing a dermatologist might be a good idea.  

In my area, it can take a while to get an appointment with one, so you might need to see a primary care doctor first (and some insurance policies require seeing a PCP before they will pay for a specialist.)  If you can't get an appointment right away, another way to test out the allergy theory would be to take an over-the-counter allergy product the next time you have the problem and see if it helps.