Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
Your complaint of itchy breasts does not appear to be from any serious underlying condition and there's no medical evidence to support that it can occur as a side effect of stopping the minipill. Is it possible that the irritation followed the use of a new detergent or undergarment or skin care product?
With regards specifically to breast cancer, unless you can appreciate a lump by self examination or there is bilateral breast pain or discharge from nipples, you can rest assured that the irritation is temporary and not suggestive of more serious conditions.
I hope this helps, feel free to discuss further
Patient replied :
Hmmm when you mentioned detergent, it hit me. I have dyed my hair a fair bit lately....
This is both breasts and its on top and the sides. Red rash that gets itchy now and again.
I will see my dr after xmas, too expensive here in new zealand to see after hour doctors.
Hello,
Thank you for your follow up.
Since you are able to correlate the timing of the rash and itchy breasts with dyeing your hair, its possible, its an allergic reaction to the components of the hair dye. I would advise that you stop further dyeing of your hair to avoid aggravating the irritation.
Also it may help to apply a topical corticosteroid ointment hydrocortisone 1% apply to the affected area of the skin three or four times per day. or if you prefer hydrocortisone cream apply to the affected area of the skin two or three times per day.
Hope this helps, feel free to discuss further
Patient replied :
The only problem is that i have dyed it beyond two weeks though. Rash comes and goes. No hard lumps, just normal breast tissue soft lumps that i have always had. Nipples are fine no discharge or blood, no inverted nipples. Nothing apart from an itchy rash on similar spots on breasts. I do have anxiety so i intend to worry about these things more than others.
It is slightly difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your rash here, however it definitely is nothing to be worried about.
The fact that the nipples are not involved, and there is no discharge is a good sign.
When you get the rash, apply the ointment as i mentioned, and it will get better.
Let me know how the rash responds to the Hydrocortisone ointment.
Regards.