If you have any type of eczema it can be a frustrating and mentally stressful experience, regardless of where your eczema flares up. Breast eczema is exactly as the name implies - a type of eczema that affects the skin of the breasts. This often includes the area around the nipples as well. It is a non-contagious, inflammatory condition that causes itching, redness, dryness, and scaling of the skin.

Causes of Breast Eczema

The exact causes of breast eczema are not well understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including:

• genetics
• hormones
• skin irritants

Some common triggers for breast eczema include:

• sweating
• food allergies
• friction from clothing
• stress
• exposure to irritants such as soaps, detergents, and fragrances
• pollen

Breast Eczema Treatments

Treatments for eczema on the breasts include the use of moisturizing creams, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines. It is important to identify the triggers that cause the eczema and avoid them. However, this is often easier said than done, but this knowledge will help you manage flare-ups when they do occur.

Managing Eczema on the Breasts

Moisturize Daily

You might find alternating between certain products to be more effective than just using a single moisturizer. Regardless, you're going to want to apply it multiple times a day in order to keep the skin moisturized. Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers.

Avoid Hot Showers and Baths

When you have breast eczema you want to avoid hot showers; like you should with any type of eczema. Stick to showers on the cooler-temp side and be sure to pay yourself dry (no rubbing) then apply your moisturizer immediately after while your skin is still damp.

Choose the Right Products

The skincare products you apply to your skin could be wreaking more havoc than you realize. Sometimes it's not immediately obvious, but it's important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to the body and skincare products you currently use. Could one of them be the culprit for your recent breast eczema flare-up? 

Don't Scratch

The most important rule - do not scratch! If this is very difficult you might consider trying an antihistamine or visiting your doctor to get recommendations to best soothe the itch.

Lower Stress Levels

If stress is suspected to be the root cause of your breast eczema flare-ups, consider ways to lessen the stress in your life. There are so many ways to do this, starting with a little bit of research. Just don't get frustrated (and more stressed out) when something you try doesn't work! Move on to the next things to try until you find the best method for you.

Relief is Not Impossible

Managing breast eczema may not necessarily be a fun thing to do, but it's not impossible to achieve comfort. Using the above information you should be able to determine the best treatments and lifestyle changes to achieve actual relief from your breast eczema. If you're in the market for a soap to try that is gentle on your skin but designed for eczema relief, consider trying our natural bar soap with honey and oatmeal. Regardless of how you go about it, becoming more informed about the eczema on your breasts or nipples will help manage it long-term.