If you are living with an autoimmune disease like lupus, you probably know what it is like to develop a new symptom and wonder if it’s connected to lupus or coming from something else. After all, while lupus has more common symptoms like joint pain, it can also cause a wide variety of skin symptoms.

At MyLupusTeam, members often ask about certain types of rashes, including a rash that develops under the breasts. If you, like them, are wondering whether a rash like this can be caused by lupus, read on to learn more.

What Is a Lupus Rash Under the Breasts Like?

People experience rashes under their breasts differently. Some find that a rash under the breasts occurs alongside other itching and rashes, like one member who said, “I seem to have new spots for itching. My underarms, the sides and under my breasts. The itching seems never-ending at times.”

Others find that their rash is localized to one area, like a member who explained, “I have a bad rash that flares out and itches several times a day. What could it be? It’s between my breasts!”

For some people, rashes under the breasts are associated with sweating, like for one member who put it this way: “I too have a problem with what I disgustingly refer to as ‘boob juice.’ Soaking wet with awful rashes.”

Some people initially assume that a rash under their breasts isn’t tied to lupus. One member who experienced this explained, “I have had what looks like a yeast infection under and between my breasts. It itches, burns, and hurts, and I have tried several home remedies as well as Diflucan and nothing is helping. The skin is raw now.”

Not only can a rash under your breasts be annoying — it can interfere with daily living and lower your overall sense of wellness and quality of life. No matter how bad a rash is, you should not have to live with it and should be able to talk to your doctor to find a treatment that works for you.

What Causes a Rash Under the Breasts With Lupus?

A rash under the breasts can be caused by lupus or something else entirely. You’ll need to talk to your doctor to get the right diagnosis for you. Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know about potential causes.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a type of lupus that affects the skin and can cause rash or increased skin sensitivity. These rashes usually appear on skin that’s regularly exposed to the sun (and so is a type of photosensitivity), but they can appear anywhere. While most people don’t often expose the skin under their breasts to the sun, some swimsuits may expose enough to cause CLE symptoms.

There are three main types of CLE.

Chronic Cutaneous Lupus

There are many subtypes of chronic (ongoing) cutaneous lupus, with discoid lupus being the most common. In discoid lupus, lesions are usually scaly and discolored, and the affected skin will thicken. Although they don’t commonly form under the breasts, they can appear anywhere. They may feel painful or cause a deep burning itch, though some people don’t experience any of these symptoms.

If your dermatologist or a rheumatologist diagnoses you with discoid lupus, you need to watch the lesions carefully, as they can become skin cancer. Your dermatology provider will help you schedule regular appointments to monitor them.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus

Subacute cutaneous lupus can cause a rash that may come and go. When it’s there, it’s usually discolored, raised, and roughly circular, though the circles can overlap to form other shapes. It isn’t usually itchy, though people occasionally report itchiness. This rash is more likely to appear on the chest than discoid lupus symptoms. It is also often related to sun exposure.

Acute Cutaneous Lupus

Acute cutaneous lupus is tied to the malar rash, also known as the “butterfly rash.” This butterfly-shaped rash develops on the face, across the bridge of the nose and both cheeks. While the malar rash doesn’t directly affect the area under the breasts, some people with acute cutaneous lupus develop rashes on other parts of their body alongside the malar rash.

The malar rash and other acute cutaneous lupus rashes indicate active lupus. If you have not had a lupus flare in a while, this might be your first indication that the condition is becoming active for you again. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible to determine what has triggered your lupus and find the treatment you need.

Lupus Medications

Some lupus medications, like methotrexate (Rheumatrex) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil — an antimalarial drug also used to treat lupus), can cause rashes. These rashes aren’t normally localized to the area under the breasts, though you can experience them there along with parts of the body. You will also usually have other side effects from the medication alongside a rash. If you suspect your rash is from a lupus medication, talk to your doctor immediately.

Other Causes

Rashes under the breasts are often unrelated to lupus. Candida intertrigo — an infection in the skin folds caused by a yeast called candida — is one of the most common causes. If you sweat a lot under your breasts or the area regularly gets hot or chafes, the area can easily become an environment where yeast, bacteria, or fungi can grow. You’ll need to talk to your doctor to effectively treat candida intertrigo.

How To Manage a Rash Under Your Breasts

There are a few things you can do to manage a rash under your breasts, whether or not it is caused by lupus.

Keep Your Lupus Under Control

The best thing you can do to treat a lupus-related rash under your breasts is to keep your lupus under control. If your treatments are no longer effective, work with your rheumatology team to come up with a plan that will help get it under control again.

Clean and Dry the Area With Care

Keeping the area under your breasts clean can help treat an infection like candida intertrigo. It can also help prevent a lupus rash from getting worse. Wash that area specifically, then make sure it gets completely dry afterward. Using a hair dryer on a low, cool setting may help.

Limit Chafing

Do everything you can to stop your skin from rubbing on itself. This only worsens any discomfort you’re feeling worse, and it could keep the area raw and tender.

Wearing a good, comfortable bra that fits your particular measurements can go a long way toward reducing your discomfort. Look for one made from a natural material, like cotton, instead of a synthetic fiber like nylon, which can trap moisture.

Try Creams and Medications

There are a lot of creams, powders, and other medications that you can use to help treat your rash. Different people find that different options work for them. One member mentioned, “I have to apply a prescription powder under one breast every day or I get a horrendous rash!” Another said, “Try Aveeno body wash bath and hemp lotion.”

There are so many options that might work for you. You can work with your health care provider to determine what might be the best choice for your needs, then start there. It can take some time to find what works for you, but you should be able to alleviate any discomfort under your breasts.

Talk to Your Doctor

Anytime you have a new symptom or possible symptom of lupus, you should talk to your doctor. The symptom might indicate a flare, or it might mean you need to treat another condition. Your provider will be able to give you medical advice and an accurate diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Are you living with a rash under your breasts due to lupus? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.