It can be scary to spot a change in your breasts, but if you notice that the skin of your breast is red, swollen, or warm, there’s usually no reason to worry. Breast skin can be quite sensitive, so there are lots of common conditions and causes for breast skin changes, and the vast majority are not too much of a concern.
Some of the most common causes include:
Although most of the causes of a rash on the breast aren’t much to worry about, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of more serious conditions.
Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer that usually appears as skin inflammation and general changes in the breast, rather than as a defined lump. IBC is rather rare and only accounts for around one to five percent of diagnosed breast cancers. Educational campaigns about spotting breast cancer early usually focus on the more common forms of breast cancer, which cause lumps and changes in breast tissue that can be felt. But learning about other changes that could signal cancer can help you stay healthy.
IBC is more common in females than males, but it’s possible for males to develop it, too. Research tells us that women from African-Caribbean backgrounds have the highest risk of developing IBC, and having a close family member who has had breast cancer is also associated with increased risk. Obesity is another risk factor for IBC.
Inflammatory breast cancer can present in a number of ways. The symptoms are persistent and tend to develop relatively quickly (over the course of three to six months). Here’s what to watch for:
It can be hard to distinguish breast changes caused by inflammatory breast cancer from other common conditions, such as an ordinary rash, allergic reaction, or infection. That’s why it’s important to see a health care provider as soon as you notice any of these changes to figure out the cause and get treatment, if necessary.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent IBC (or breast cancer in general). That’s why, in an interview with Flo, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Carlie Thompson says that routine screening for breast cancer is important: It catches breast cancer in its earliest form. Carlie says that the majority of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed via breast cancer screenings, like mammograms. During a mammogram, an x-ray is taken of your breasts to look for abnormal findings that may signify cancer. Mammography can identify cancer years before it could be felt.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45–54 get annual mammograms.
If IBC is suspected because of skin inflammation, nipple changes, or other IBC symptoms, breast imaging — like mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI — will be necessary. If an abnormality is identified with breast imaging, then a needle biopsy will be performed. In a needle biopsy, a thin, hollow needle is used to extract a sample that can be examined under a microscope. If an abnormality is not identified with breast imaging, then a punch biopsy of the skin can be performed. During a punch biopsy, a special tool that looks kind of like a miniature cookie cutter is used to take a sample of all the layers of skin. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the procedure so you won’t feel pain during the biopsy.
Because IBC can be difficult to diagnose and because it is typically a more aggressive form of breast cancer, the cancer may have spread outside of the breast by the time it is found. Staging studies can be performed to look for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
IBC can grow quickly, so it’s necessary to start treatment immediately after diagnosis. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances are of recovery.
Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Chemotherapy is often given before surgery, and then surgery is performed to remove the affected breast tissue and lymph nodes. Radiation is delivered after surgery. Some types of IBC respond to hormone-lowering medications, so these may be given in addition to the other treatments. Lastly, some people may choose to participate in clinical trials to try out new treatments that aren’t widely available to the public yet.
Even though breast skin changes usually don’t mean anything serious, it's important to know when you might actually need medical attention.
If wearing more breathable fabrics; avoiding soaps and detergents that cause skin sensitivity; and keeping your breasts clean and dry doesn’t seem to help with the skin changes you’re seeing, or if you notice your symptoms worsening, be sure to check in with a health care provider. And be sure to visit a health care provider if you notice any of these accompanying symptoms:
Although IBC is rare, being vigilant about breast health saves lives, so be sure to keep these symptoms in mind. If you have any concerns about changes in your breast tissue or skin of the breast that can’t be easily explained, it’s essential to see a health care provider.
Rashes that don’t go away by themselves may need medical treatment even if they’re not a serious threat, so don’t hesitate to ask for some professional advice.
