Candida is a yeast that commonly resides in our bodies, specifically in the skin, digestive tract, vagina, and oral cavity. While healthy levels of candida may be beneficial, its overgrowth could lead to infections such as breast yeast infections (1). Yeast infections often occur in warm, moist skin regions such as the underarms, private areas, and skin folds of the breasts and nipples (2). This type of yeast infection affecting the skin is known as cutaneous candidiasis. Fortunately, breast yeast infections can easily be treated and prevented with certain measures. Read on to understand the causes, symptoms, treatments, and management of breast yeast infection and similar skin conditions.
What Are The Signs Of Yeast Infection Of The Breasts?
The lesions of a yeast infection of the breast have the following characteristics (2) (3).
Bright red patches or rashes Pustules around the rash One or more patches of different sizes and shapes Itchiness Stabbing or shooting pain at the rash Radiating burning sensation in one or both the breasts
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor or a lactation consultant to confirm yeast infection and rule out other problems.
Other Skin Conditions With Similar Clinical Appearance
The following skin conditions may cause symptoms similar to those experienced in a yeast infection.
Eczema
Skin allergy Contact dermatitis Seborrhea Psoriasis Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
A doctor can help you differentiate between these lesions with the help of necessary tools and tests.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Yeast Infection Of The Breasts
Fungal infections, including yeast infections, fundamentally occur when the fungus receives favorable conditions, such as a warm and moist environment, to thrive. Another leading cause is a poor immune response, often due to hampered immunity since the immune system keeps fungal growth in check. The following are the commonly identified causes and risk factors of a yeast infection on the breasts (2) (3) (4) (5) (6).
Poor hygiene
Tight clothing or synthetic clothes Ill-fitting shirts and bras Infrequent undergarment change Excessive sweating due to conditions, such as hyperhidrosis, or hot and humid weather Obesity
History of vaginal yeast infection Type 2 diabetes
Weak immune system Existing fungal infections Medications, such as steroids, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs Women with larger breasts may have more skin folds, causing more sweating under the breasts
A doctor diagnoses most cases of yeast infections of the breast through visual examination. The doctor may scrape a part of the lesion and use the potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation test to confirm the presence of fungus (7) but it is not always necessary to confirm yeast infection, usually, a physical exam will suffice.
Treatment For Yeast Infection Of The Breasts
The treatment of yeast infection depends on the location and severity of the infection. Topical applications of antifungal drugs as powders, creams, and solutions, are most commonly prescribed. The following are the commonly used drugs for fungal infections (1).
Miconazole Clotrimazole Oxiconazole Ketoconazole Econazole Ciclopirox Nystatin Fluconazole
Lactating mothers of exclusively breastfed infants may be prescribed lactation-safe oral antifungal medicines to prevent the risk of the baby ingesting the topical medication. You may also express and store the milk to feed your baby before applying a topical medicine on the breasts. Maintenance of good hygiene is also essential to weaken and subdue the spread of the fungus. If fungal infection results from underlying conditions, such as a weak immune system or type 2 diabetes, the doctor may refer you to a relevant specialist. Correct management of the underlying risk factors accompanied by antifungal medication can cure yeast infection in three to four weeks.
Prevention Of Yeast Infection Of The Breasts
The following steps may help prevent yeast infection of the breasts.
Maintain optimal hygiene Wash the skin under your breasts with soapy hot water during a shower Give breasts ample time to dry before wearing a bra Avoid wearing an ill-fitting bra that restricts airflow
Give yourself bra-free time at home whenever possible Wear clothes of breathy fabrics, such as cotton and linen Avoid wearing very tight clothes Do not be in wet or sweaty clothes for too long Change your breast pads frequently Try to maintain your body weight in the healthy BMI range Maintain your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes If you are on any medicines that suppress immunity, such as steroids, ask your doctor if you need preventive antifungal medications
How Is Thrush Different From Yeast Infection Of The Breasts?
Thrush is also caused by the candida albicans, which is a type of yeast fungi. However, thrush indicates the oral cavity is involved. Yeast infection of the breasts may spread through the nipple to cause oral thrush in your infant especially if a breastfeeding mother has sore or cracked nipples (7). A mother may also develop a candida infection of the breast if her breastfeeding baby has oral thrush. The condition is also treated with oral or topical antifungals. The same medication that can be used to treat your baby’s thrush (oral nystatin typically) can be used on the breast to provide some relief. The best time to give your infant nystatin is after feeding so it stays in the mouth longer. You usually use a dropper for dispensing the liquid into the infant’s mouth and making sure you place it in the cheeks or areas of white patches. It is usually used four times a day. Talk to your doctor about the dosing and how long to treat.
