My bras are causing skin irritation?

Question

I work on a physical labor job 9 hrs a day where its really hot and i sweat a lot...anyways i think because of the sweat against my skin and my bra are causing skin irritation, like underneath my breasts the skin is all red and sore. I really have no idea what the problem is or how to fix it and it's a bit painful!?

Answer 1

I hear ya girl. You first want to be fitted by a pro to make sure you have the correct size bra. Most department stores have a knowledgeable person available. And your breast size might change with the time of the month. Your fitter can tell you if it is a good time to get your size. Check in again if you gain or lose a bit of weight, or if you get pregnant.

The bra type you choose will depend ultimately on your size. But if you can get enough support, I would suggest a high performance sports bra. It will wick sweat away from your skin. But you will NEED that support otherwise it doesn't work.

You can also take some time during breaks to rinse your skin, apply some medicated powder or cornstarch to help because it is simple heat rash.

Answer 2

There is an excellent sports bra by Nike that has a cotton lining that will help this I think. The cotton will absorb the sweat and will help reduce the rubbing, because the elastic (which is what's actually causing the issue) is covered in material and doesn't come in direct contact with your skin. Just be sure that whatever bra you get has cotton lining and non-exposed elastic and you'll be fine.

Also, do NOT use powder, as the talc will just irritate the skin further.

Answer 3

I have that problem if I wear an underwire bra. I switched to sports bra's and I dont have that problem anymore. I dont know if it was a reaction to the metal of the underwire or what. But I tried all different brands of bra's with underwires and every single one would cause the "rash" In the beginning I figured my breasts were just too heavy(40 D) but once I wore the sports bra's there was no rash reaction. Try wearing the sports bra and see if that doesnt help. There are also bra's made of special breathable material for runners(not "sports" bra looking at all) You might need something that keeps the sweat off your skin. And if its not the underwire that bothers you, there are always cotton/sports bra material with the underwire.

Answer 4

This may surprise you. But, you maybe allergic to the bra materials.

This is a true story.

When I was a child my mother had terrible health problems. Her feet became red an swollen, her back and breasts became inflamed and her hand had huge boils on them. She has been to many doctors. She tried anything that they or anyone suggested. The condition became so bad that she could not wear shoes or underclothing. I remember her going to Christmas Eve services at church wearing newspaper and garbage bags tied to her feet.

The condition became so desperate that she was sent to Cleveland Clinic. She was there for about a week. They finally found what was causing her problems. She was allergic to elastic materials and nickle. Shoes are held together by an elastic glue in the soles. Bras and underwear have elastic in them. Bras often had nickle based claps.

She learned how to make her own underclothing without elastic or nickle. She had specially made shoes made with rabbit skin glue; not elastic glues.

That diagnosis saved her life. The allergy started a whole system breakdown in her immune system. After the allergy symptoms were calmed her body was able to restore its' proper function.

My mother always had the worst reactions when she was hot.

This may not be your problem. But, ask your doctor about it.

Answer 5

Considering 9 out of 10 women wear the wrong bra size that is probably the answer. Go to a local department store and have them measure you. Also try a "t-shirt" bra - they are softer and generally don't have underwire which can cause that irritation. You also might want to try and put baby powder on that area before getting dressed.

Answer 6

I had that for the same reasons. Doc said 50% of women get it - - - it's a fungus you'll need a antibiotic for.
Have the Dr. check your sugar levels. It's frequently a sign of too much sugar in your blood.
Be careful and get to a doctor.

Answer 7

ITS IS MORE TO SAY
BUT YOUR BRA IS NOT PURE COTTON..
ITS FAKE.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM,CHANGE THE BRA TO BALI,
PLAYTEX.ETC COTTON..
THE OTHERS HAVE UNKNOWN MATERIALS THAT
ARE DRIVING U WILD..
TRY TAKING A SHOWER, USE CALIMINE LOTION ON RASH
AFTER BATH READY TO SLEEP.
AGAIN WEAR A COTTON GOWN....YOUR ALLERGIC TO
OTHERS,,
IM A MAN YES. BUT THEY MAKE T SHIRTS WITH NOT
COTTON AND MAN THAT BURNS AND ITCHES....
HOPE IT HELPS
BEST