Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a breast health expert
A: Breast itching is not uncommon. Although it’s not typically a sign of breast cancer, any breast symptom, including breast pain, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider just to be sure.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Itching can sometimes develop following breast surgery or cancer treatment. But assuming you have not had previous breast problems, it may be a sign of dry skin or minor inflammation. Using a good moisturizer such as Lubriderm® can help.
If the itching is truly “inside,” it might be helpful to stop or cut back on caffeine. You can also try an herbal supplement called evening primrose oil, 1,000 mgs twice a day for three to four months, to try to “calm down” the breast tissue.
The one thing I would worry about is if the nipple itself looks abnormal — reddened, flaky or ulcerated. A rare form of breast cancer, called Paget’s disease, can present in this way and may cause itching.
– Breast health specialist, Holly Pederson, MD.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The pros and cons of taking prenatal vitamins when you’re not pregnant depend on your age, ethnicity and health
Itching is a common effect of living with primary biliary cholangitis — but certain medications can help
One is the gold standard for breast screening, while the other is used as a complementary diagnostic tool
Changing hormones, mental health issues and a higher risk for sleep disorders can all impact women’s sleep needs
Biological changes, family issues and work problems may cause you to reevaluate your life and make changes for the better
Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment
Ob/Gyns are trained physicians who can care for more complex medical needs than midwives, but which you choose depends on your health and comfort
Strengthening your pelvic floor can help you avoid incontinence issues and sexual dysfunction
When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more
You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being
