Antiseptic Remedies to Treat Rashes Under the Breast
Image Source: Reader’s Digest
Rashes under the breasts, particularly during summer months, are quite a common problem. These are usually a form of an irritant dermatitis, medically referred to as Intertrigo. This is accompanied by inflammation in skin folds.
These rashes are caused due to a variety of factors, including excess sweating, lack of air circulation, heat and wearing an ill-fitted bra. However, obesity and hot, humid climate are majorly responsible for this problem.
In worst cases, it leads to formation of yeast and fungal infections in a moist environment. At times it is a result of an allergic reaction or infection of breast tissue owing to breastfeed. These allergic reactions cause red patches, itching, burning sensation, dryness and discomfort.
Well, these rashes and accompanied symptoms can be cured with simple home remedies. However, if the problem aggravates, do consult your doctor. Let us take a look at a few such remedies.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil possesses soothing and healing properties and therefore, is really good for healing skin rashes. Since it is greasy in nature, it helps in lessening the friction that usually leads to rashes under the breasts. This oil also helps in combating infections owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Just dab some extra virgin coconut oil on the affected area and then massage gently. Let the oil get absorbed properly into the skin. Till that time, do not wear a bra to allow proper air circulation. Follow this remedy three times in a day for at least a week.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is universally known to possess anti-fungal properties and thus, can be applied externally to heal a breast rash. This superb oil prevents the growth of fungus as well.
Pour six drops of pure tea tree oil in a bowl and then add four tablespoons of olive oil in it. Do not apply tea tree oil directly as it quite sharp and cause a burn on the skin. Now soak a cotton ball in this concoction and dab some of it on the rash. Gently massage the area till the oil gets absorbed completely. Allow this remedy twice a day; one after taking a bath and the other before going to bed. A regular application will surely reduce your rashes within a few days.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera helps in soothing itchy and burning sensation, which is usually caused by breast rashes. Since aloe vera possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it speeds up the healing process. When combined with turmeric, it doubles up its effect owing to the presence of antiseptic properties in this spice.
Extract some gel from a fresh aloe leaf and apply it directly on the infected area. Let it stay for half an hour and then wipe off with a clean washcloth.
Besides, you can also mix a teaspoon of turmeric in this fresh gel. After applying, let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Follow any of these remedies two times a day till the rash gets healed properly.
- Garlic
Garlic too contains antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, needed for treating several types of infections, particularly rashes under the breast.
Take half cup of olive oil and soak a few cloves of garlic in it for the entire night. Apply this garlic-infused oil the next day on your rashes. Massage gently and then rinse off after a few hours. Follow this remedy three times in a day to ensure quick healing. Besides, you can directly apply a puree of freshly crushed garlic cloves on the rash. Follow it till the time this infection gets healed.
- Lemon
Lemon juice consists of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that combats all sorts of fungal infections.Just dilute one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in three tablespoons of water. Now apply it on the infected area and allow it to dry.
Try another concoction by mixing two tablespoons of lemon juice and a little honey. Apply it on your rash and then, let it sit for about 20 minutes. Later, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do it twice a day till it gets healed completely.