Dry skin is a major cause of itchy breasts. Itching from dry skin often involves more areas of your body than just your breasts. Treating your current outbreak of dry skin can also help to prevent future problems.  Dry skin can develop in patchy areas. The patchy areas tend to have flakes or the area may tend to peel. Areas of dry skin can feel tight or stretched, especially after exposure to water. Patchy areas of dry skin appear darker or duller than normal skin tissue and may appear wrinkled when compared to the smoother texture of healthy skin.  Dry skin on your breasts may tend to get worse in the colder and dryer months of the year. Lengthy showers or baths and using hot water temperatures can cause your dry skin problem to linger, or possibly get worse.  Bathe or shower in warm water and avoid prolonged exposure to hot water. Use unscented soaps that have a high fat content or those that contain glycerin. Avoid perfumed products like bubble baths. Use a loofah sponge or gentle bath cloth and avoid scrubbing your skin harshly. When showering, consider applying soap to your breasts only every two to three days. This will allow your body's natural oils to be replenished.  Pat your skin to dry off after bathing or showering and avoid harshly wiping with a towel. Apply an unscented moisturizer immediately after your bath or shower. An alternative to applying a moisturizer after your bath or shower is to apply a bath oil product immediately before you get out of the shower. Let your body dry naturally without wiping harshly with a towel, especially around the areas of your breast that are the itchiest. Bath oil products are slippery so take precaution not to fall. If you are an athlete or go to the gym regularly, take quick showers after your workout and bring your own soap. Limit your use of antiperspirants and perfumed products due to their ability to dry the skin. Deodorant products are less drying to the skin than antiperspirants. This includes protection from the sun and harsh chemicals. Wear clothing that covers your breasts, or any exposed areas of your skin. Use a sunscreen product that contains a moisturizer. Choose products that contain at least one of the following ingredients: glycerin, urea, sorbitol, lactic acid, pyroglutamic acid, lactate salts, and alpha hydroxyl acid.  Always use unscented skin care products that are designed for sensitive skin.  Apply a waterproof moisturizer before you swim, such as a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Shower and apply a moisturizer as soon as possible after swimming. Thick, creamy moisturizers, such as Eucerin and Cetaphil, may be more effective at moisturizing than thinner lotions. Petroleum jelly is also thick enough to moisturize your skin well, and is very cheap. You may be routinely exposing your skin to products that contain chemicals or additives that can worsen your condition.  Choose laundry products that are labelled for use in people with sensitive skin. Select products that are dye- and fragrance-free. Try using fragrance-free fabric softener. Fabric softener can help to reduce the harsh effects of washing clothes in areas that have hard water. However, many fabric softeners can trigger allergic reactions, so if switching to fragrance-free softener doesn't help, eliminate fabric softener altogether. Rinse your clothes thoroughly by using an additional rinse cycle to be sure all detergents and unwanted chemicals are removed. Drinking plenty of water every day provides the fluids your body needs to stay healthy, including the largest organ in your body, your skin. Use a humidifier in the winter months to keep more moisture in your skin. Select bras that have less padding and are not made with stiff and scratchy lace. If possible, wear bras made of cotton. Go without a bra whenever you can.  Wear tops, blouses, or dresses that are loose fitting and made of comfortable and breathable fabrics such as cotton. Be sure your bra fits properly, including sports bras. Chafing and itching can be caused by bras that do not fit well.  Remove your sports bra as soon as possible after exercising to reduce the moisture and sweat that stays against your breast tissue. Do not sleep in a bra. Wear sleepwear that is comfortable, breathable, and loose fitting. Trying not to scratch an itchy area is a difficult thing to do, but important in preventing complications.  Scratching the area causes the skin to become even more irritated, leads to more itching, and can possibly lead to an infection if the skin is broken. Apply gentle pressure with the heel of your hand, gently massage the area, or place a cool cloth against the area to reduce the itching sensation. Many people scratch at night without realizing it. Try putting band-aids over your fingertips when you sleep, or sleep with socks over your hands to help avoid scratching. You can buy hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Apply the cream topically to your skin for minor itching. You can usually apply it 1-4 times per day.  If your symptoms do not improve within a day or two, call your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you develop side effects such as redness, swelling, or pus discharge. To apply, wash your skin gently and pat dry. Then apply the cream in a thin layer and rub it in gently.
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