Any change in the condition of your skin can be frightening. In many cases, small red bumps are merely a sign of a localized skin irritation. If you can identify the irritant -- perhaps a new bra or type of laundry detergent -- you can remove it and see whether your skin improves. If it doesn't, you'll need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Some women develop a rash-like condition on or beneath their breasts that results in redness, inflammation and red bumps. This is a form of fungal infection called cutaneous candidiasis. It usually affects warm, creased areas of your body. The government's MedlinePlus website notes that some people are more vulnerable to this type of infection, including people who are obese, on antibiotics or birth control pills, or who have diabetes. Treatment usually involves antifungal skin creams as well as keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Tinea Versicolor
Another form of skin infection that results in rash-like bumps is called tinea versicolor. In "Taking Care of Your Girls," authors Marisa Weiss and Isabel Friedman describe what this condition looks like. If you see light pink or brown spots with a slightly rough surface about 1/4 of inch in diameter, it likely indicates this type of yeast infection. While it's not contagious, your doctor might prescribe a pill to help clear it up. Other solutions include miconazole lotion or washing the area with Nizoral shampoo.
Paget's Disease
A rare but serious condition, Paget's disease is often mistaken for dermatitis or psoriasis. In "Skin Cancer," contributing author Dr. Zeina Tannous notes that it most often affects post-menopausal women in their 50s and 60s. This disease is a form of skin cancer that affects the nipple and areola, causing red, scaly bumps to appear. Your doctor can biopsy your red bumps to find out whether you have Paget's disease. If so, treatment involves radiotherapy or a mastectomy, depending on the severity of your case.
Treatment
MayoClinic.com suggests you treat a breast rash with a warm washcloth placed over the affected area for a few minutes. If you've worn new clothing or used a new detergent on clothing or sheets, discontinue use immediately. Try not to scratch the bumps and use only unscented moisturizer on your breasts.
Warning
If the preventive measures described above don't help get rid of your rash in one week, MayoClinic.com recommends you see your doctor. However, you shouldn't wait a week to be seen if you also have a fever, sores or pain in your breasts. Sometimes rash-like bumps indicate serious conditions such as mammary duct infections, an abscess or inflammatory breast cancer.
