Does you bra irritate your skin? Wondering how to prevent your bra from chafing? Read our guide to find 6 ways of preventing bra chafing.

While the skin is a very resilient organ, it can break down if it’s under constant strain. For instance, you may realize that certain products or environmental triggers can result in you having red, itchy, and flaky rashes. Sometimes, these may be symptoms of an underlying medical condition.

The skin can be affected by the right irritant. However, for people dealing with sensitive skin, this is usually a heavy burden.

So, how can you prevent bra chafing under arm?

Here’s what you need to do.

Take a Shower

Before you shake your head at this obvious tip, when was the last time you showered properly?

Taking a shower is a no-brainer ritual. However, the details may explain why you get irritated in your bra area.

Over-washing with hot water and over-exfoliation with scrubs make the skin prone to dryness. Moreover, an old scrubbing sponge or loofah may also make your skin irritated if it contains bacterial organisms. Bacteria can grow on these items if they’re not dried and stored correctly.

Still on the same note, some body washes can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, uncomfortable and itchy. This is why hygiene experts recommend using the right moisturizing body wash with gentle ingredients.

Other tips to keep in mind when showering include:

i) Use warm water instead of hot water when showering

ii) Turn your back to the shower so that the water does not hit your breasts directly

Following the two tips above will make your shower experience more satisfying and relaxing.

Dress in the Right Fabric

Repeated friction, coupled with moisture, can cause redness, dryness, and itching of the breasts.

Most people with sensitive skin aggravate their condition by wearing bras made of the wrong fabric.

If you experience some irritation around your breasts, check the material of your bra. Some synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex have dyes, resins, and other chemicals that can cause your skin to react.

Synthetic fibers are not as breathable as natural fibers like cotton. Wearing a bra made of synthetic fabric makes you prone to sweating more as  moisture gets trapped and doesn’t evaporate from the fabric. The moist environment becomes conducive for bacteria to thrive and this worsens skin irritation.

Wearing bras made of the right material will protects your skin and help to prevent chafing.

RELATED: See the Best Bras for Sensitive Skin

Check your Laundry Detergent

Some chemicals used to make body washes can irritate the body. If your breasts are itchy while you are wearing bras made from natural fibers, the cause of the itchiness could be your laundry detergent.

You could also be suffering from contact dermatitis; an allergic reaction of the skin to irritants, usually fragrances. If your detergent has irritant ingredients, itching and chafing are likely to occur.

Check your fabrics, including your bras, towels, bedsheets, and anything else that can come in contact with your chest. If they are made of synthetic materials, you may want to swap them with those made of natural materials such as cotton.

Bacteria buildup may also lead to itchy and uncomfortable skin.  If you happen to have a cut on your skin, bacteria, or fungus from a dirty bra can get into the amount and may cause an infection. Therefore, make sure you wash your bras, clothes, and everything else with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent.

Also, wash all your new clothes before trying them on. This is important to remove the skin-irritating chemicals used to treat your clothes.

Here is a video showing how to wash a bra correctly:

Try an Antiperspirant

Antiperspirants are not only meant for the armpits! You can use them on any moisture-prone place, such as under the breasts or in the inner thigh or groin area.

After bathing, dry  the under of your breasts with a soft towel and then apply a thin layer of antiperspirant. You can also sprinkle some antifungal powder around the area to protect against infections.

If you are not sure what powder to use, baby powder  will do. Applying baby powder helps to prevent chafing and rashes like intertrigo.

You can also use pantyliners or paper towels to absorb sweat and prevent stains from forming on your clothes.

Wear the Right Bra Size

Besides having poor support and feeling uncomfortable, wearing tight-fitting bras can create red marks, bruises, and sores on your shoulders’ upper body.

Fungus and bacteria thrive in damp places. Chafing, rashes, and irritation of the skin follicles can result when your breasts don’t have access to airflow. Bacteria or fungus can quickly enter the body through these hair follicles and can cause infection.

If you think you’re wearing the right bra, you could be wrong. No matter the purpose your bra holds, it has to fit you well.

Many women find it difficult to determine their correct bra size at home. If you are one of them, here is a handy guide on how to measure your bra size.

Alternatively, get a professional to help you find your true bra size. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a right bra that won’t cause chafing. Remember: air is your ally in the war against sweat.

Consult a Doctor

If your skin irritation is not from your laundry detergent, bath products, or wearing ill-fitting bras,  consult a doctor. There are different reasons why you may itch on, under, or between your breasts.

If you notice a rash or obvious red irritation on your breasts, you could be dealing with any of the following:

• Eczema
• Yeast infection
• Heat rash
• Allergic reactions
• Hives
• And Psoriasis, to name a few.

There are various antihistamines, topical creams and gels that help to relieve itching. You can also use over-the-counter medications with anti-itching agents. These ingredients help to prevent urge to scratch and further irritate the skin.

If you experience irritations regularly, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If there are any allergens you are routinely exposed to, a visit to the doctor can give you peace of mind on how to move forward.

Final Thoughts

Skin irritations are rarely severe. In most cases, the causes are exact, such as exposure to fragrances in body washes or detergents. By treating the causes and dealing with them accordingly, you should be able to breathe easy as they’ll clear up in a good time.

The above are some of the ways of preventing bra chafing under arm. Don’t get frustrated if one method doesn’t work. Try all the other methods before finally contacting a doctor.