Why Do My Breasts Itch Inside?

Q: Why does it feel like my breasts itch inside?

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.

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.