anyone else had a rash on one boob?

[Beachmum85]

I am nearly 12 wks pg and for most of this time (I think maybe even before that) I have noticed a small red area on the inside of my right boob that's worrying me sick!

GP gave me 7 days of Hydrocortisone cream, which seems to have taken away the itch, but the core 'rash' (if you can call it that) is still there. It's completely smooth, with a few red 'spots' and maybe an inch sq.

GP has now referred me to breast clinic (because I pushed for my own peace of mind, not because she's particularly worried) , but in the meantime I'm freaking out about IBC or any type of breast cancer tbh.

So I guess I'm here for some support/ knowledge/ reassurance/ something/ anything! Has anyone else experienced this during pregnancy? And only on one side?

Neurotic (& v worried) mummy...

Well at least you're being referred to the right place. Hopefully it's nothing serious at all - but I understand how worried you are.

I had breast cancer and for me the worst part was the initial few weeks where I had to wait for appointments, get tests and wait for results. I was an emotional wreck as my mind was running wild always imagining the worst outcome. I was googling everything, like IBC, and was sure that was what I had (it wasn't that type in the end).

There was a good chance at the start of the treatment that I was pregnant (turned out I wasn't). Because I thought I might be pregnant this added huge extra worries - but the doctors seemed to think they'd manage to treat me even if was pregnant.

I'm all better now - but grateful I had the initial symptoms that meant it was caught early.

Good luck

Oh my goodness @imaginocity that's awful! You poor thing. So glad to hear you're all better now.

What were your symptoms out of interest?

First time I was pregnant I got a rash and terrible itching then cracking sore skin in my cleavage... Very embarrassing and unsightly when you've got an insatiable itch in your bra gusset at the dinner table. Anyway my first sign of pregnancy this time wasn't sore boobs, not sickness... But the rash came back. In sure it's nothing, these things happen you will be fine

Hope I'm not worrying you - What I'm really meaning to do is reassure you that even if it turned out to be something serious a lot of these things are very treatable. When you're in the middle of it you fear you have the worst possible outcome, that you'll be the unlucky one.

My symptoms were almost exactly those of inflammatory breast cancer - a lot of redness, a lot of pain, a lot of inflmation etc.

My GP was worried and rang the hospital who called me in the next day. That was a bit scary.

I was terrified after googling so much about it. It turned out I had another form of cancer that's not as aggressive as IBC.

You might well have something else that's not serious at all. The waiting and worrying is awful. When is your appointment?

Imaginosity, STILL no appointment through . Consultant away til tomo, then his sec said he'll look at the referral then. So I doubt I'll be seen this week now.

Sounds so scary for you!! Mine is not hugely inflamed, or angry but is definitely a red patch, occasionally itchy and does seem slightly swollen compared to the left (but then I do have a large lump of scar tissue on that breast from a previous abscess, so it is bound to feel bigger I suppose.)

I am trying not to worry, especially today as I had my 12 week scan and saw our little plum for the first time! . Just want to get it seen and move on, like you say...

Yes the waiting was the very worst part - much worse than the treatment! Hope you hear back soon.

That was great seeing your baby - once your health issues are sorted you'll be able to enjoy your pregnancy.

I had a REALLY itchy rash that started on my armpits, then spread to under my boobs, looked like heat rash. Itched like hell at night. Went to the Dr, rather embarrassingly it was a type of thrush A few days of anti-fungal cream and it went. Pretty gross though!
Good luck at your appointment though, I'm sure you're worried sick, but it is probably nothing. Better to be on the safe side.

Ah thanks for the msg. That rash sounds so uncomfortable Seekingmiracles!

Unfortunately I just don't think this is fungal, in a non-gross way I wish it was! It's more like slight inflammation under the surface. It is occasionally itchy, as are my armpits and nipples (but I guess that's pregnancy for you!). The red patch is just a total mystery that's not budging.

I've decided to go private to see a breast consultant (it was going to take another 2 weeks to see him on the NHS!) so my app is tomo lunchtime. I'm so anxious, I just need some peace of mind...

Best of luck - fingers crossed its something minor. If they do a mamogram or other tests it's likely you won't have an answer tomorrow but at least you're on the way to getting it sorted.

If it's inflammation of the skin you may need a skin biopsy. IBC is typically diagnosed through biopsy rather than ultrasound/ mammogram as there isn't a lump as such to see, although the mammogram could identify lymph involvement. IBC is very rare though, so please don't let this post add to your stress and worry.

Update: consultant said he thinks it's eczema (phew!), they did U/S which was fine ("glandular" coz of pg). Back to Hydrocortisone then back for a follow up in 10days. He said if it hasn't improved/ gone they'll do a skin biopsy, but he also looked me in the eye and said "this is not cancer" because he could see my anxiety! A relief but I won't entirely rest til it's gone!

Thanks for the support Mums X

Just as well you went private and didn't have to wait longer.

Now enjoy your pregnancy!

So glad it's nothing serious Beach. Annoying but not life threatening. Hope the cream works quickly for you

Relief! Glad all is ok

Thanks so much everyone

The saga continues...

Hydrocortisone didn't do anything, so back to (different) breast man today who did a punch biopsy.

They all say they're not worried but that doesn't stop me being just a teeny bit terrified...

Urgh bring on the results in 2 weeks!!

Just seen your update. Good luck with your results, it's impressive that they can offer the biopsy so quickly- you're obviously in good hands.

Thanks yesYABU!

The consultant called to say biopsy was clear of any malignancy (phew!), but wants a follow-up to 'keep an eye on it' which still leaves some nervousness in me (silly I know). Next app on 16/06 so not too long to wait to get the full low-down.

Meanwhile boob is still red, dry, occasionally itchy and truly perplexing!

OMG my boob is in red itchy overdrive! Argh, what is this weird rash!?

I had very similar issues during my 2nd trimester, including red itchiness on one boob only which would come and go. I can only assume it was some weird hormonal thing as when I saw the breast consultant he said it was due to skin thickening. I'm still not 100% happy but I've had no further issues so I'm just extra vigilant now.

2 days til your next appointment right?

I've had a number of rashes in the pregnancy - underarm, underboob... All itchy and horrible, but nothing serious.

I hope you're fine.

The thing is, I'd almost feel better if I had another rash somewhere else, but it is literally localised to one side of one boob.

By the end of the day it's hot, red and itchy... It usually calms down by the morning, but the redness doesn't go. This warm weather isn't helping I don't think

PS. Yes, app in 2 days with consultant.

Update: (different) consultant said biopsy showed nothing - not even ezcema. She had a look and said she could clearly see it, and feel that the skin was 'thicker' there (another reason for me to worry, again!), but to try and ignore it... easier said than done! She said it looked very odd and she'd never seen anything like it. Back in 6 weeks for follow-up.

Anyone else think it's pg/ hormones??