Ever felt uncomfortable after wearing an underwired or sports bra for too long? It can get really irritating when this discomfort escalates into an underboob rash. It is a common problem that results in painful, itchy red, discoloured skin rashes and inflammation. One of the most common causes of a breast rash is excessive perspiration under the boobs. While some rashes under your breasts may disappear on their own, some might need treatment.

Health Shots reached out to Dr Kamini Dhiman, Associate Professor and practitioner, Prasuti and Stri Roga Department, All India Institute of Ayurveda.

What leads to underboob rashes?

Dr Dhiman explains chafing happens when one part of the body comes in direct contact with a hard substance or cloth. It can also happen because of the bra you wear all day long! Bra chafing can cause hard, rough and sometimes irritating rashes. While climate, lifestyle, and cleanliness can cause chafing, the most common reasons that boob rashes happen are the material and the fitting of your bra.

“Women should wear a bra made with comfortable cloth. Changing it after an interval can also help avoid chafing. In Pitta Prakriti, the body temperature of people remains high, so we recommend comfortable clothes and eating a light diet. Whereas skin becomes rough in Vata Prakriti, so moisturising the skin is usually recommended.”

Natural ways to treat bra chafing

If you have underboob rashes because of your bra, then here are some natural remedies recommended by Dr Dhiman that might help:

1. Triphala

Triphala is a thousand-year-old healing remedy that contains medicinal properties. From stomach ailments to dental cavities, it has been used in multi-purpose treatment. According to Dr Dhiman, Triphala can also be an excellent remedy for bra chafing. Explaining the benefits of Triphala, she says that it contains antiseptic and healing properties. Cleaning with Triphala decoction can help with dealing with bra chafing.

2. Medicated oils

One of the best ways to soothe and smoothen the skin when it’s rough is medicated oils like jatyadi ghritam, sukumara ghritam, suggests the expert. Medicated oils are basically a formulation of different Ayurvedic herbs and oils that help deal with the doshas in the body. It is used to treat many problems, including this one!

3. Natural powders

Ayurveda powders are the best and new way of implementing the teachings of Ayurveda in life. Using Ayurveda powder might be the new approach, but it’s equally effective. Dr Dhiman recommends dusting off the area with Chandana powder, Gokshura powder or Mulethi powder. All of these contain cooling properties, which can help treat bra chafing.

The Ayurveda expert suggests using these natural ingredients at night to treat bra chafing. However, make sure to do a patch test before you apply the ingredients to the affected area.