Although a red rash on the breasts is usually a symptom of a noncancerous condition, it can sometimes be an early sign of breast cancer and should be closely monitored. 

Breast skin redness can signal some serious problems such as mastitis, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease, breast abscess, and mammary duct ectasia. That’s why you should see your healthcare provider immediately if you spot breast skin redness accompanied by any of the following: 

• New spots or rashes on the breast

• Severe pain

• Swelling of the breast

• Your breasts feel warm to the touch

• Fever

• Wounds that do not heal

• Fluid leaking from the rash

• Red streaks coming from the rash

• Thickened skin

• Rash or irritation that resembles an infection

• Pitted skin on the breast, similar to that of an orange peel

• Flu-like symptoms

• Unusual discharge from the nipple

• Inverted nipple

• Itching, tingling, or redness in the nipple area

• Your nipple has recently become flattened  

Symptoms accompanying red breast skin when it is likely to be cancer:

• rapid changes in the skin around the affected breast

• redness and warmth of the skin on the breast

• breast swelling

• breast pain

• itchiness

• thickening of the breast skin

• enlargement or heaviness of the affected breast

• breast skin that feels and appears thick and pitted, similar to an orange peel

In the United States, IBC accounts for only around 2−4 percent of breast cancer cases.

At the same time, breast skin redness does not necessarily mean cancer. It can be caused by such health issues as

• Dermatitis

• Eczema

• Allergy

• Insect bites

• Yeast infections

• Heat rash

• Poison ivy

• Hives

• Psoriasis

• Scabies

• Seborrhea

Remember to carry out breast self exams every month after the end of your period (the 7-11th days of your cycle). You can set a reminder in the MIA app. 

Keep logging your data with the MIA app to get more helpful insights about your health.