Chest breakouts and skin irritation: Any advice?

Just had a quick question for you guys—lately, I’ve been getting these little breakouts on my chest, maybe two or three so far? They’re basically the exact same kind of pimples I get on my face, the ones I just pop and they clear up immediately. This has never happened to me before, so I guess... should I be worried about it?
I’m planning on seeing a dermatologist, but I have to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment.

Hi there!

Your post is a bit dated, but I still wanted to share my own experience.

I deal with pretty problematic skin issues on my face, chest, and décolletage. One time, I actually tried to squeeze one of those breakouts, and a red patch appeared right where I touched it, which then slowly started spreading. It got serious enough that they performed a biopsy and sent the sample off for testing. In the end, it wasn't anything life-threatening; it turned out to be pseudolymphoma, what doctors call a "false tumor" of the skin.

My dermatologist explained that my case was essentially an allergic reaction to metals in my environment, specifically things like nickel and chromium.

I should probably just add—based on what they told me during my breast exam—that you really shouldn't be squeezing those little bumps or whatever they are around the chest area. 🤷

Sophia Wells72 said:I’ll just add—during my recent checkup, my doctor actually mentioned that you shouldn't be squeezing those little bumps or anything similar on your breasts. 🤷

It's the exact same rule for your face or anywhere else, really—you shouldn't be squeezing them.
The whole point is to prevent an infection from setting in at the site.
That's really all there is to it.

I know this thread isn't exactly buzzing right now, but I figured I’d throw this out there anyway...

I constantly deal with these breakouts on my chest and cleavage area. And look, I know I shouldn't—really, I know it's a bad idea—but I end up squeezing them immediately 😁 I just can't help myself... and honestly, it's starting to worry me a little. I mean, I’m pretty sure it’s just tied to my cycle and PMS and all that, but is it possible that some of these spots just aren't ready yet? Like, if I try to pop one too early because I can't wait, could that actually be causing a bigger issue?

I always seem to forget to bring it up with my OB-GYN, though I have an appointment coming up soon, so maybe I'll finally remember 😁

If anyone here has dealt with this, or has any info or even just a random thought about it... please, feel free to share 🙂

Ugh, tell me about it, I’m dealing with the exact same thing right now. I’m actually planning to grill my doctor about it tomorrow. On one side, I’ve got maybe three or four of these spots, but then there's just this single one on the other side. It’s the first time I've ever dealt with this, too. They look almost like some kind of weird mite infestation or something. They get super inflamed, bright red, and all nasty and pus-filled. Honestly, it's pretty gross. I tried being a bit aggressive and squeezing them out, then immediately went in with some clindamycin lotion just to make sure everything was disinfected. I’m trying to tell myself it shouldn't be anything major, but still, it definitely doesn't feel normal. I'll hit you guys up once I know more 😁

No worries at all. I didn't see it pop up, so I figured my Wi-Fi was just acting up again 🙂 My bad, sorry about that

Alright, I figured I’d jump back in here with some new updates. Honestly, I was pretty blindsided when my OB-GYN actually asked if I was doing regular breast self-exams. Like, I just had to be blunt and tell her, "No, I'm terrible at this, do you mind just taking a quick look?"

So, she did a full exam, and I ended up bringing up those breakouts too—you know, wondering if they're just PMS-related or if they pop up after my period (which is usually when they hit me hardest). She basically told me that if they look "normal," there's nothing to worry about.
Anyway, the bottom line is that the second I notice any kind of change anywhere on my body, I'm heading straight to the clinic. She made sure to hammer that point home several times! 😲

Who do I talk to if I think something's up with my breasts?
My OB-GYN basically brushed me off two years ago because she thought I was asking about something else. Plus, at my clinic, the primary doctor is male, and word is he’s kind of "awkward" about examining sensitive areas—like, if a woman needs stitches near her private parts, he'll check them, but then a nurse ends up doing the actual dressing and removal (just from what I've heard).

So, my issue is this weird breakout, plus an insane itch on my right breast and nipple. On the bottom part of my right breast, a tiny patch of skin cracked open—kind of like when your lips get super chapped, but not bleeding, just a few millimeters long. My skin didn't even feel dry, but now when I touch it, it feels rough, which is new. There are these red patches around the crack that feel like little pimples. And on the upper part of the breast, I've got these tiny whiteheads popping up. Usually, my skin is pretty chill; I might get one or two breakouts on my face during my period, but I've never had acne on my neck or chest, not even back in high school.

Also, my breasts are really uneven. One is a full cup size different from the other. I wanted to get checked out for that two years ago, but I've honestly never heard of a woman having this much asymmetry. When I brought it up, the OB-GYN just said it wasn't her specialty, and the conversation died right there. She didn't even tell me if the GP handles the physical exam or if I need a specialist.

Any advice? Thanks in advance 🙂

E
Forgot to mention—I noticed some crustiness around the nipple on my *other* breast, right where those normal bumps usually are. That side hasn't ever been itchy, and I haven't been scratching it (or the other side, for that matter).