4 Common Skin Reactions Brought by Wearing the Wrong Bras

Ill-fitting bras aren't just uncomfortable, they're bad for your health too. 

While wearing bras without the right fit can be uncomfortable, using bras made with harmful synthetic materials can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing a range of health problems. 

According to an article, around 80% of women are wearing the wrong size of bras. The report explains that women's bodies normally changes due to alterations in their lifestyle, diet, and other relevant factors such as menstruation and pregnancy. 

As their weight increases, some women don't realize that these changes have an impact on their bra shape and fit, still opting to wear the same bra size that they have for years "at a possible detriment to their overall health and wellbeing." 

On the other hand, a separate study reported that 50% of women believe that bras without adequate breast support, a common problem with ill-fitting pieces, cause breast pain, affecting the quality of their life, sleep, and even sex. Aside from that, ill-fitting bras also may affect breast tissue, cause back pain, affect posture, and lead to skin abrasions. 

If your bra doesn't have the right support, brings forth pain, and continues to cause discomfort, you might want to turn your drawer upside down. Most bras nowadays are made with synthetic materials and harsh chemicals, causing a rise in bra-related problems for people with skin allergies and sensitivities. 

Because of the way synthetic-made bras are usually developed, women could not wear any bras off the shelves properly without having problems. They tend to be uncomfortable and irritated, leaving them with days to research the right bras that would work well with their severe allergies and other conditions. 

If you're one of the many women who experience discomfort in wearing their go-to bras, check these 4 common bra problems caused by wearing synthetic-blended pieces, so you can avoid wearing them in the future. 

1. BOOBNE 

Acne can pop out anywhere on the body, including the breasts. Although pimples tend to be harmless, having acne on parts where you don't want them to be can feel irritating. 

"Boobne" is a common skin problem frequently caused by friction from using dirty and sweaty sports bras. For active ladies with a larger cup size, boobne can take a toll on your post-workout mood if you don't change out of your sports bra immediately after your routines. 

MedicalNewsToday explained that when the pores become clogged, acne occurs. "Dead skin cells may become trapped in the pores, and the presence of dirt, oil, and bacteria can make acne worse," it said. 

The medical news site even added that tight clothes, particularly bras, can increase an individual's risk of developing boobne. Synthetic-made fabrics, which some people can be allergic to, can also irritate the skin, making the acne worse. 

To reduce your risk of boobne, always wear the correct size for your sports bra. You should also invest in a quality sports bra that wicks away moisture, lessening the build-up of sweats and oils that can help prevent boobne. 

2. INTERTRIGO 

A reddish, cracked, and itchy rash, intertrigo appears between the folds of the skin that trap moisture and rub together. It is an inflammatory skin condition that can be triggered and exacerbated by factors like moisture, heat, lack of air circulation, and constant skin-to-skin friction.

Aside from sweat and moisture, intertrigo is also often accompanied by an infection caused by yeast, other types of fungus, and even bacteria. Since our skin naturally carries yeast and bacteria, constant chafing can irritate the skin and cause infection.

If you see some itchy rashes appearing under your boobs, shoulders, or where the bra straps meet, it could be intertrigo. Seek a dermatologist or a local pharmacist for proper treatment. To reduce the itch, keep the affected area as clean and dry as possible. You may also try wearing loose clothing to prevent skin-to-skin friction. 

3. UNDERBOOB SWEAT 

If you're thinking that underboob sweat only happens on hot days and workout sessions, well, think again! The dreaded underboob sweat is one of the many annoying problems that make each day uncomfortable for women, especially when the patches of moisture soak through their shirts. 

Whenever the skin creases or folds, moisture builds up, resulting in underboob perspiration. The skin under the breast isn't always exposed to air, that's why moisture tends to accumulate in the region. 

The Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates explained that the first method to get underboob sweat under control starts by "digging through" the underwear drawers and checking the labels on bras. 

"You’ll want to avoid wearing ones made of synthetic material, like polyester or rayon, especially on hot days," said the health website, adding that synthetic fabrics tend to “trap moisture against the skin and make sweating worse." 

Moreover, Healthline suggested staying away from synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon since they "trap heat and prevent sweat from evaporating." They recommend people ditch the synthetic materials and wear cotton-made bras instead. 

"Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric. Heat and sweat won’t get trapped against your chest with cotton," the health blog said. 

4. ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Aside from the poor fit, bras made with synthetic fabrics and other chemical treatments can damage the skin, triggering allergic reactions in the process. This is what we refer to as contact allergic dermatitis. 

ACD is a form of skin condition caused by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a foreign substance, called an allergen, that comes into contact with the skin. The bodies of people with ACD often trigger an immune system response after exposure to the allergen, making their skin red, swollen, flaky, itchy, and painful. 

The harsh truth is that not all women look into the details of their bra, without realizing that even the checking of tags can take the misery out of their bra-wearing experiences. 

At Cottonique, we believe that the tiniest substances and obscurest features, even those that you deem insignificant with your undergarments, can wreak havoc in your skin. The latex and Spandex straps, chemically treated fabric, metal clasps and fasteners, and the awful wires that dig into your skin can give the most discomforting experience. 

While all bras can say that they can provide comfort at any time of the day, not all of them possess the right features to support women with skin allergies and sensitive skin. Luckily, we have an extensive range of hypoallergenic bras that won't cause you any irritation. 

For optimal comfort, we recommend that women, particularly those with skin conditions and sensitivities, choose their go-to pieces from our collection of allergy-free organic cotton bras—always designed with comfort in mind. You may also read our previous blog: 4 Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Bra For Hiatal Hernia.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.