Last Updated on July 6, 2022 by
Have you ever experienced a rash caused by your sports bra and wondered why? The reasons might range from wearing a small bra that causes skin irritation to a dirty bra. Not washing it after each use can make you feel uncomfortable and lead to medical issues. Whenever you wear a dirty material on your body, the skin reacts by giving out an odor or troubling itchiness.
A sports bra supports the breasts while participating in physical activities like running or aerobics. They are made of more robust material and are therefore more effective at reducing pain and discomfort that may come with sports-related movements. We have sports bras made just for outerwear, which people typically wear during a milder activity like walking around town. These bras are designed with extra room between their material and elasticity to offer maximum comfort while staying fit.
What to Do When You Notice Rashes from a Sports Bra
Athletic bras come in various shapes and sizes but are not created equal. Some athletes don’t even consider them effective because they get chafed when working out and sweat as nature takes its course during an exercise routine. As you sweat during your workout and practice sporting events, the sweat and dampness that accumulates within your bra can cause skin irritation around the breast region. Choosing the right athletic bra and good hygiene can alleviate this uncomfortable condition. While some mild cases will go away on their own, intense irritation may require prescription medications from your doctor.
Taking Care of a Rash Gotten from a Sports Bra
If the rash does not persist and is small, you may treat it at home by doing the following:
- Wash the area with mild soap and water to keep it clean.
- Also, pat your skin dry.
- Wash your sports bra after each use because allowing perspiration to dry on the bra, then wearing it again can cause further irritation. Cotton bras are usually a better choice than synthetic materials as they do not retain sweat or body odor as much as synthetic materials, making them more likely to irritate the skin. In some cases, a rash may appear further down in the cleavage area or under the breast when sweat mix with residue from laundry detergent.
- Try switching to an unscented brand of laundry detergent and allow laundry detergent residue time to evaporate before ultimately putting your clothes back on.
Treating the Rash
Treat your rash using a thick moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream to soothe the area and help facilitate healing once you wash away any soap or lotion residue. If the rash is dry, like one caused by eczema, going braless in a loose-fitting top that breathes can also be beneficial. Cool compresses can help care for any itching or irritation by keeping areas cool. When your rash becomes too severe for home remedies, seek professional medical attention because you might need topical antibiotics to find relief from this uncomfortable problem.
Keep Yourself Dry
In addition to a bra adding a bit of extra padding, tight bras can also create sweaty spots. Overweight people are more prone to this problem since their breasts are larger than others. This is because the breast sweat glands collect beneath it and erupt in the form of a skin rash such as intertrigo, which is more severe and found near the underbust area.
It becomes even more complicated for those who have diabetes. Still, it can happen to anyone anywhere on any body part that experiences pressure and heat for long periods at a time. Avoid wearing your bra for longer than necessary during the day to prevent this. You might also consider using a hair dryer to help lift the skin away from your breast area so that any accumulated sweat would come out more quickly, and you could minimize skin rashes like intertrigo.
Choosing Your Bra
Don’t go for underwire bras; look out for serious seams that might cause chafing. If you’ve put on a little weight, try to adjust your bra using the elasticated section at the back, which can be helpful if you’re looking to lose just a few pounds, but more significant adjustments need to be made with a larger clothing purchase. Remember that all bras are liable to give out after about one hundred washes – once the elastic loses elasticity. It may make more sense to buy another one at this point.
How to Properly Wash & Care for a Sports Bra
You probably wear your sports bra during your workouts, and it provides the support you need to do jumping jacks, pushups, sit-ups, and other exercises. But even with this degree of activity, you can keep the style looking clean and new by laundering it properly whenever it’s sweaty or soiled from a yoga class. This helps retain its fashion-forward looks while keeping your active wardrobe up to par.
Hand washing
Hand washing is better than machine washing when keeping your favorite bras in good shape. When you regularly machine wash your bras, detergent residue builds up in the fabric and can cause the bra to smell over time. To avoid this problem, opt for a different type of soap each time you hand wash your sports bras. Machine washing is still recommended for frequently worn bras or those that don’t get put away right after they’re worn. If you have lightly soiled sports bras that need cleaning, consider washing them by hand every once in a while to give them a refresh.
Wash After Every Use
You should wash your sports bra after every workout to remove unwanted odors, but even if it doesn’t smell, you should clean it often. If you’re not in the habit of doing so already, tossing your sports bra back into its drawer will cause bacteria and fungi to build up within the bra’s fibers. Your breast may also behave differently – you might develop a rash or break out with acne if it goes unchecked. You might also experience nipple chafing, bacterial infection, or yeast infection if you don’t wash your sports bras immediately after use. So please take off your bra immediately when you return home and give them a good scrubbing!
Final Thoughts
A sports bra is a vital gear for any female athlete. Some of you might be eager to know why your sports bra is causing rashes. In most cases, rashes result from wearing a tight-fitting bra, a dirty bra, or a bra with non-moisture wicking abilities. You can avoid skin irritation and enjoy your outdoor activities hassle-free with proper care. However, if your rashes result from an allergic reaction, ensure you get advice from a qualified specialist.
Reference 1: Why do I get rash near my bra area? – Cottonique – Allergy-free Apparel
Reference 2: What to Do for Sweat & Rashes From a Sports Bra | livestrong
