Itchy Chest?

"Sometimes my chest gets incredibly itchy, and I have to scratch—even in public."

First, slather your set with body lotion after you shower. This will keep your skin moisturized, which reduces dryness-induced itching. Next, look for moisture-wicking fabric and breathable microfibers, which are less irritating.

Itching plus redness can be a sign of a skin allergy. If you notice this, ease the discomfort with a cortisone cream, and then switch detergent and soap brands to see if that makes a difference. Should you detect a patch of red, scaly skin, you may have a skin yeast infection. Apply an OTC antifungal cream to kill the yeast.

But if a scaly sore appears on your nipple and doesn't heal, visit your MD. It can indicate a very rare form of breast cancer.

- from "Bizarre Boob Behavior," Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2008

Rash from a Fungal or Yeast Infection

Rash Treatment Options

I've had this happen. It's itchy and red, and normal lotions won't fix it. The problem is that sweat can collect between or underneath the breasts; moisture-rich environments are breeding grounds for fungal and yeast infections. I used an over-the-counter cream, Lotrimin Ultra, to clear mine up.

Whatever treatment you choose, make sure to follow the instructions. It'll tell you to use the cream for a specific number of weeks. Even if your symptoms clear up, continue to use the ointment for the instructed treatment time. If you don't, the rash could come back. Also, make sure to rub the cream over the entire rash and on the surrounding skin. You want to treat the entire general region, not just the itchy red spot.

The ointment should help soothe your skin and make it less itchy; if it irritates your skin, stop treatment immediately and see your doctor. If your rash returns or doesn't clear up after treatment, see your doctor. Take anything you used on the rash with you to show your doctor.

Rash Prevention

To help prevent getting a rash in the first place, keep your skin dry. I sometimes use cornstarch powder. However, don't use powder if you have a rash or are currently treating a rash: it could make it worse.

Reducing the amount of oil on your skin may also help to prevent rashes. Try using a glycolic acid cleanser or lotion to dissolve excessive torso oils.

Learn more about fungal infections of the skin at WebMD

Read about more treatment options for tinea versicolor at DERMAdoctor

Breast Cancer News

We get to the bottom of three very alarming recent headlines.

"Lights at night are linked to breast cancer."

It's not yet clear yet whether it's living in a well-lit area that's a risk factor or if some other component of urban or suburban life may be to blame.

"Depression may influence breast cancer."

Researchers looked at five studies and concluded that women with depression had a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. But some of the risk factors for breast cancer overlap with risk factors for depression, such as obesity, so depression itself may not be the cause.

"Early smoking boosts breast cancer risk."

Study authors theorize that a young woman's breast tissue is still developing and, therefore, more vulnerable to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco. Though more research needs to be done, the advice is clear: Don't smoke... or quit!

Source: Breast Cancer Oncologist Marisa Weiss, coauthor of Taking Care of Your "Girls"

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2008

Bra Bummers

An ill-fitting bra can cause bodily harm. Here, signs you need better support.

Your back and shoulders ache.

The band size is probably too large for your body, causing you to tighten the shoulder straps to make up for the lack of support. To get the correct band size, measure your torso by putting a tape measure right under your breasts. When trying on bras, you'll know the band fits if it stays level just under your armpits and across your back.

Your boobs feel really tender whenever you move.

The cups may be too big or the elastic in the cup fabric may be worn out, leaving your girls free to bounce around. Also, the band size could be too large, allowing it to ride up your back and the cups to angle down loosely, like a seesaw.

You notice redness under your breasts.

Your bra may not have enough padding around the underwire or the cup size could be too large, causing it to fail to lift your breasts off your chest and resulting in chafing.

Source: Bra Expert Susan Nethero, founder of Intimacy Bra Shops

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, July 2008

Why Breasts Change

Do your boobs look or feel different than usual? One of these could be the culprit.

You've gained or lost weight.

For some women, excess pounds tend to go to the boobs and butt first; when you drop pounds, the weight may disappear from these areas first as well.

They can grow into adulthood.

Though most women hit their adult height during puberty, it's not uncommon for your girls to continue changing shape until your late teens or early 20s.

You went on or off the pill.

The hormones in birth-control pills can make you retain fluid, making boobs puff up. The amount of swelling depends on the hormone combo in your prescription, and it doesn't happen to all women. When you quit the Pill, your breasts return to normal.

You're pregnant.

Pregnancy hormones can make your boobs feel sore and tingly, and your breasts and areolae may swell and darken. These changes are often the first signs of conception.

Source: Women's Health Specialist Jennifer Wider, MD, Cosmo Radio Sex-Health Expert

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, June 2008

Worrisome Breast Signs

Don't let these distressing symptoms panic you.

You feel a lump.

Your first thought might be breast cancer, but that is rare in women under 35. More likely, the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a fibroadenoma, two common benign growths. Check in with your gyno if the lump doesn't go away after one menstrual cycle.

A sharp pain strikes.

An out-of-the-blue stabbing sensation is probably the result of a fluid-filled cyst that has ruptured. Unless it continues to cause discomfort, you can ignore it.

A spot or rash develops.

It's probably caused by chafing from your bra, dry skin, or a skin yeast infection from sweat buildup. But if it is a single spot that doesn't heal, has an irregular border, is larger than a pencil eraser, or is two-toned, your derm should look at it.

You notice nipple discharge.

It's normal for whitish, yellow, or even green fluid to emerge if you squeeze your nipple. Should the fluid come out spontaneously or if it's bloody, see your gyno; a benign tumor may be the cause.

Source: Katherine Alley, MD, Medical Director of Suburban Breast Center in Bethesda, Maryland

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, April 2008

Ways Your Breasts Age

As you move through your 20s and 30s, your twins experience some changes.

In your 20s

Your breasts are at their genetically predetermined size, and your breast tissue is at its firmest. This decade is when you're most likely to develop a benign breast lump, such as a cyst or fibroadenoma—a painless, firm mass.

In your early 30s

The collagen that helps keep breasts firm begins to lose elasticity, so most women notice some sagging. If you smoke, the sagging may be more apparent, because chemicals in tobacco break down collagen. A more serious worry: breast cancer. At 30, your risk of the disease is 1 in 257. Monthly breast self-exams and a yearly clinical breast exam by your gyno should be routine.

In your late 30s

Gravity, and any pregnancies, will have made your breasts less dense. Pregnancy can also leave your nipples darker. As for breast cancer, some gynos suggest that a 35+ woman get a baseline mammogram, but all women should get them yearly after 40.

Source: Jennifer Wider, MD, Cosmo Radio Sex-Health Expert

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, February 2008

Must-Know Breast Info

Answers to the most common questions women ask gynos

What can I do to make my boobs bigger?

Gaining weight will do the trick, and certain exercises may build the muscle in your chest so your set might appear larger. But once your boobs reach their predestined size, nothing will increase their dimensions.

Breast cancer runs in my family. Is my risk higher?

Maybe. Women with a first-degree relative—i.e., a mother or sister—who has been diagnosed with the disease have about a 50% increased risk. Women who have second-degree relatives, such as a grandmother, with breast cancer may also have higher odds. If you fall into either of these categories, tell your gyno. She may suggest that you be tested for genetic abnormalities.

Is it normal for my breasts to be asymmetrical?

Yep, most women have one breast that's larger than the other. The difference is usually slight but may be up to a cup size.

Sources: Suzanne Trupin, OB-GYN in Champaign, Illinois; American Cancer Society

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, January 2008

Breast-Size Solutions

If you're truly unhappy with the set nature gave you, here's help.

"My breasts are so big, they hurt when I move."

Make sure you're wearing the right bra for your shape. If you're still uncomfortable, look into breast-reduction surgery. It is a major operation, takes six weeks to recover from, and costs up to $20,000.

"I feel unattractive with an A-cup."

Small breasts don't sag as much as you age or ache when you're active. Also, note how sexy small-chested stars like Keira Knightley are. If it really bothers you, augmentation is an option. The surgery costs up to $12,000 and may trigger complications. Also, implants will have to be replaced at some point.

"My breasts are two sizes."

A tailor can sew padding into one side of each of your bras or you can have augmentation or reduction surgery on one to even out the sizes.

Source: Laurie Casas, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery at Northwesten University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago

- from Cosmopolitan Magazine, October 2008

Victoria's Secret Bust-Firming Bra

Victoria's Secret has a new bra that claims to increase skin's firmness.

The secret's out: 4 weeks to a firmer looking you. Introducing the only bra proven to tighten, firm and enhance the appearance of your skin - all you have to do is wear it. Beauty Secret™ gives your bust a more uplifted effect in just 4 weeks. Innovative firming and renewal treatments diminish signs of aging and improve skin's ability to retain moisture, resulting in a naturally firmer-looking bust area. Beauty Secret™ is an unprecedented breakthrough in the world of bras...and now it's yours to experience.

• Gives an 18% boost in skin firmness after 4 weeks of continuous wear (8 hours daily)
• Safe to wash (hand-wash preferred): retains renewing power for the life of the bra
• Feels just like any other bra: no inserts, creams or lotions
• You'll notice results after 4 weeks of continuous wear (8 hours daily), with maximum rejuvenation in 8 weeks

Findings occurred after a 4-week period.

The actual science behind these bras isn't mentioned anywhere.

See the new Victoria's Secret Beauty Secret™ bras

Is Your Body a Walking Sex Ad?

Most communication authorities now speculate that approximately 90% of what people communicate derives from nonverbal signals, including body language. Facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, stance, and posture are all elements of body language.

Flipping your hair, shaking hands, making eye contact, and smiling are more than just motions: they're part of your nonverbal communication, conveying emphasis and emotion.

First dates are full of body language signals that can help you judge whether or not a person is interested. When a man is attracted to a woman on the first date, he's inclined to be chatty. If you're attracted to him, make eye contact and listen.

When a man touches a woman on the small of her back to escort her through a door, it's an indication of confidence and interest.

For a woman, it's the duration of her physical contact that gauges her interest. While brief, less-than-a-second touches are expected, touches that are lingering could reveal an intimate meaning.

Learn more about the basics of body language at WebMD