What causes itchy and painful breasts?

Itchy and painful breasts can be caused by various factors. 1. For females during puberty, breast development and ductal dilation may lead to this phenomenon, which is a normal occurrence and usually gradually disappears with age. 2. Women of childbearing age may experience itchy and painful breasts due to medical conditions such as cystic hyperplasia of the breast, nipple fissures, breast eczema, acute mastitis, or breast cancer. For example, cystic hyperplasia of the breast is associated with an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels, presenting as breast distension or stabbing pain, occasionally accompanied by itching; nipple fissures result from improper skin care and may be associated with pain and itching; breast eczema commonly occurs in lactating women and presents as localized papules and itching with pain. Acute mastitis frequently occurs during lactation, with initial symptoms including breast swelling, mild stabbing pain, and itching. In addition, premenstrual syndrome can also cause breast tenderness and itching. For these symptoms, timely medical consultation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Maintaining breast cleanliness and wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also help alleviate discomfort.