Differential Diagnosis for Sore Under Breast

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Intertrigo: This is the most common cause of soreness under the breast, especially in warm and humid environments. It is a type of skin inflammation caused by friction, moisture, and bacterial or fungal infections.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Can cause itchy, inflamed skin under the breast.
  • Contact dermatitis: Irritation from bras, soaps, or other substances can lead to a sore under the breast.
  • Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, often due to bacterial infection, can cause soreness and redness.
  • Breast abscess or infected cyst: Though less common, an abscess or infected cyst under the breast can cause significant pain and soreness.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause skin changes, including redness and soreness under the breast.
  • Lymphoma: Though rare, lymphoma can manifest with skin symptoms, including soreness under the breast.
  • Tuberculosis or other systemic infections: In rare cases, systemic infections can cause skin lesions or soreness under the breast.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition that can cause painful abscesses and nodules in areas of the body with apocrine glands, including under the breast.
  • Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause abscesses or masses under the breast.
  • Granulomatous mastitis: A rare inflammatory condition of the breast tissue that can cause soreness and other symptoms.