It could also be worth checking out contact dermatitis, bearing in mind that 
causes can be difficult to find.
- What's the bra made of?
- Is this part of it thicker (for support) and thus retaining some of the 
laundry detergent?
- Is the mother using a spray deodorant for the fold under her breasts? Did 
she change brands or start spraying at around 12 weeks?
- What happened around 12 weeks that was different - breasts heavier, 
impacting circulation?
- Any chance that it might be psoriasis?

Some situations of bright red colour (usually nipples and areola, rather 
than lower side of breast), remain a puzzle, despite thorough 
investigations. Think in terms of multifactorial, but include dermatitis on 
the list unless it is completely ruled out. If dermatitis, the mother's 
family physician might want to recommend a topical hydrocortisone. If it 
persists, I'd suggest a dermatologist.

Virginia
in Brisbane, QLD, Australia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Monday, October 07, 2013 9:23 PM, "Karen Foard wrote:

Saw a similar post with no replies in 2011

Mom to be came to my prenatal breastfeeding class last week and described 
(and later showed me) her breasts. She is in her 6th month of pregnancy and 
relates that at about 12 weeks, both breasts turned bright sunburned red in 
the lower half moon of each breast.  Sometimes the redness is itchy; most of 
the time it is just red, solid smooth total red, no infection symptoms. 
Doctor has seen and said hmmmmm…..

The previous post in 2011 described this very similarly. This mom has said 
she has communicated with others in different listserves who have had the 
same issue, with no answers.

Anyone out there who has seen this?  Any odd sequela?  Any relation to 
circulatory issues and drainage or infection after the wee one arrives? 
Anecdotal info is fine to share with this mom. Thanks, all.

Karen Foard, IBCLC
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