Breast Care Hacks You May Not Have Known About
Checking your breasts regularly and getting mammograms when necessary is an essential aspect of your health, but it's not the only thing you should worry about.
The skin on your breasts often gets neglected, but because it’s very sensitive, it requires tender loving care. Taking care of your breasts is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and prevent problems like cancer.
At New England Women's Healthcare, our eight board-certified OB/GYN doctors offer expert care and treatments for various conditions, including breast concerns.
Why is breast care essential?
As a woman, you have different areas of your body that require attention than men, including your breasts. Breast care is crucial to your overall health and the prevention or early detection of breast cancer.
Breast care is all-encompassing, beyond checking your breasts regularly or applying moisturizer. When done correctly, breast care helps you keep your chest healthy and discover early problems signs, including:
- Nipple discharge or leaking fluid
- An inverted nipple that's pulling into your breast
- Lumps or a mass in your breast tissue
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Puckering or dimpling in your skin
These signs and symptoms could signal early breast cancer, a skin infection, or another condition requiring medical attention.
Paying close attention to your breasts is the best way to prevent dangerous problems and keep your tissues and skin healthy for the long haul.
It's not just about breast cancer
Although screening yourself for breast cancer is extremely important, breast care is more than just that; it's about taking care of your breasts for long-term health and happiness.
While cancer is one of the main reasons to take care of your breasts, there are many other reasons to do so. For instance, women with larger breasts may have back pain or neck discomfort when their bras don't support them properly.
Getting adequately measured for a bra is one of the best things you can do for your spine, breasts, and muscles.
Taking care of your skin is also essential to your breast health. The area under your breasts can become sweaty and irritated, leading to a rash or infection.
Properly caring for the skin on and around your breasts can prevent painful skin problems from beginning and festering over time.
Breast care tips to consider
If you're unsure where to start regarding breast care, we can help. Here are a few of the breast care hacks you should be doing periodically:
Focus on your diet
A healthy diet is essential for many aspects of your health, including your breast health. Incorporate plenty of foods that are rich in antioxidants to prevent chronic disease and breast cancer from forming.
Perform chest exercises
It's common for your breasts to sag and droop over time. That’s where chest exercises come in. Movements like planks, push-ups, and bench presses promote firm breasts and boost confidence.
Moisturize your skin
Using moisturizers such as coconut oil or almond oil on your areolas and around your breasts promotes improved circulation and soft, healthy skin. You'll be amazed how simply using a moisturizer can enhance your breast tissues.
Get measured for the right bra
A correctly fitted bra is the key to healthy and supported breasts. Your breasts change over time, so a professional fitting ensures you have the proper fit for lifted, perky breasts.
Know your skin
Checking your breasts daily isn't just good for your skin, it also helps you find changes that could indicate a problem. The more familiar you are with your breast tissues, the more likely you are to discover a problem early on.
Call the New England Women's Healthcare team today or request an appointment online for breast care at one of our conveniently located offices in Wilmington and Woburn, Massachusetts.