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Brandi U.
Brandi U. Sendmail

Question for the well-endowed ladies

posted 11 months ago | Report

My problem is this. When I started running multiple times a week (about a year ago), I started to get these sores on my boobs. It doesn't seem like friction to me (and I have had the friction burns in different areas - it just seems different), they don't appear along a seam line or anything, and for the longest time there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for where they showed up other than boobs. Recently, however, they do appear to be more localized in one spot (underside of my left boob). The area is red, sensitive to touch and heat (like the shower - stings like a sonofa). I've tried applying vitamin E, Polysporin, Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial creams... Nothing seems to make much of a difference. And they seem to mostly heal on their own - the pain goes away in a day or two, but the red mark does take weeks or months to fade.
My question is: Has anyone else experienced this??? Anyone I've been able to ask has never heard of anything like it - but I don't personally know any other big-breasted runners. But there's gotta be some out there!!! Anyone?

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  • Stephanie N.
    Stephanie N. Sendmail

    What kind of sports bra are you wearing? I found that the sports bra's with an adjustable back strap (like a regular bra) hold better. It might be you're bouncing too much when running and they're rubbing against your current sports bra. They shouldn't bounce, but move with you. Try a different sports bra.

    Also, are you showering right after running? It could be from sweat sitting on your skin (your breasts are more sensitive.) Again, maybe try to find a sports bra that will keep you drier.

    You should also talk to your doctor. It might be something else, like an allergy?

    posted 11 months ago

  • Brandi U.
    Brandi U. Sendmail
    in reply to what Stephanie N. said:What kind of sports bra are you wearing? I found that the sports bra's with an adjustable back strap (like a regular bra) hold better. It might be you're bouncing too much when running and they're rubbing against your current spor... read more

    I've been wearing Lululemon sports bras - the tata-tamer and a couple others of their "maximum support" ones. They do support WAY better than any of the other ones I had (one was danskin, a couple were running room)... There is SOME bounce still, but nothing compared to what it used to be... My regular bra size is 34F, so it seems to me that short of a steel breastplate there'll be a little bounce, no?

    Do you have any suggestions for other good sports bras? As far as I know the lululemon ones are the most recommended for those-of-us...

    I am showering immediately afterwards, (well, after stretching) and I am washing my workout clothes between every use.

    I did also talk to my doctor, and she was really unhelpful. She said there are thousands of things living on our skin all the time, and there are a hundred reasons why I could be getting these red patches. She sent me away with some topical cream, saying to come back if they spread or bleed. Ugh.

    Specifically on my run today I could feel a sting on the underside of my boob, and I put a hand there to see how much movement was going on as I ran, and there really didn't seem to be movement between the bra and the boob, but I did adjust and I couldn't feel it anymore - until the shower, of course.

    I do know that I am unlikely to find an answer here, but I'm putting the call out anyway, because it's possible someone will have experienced this, and found a cure.

    Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Shaindel B.
    Shaindel B. Sendmail

    I've never experienced this, but I thought I'd try to help.

    I LOVE the Moving Comfort Fiona bra. I have no idea if this will help, but have you tried Lansinoh? It's technically "nipple cream" for nursing mothers, but it's amazing for any skin irritation. You can get it pretty much anywhere baby products are sold. It's next to bottles/formula, etc.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Stephanie N.
    Stephanie N. Sendmail

    I second the lansinoh!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Sonya G.
    Sonya G. Sendmail

    Hey Brandi,
    I feel for you on the issue as I can related. My issue has been finding the right bra to prevent friction and keep from bouncing without feeling like I can not breathe. Have you tried using lanacane? I know you said it does not seem to be friction burns but it could be related to a friction issue. The Lansinoh as recommended by others cures everything in the boob area for me as well. Best of luck!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Brandi U.
    Brandi U. Sendmail

    Hey all, thanks for the input! I thought I already had the best possible sports bras for me, but I'm doing some more investigating and think I will try some other ones. It's just annoying that they're so expensive, and the only way to KNOW is to use them!

    On the Lansinoh - I had never heard of it before, but will definitely look into that and pick some up! It can't hurt, and might help, so - hooray!

    And yeah, I'm open to the friction issue - or related to friction - It really does seem like the answer, yeah?

    Thanks so much to you all, this has been frustrating, and I don't want it to be a possible excuse not to run, ya know? You've all helped me out today!

    posted 11 months ago | edited 11 months ago

  • Shaindel B.
    Shaindel B. Sendmail

    I just shopped at the Moving Comfort website, and they have some colors/sizes on sale. The Fiona bra is normally $45 and is $27, and the Jubralee is normally $52 but is $32.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Brandi U.
    Brandi U. Sendmail

    Augh!

    Decided to try FOUR new bras, all being on sale - then found, I'm not sure they ship to Canada... I've sent an e-mail. I hope I'm wrong. In the meantime, I continue my search...

    posted 11 months ago

  • Lilly
    Lilly Sendmail

    I second the Moving Comfort Fiona bra! I LOVE THEM! You can find them on Zappos, Road Runner, and Athleta, too. And if the sores return, I'd recommend seeing a derm. I'm not surprised a regular doc had no idea what to make of it. :(

    posted 11 months ago

  • Tabatha H.
    Tabatha H. Sendmail

    I'll chime in on Moving Comfort. They are a little hard to get into, but once you do those baby's aren't going anywhere and they do a great job of wicking moisture away from you.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Robyn G.
    Robyn G. Sendmail

    I'm well endowed to begin with and am currently breastfeeding a newborn, so I'm rather experienced in strapping those babies down for minimum movement.

    In my experience doubling up bras is key, with one of them being what you said - just shy of a steel plate. Right now I'm using the Enell with a nursing bra underneath and it's doing the trick.

    The red marks are most likely chafing, and the key to no chafing is no friction. Good luck!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Brandi U.
    Brandi U. Sendmail

    Yeah, I've been reading some very encouraging things about the Enell bra... But they also do not ship to Canada.

    Neither does Moving Comfort. Road Runner ships to Canada for $40...

    Looks like Athleta might ship here for a reasonable price, but in discussing with the husband, we may just take a weekend roadtrip south for some sports-bra shopping, lol.

    posted 11 months ago

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