'Swoobies' warning as doctor issues important advice to millions of women struggling
With summer feeling hotter than ever, many women are having to deal with the dreaded 'swoobies' ordeal.
'Swoobies' - or sweating under the breasts - are extremely common, especially in hot weather, larger breasts or during exercise.
OK, it may not be an official medical diagnosis, but that doesn't change the fact that it's very real, with sufferers rushing online to share their tips and tricks on how to best combat the sticky situation.
"100% recommend gentle wash with cool water, apply a thin layer of Sudocrem, and within a day or two it will be gone," suggested one Facebook user.
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Another urged: "Those of us with large tatas that flop down like sacks of sand know this too well! Keep them clean and dry, and if you do get sores, Canesten antifungal will clear them right up."
"I put antiperspirant under my boobs and stomach overhang. I've done this for years and have never got sore. And I wear a cotton sports bra-style crop top instead of a bra," a third shared.
Another confessed: "I used pant liners in my bra when I worked as a chef!"
And a final 'swoobies' sufferer chimed in: "Coconut oil is supposed to be good."
Now, the problem with 'swoobies' isn’t just the sweat itself, but the warm, moist environment it creates, which can lead to irritation, heat rash, chafing, and even fungal infections.
"When it comes to 'hacks', baby powder or talcum-free absorbent powder can help reduce moisture and friction, but it needs to be used carefully and sparingly," Dr Mihaela Guylas of SKNCode London exclusively explained to Tyla.
"One downside is that it can become visible on darker or black clothing once sweating starts."
The expert added that sanitary pads can be practical for absorbing sweat short-term, but they may trap heat and worsen friction if left on too long.
"I would generally avoid coconut oil in this area during heat, as it’s occlusive and can trap moisture, potentially making irritation worse," she noted.
According to Dr Mihaela, the safest approach is prevention.
"Wear breathable cotton fabrics, change out of sweaty bras quickly, and keep the area as dry as possible," she urged. "Barrier creams containing zinc oxide, dimethicone, or soothing ingredients like panthenol can help protect the skin.
"If there’s redness or itching, antifungal powders or creams may sometimes be needed."
The doctor recommended seeking medical advice if the area becomes persistently red, painful, cracked, has an odour, or develops recurrent rashes, 'as this may indicate infection or a condition like intertrigo'.
"For women struggling with excessive sweating long-term, in-clinic treatments such as Botulinum toxin injection (anti-wrinkle injections) can reduce sweat production very effectively, and LED or medical-grade treatments may help calm chronic inflammation if the skin barrier has been repeatedly compromised," Dr Mihaela concluded.
Beat the swoob with these products:
Tyla's Commercial editor, Natalie Corner, swears by this Sure Whole Body Deo, "I don't think I could survive this heat without covering my body in this deodorant. It has a slightly creamy texture that really traps the underboob sweat and even though I'm still a little damp after walking to the office, there is no lingering smell thanks to the coconut scent. Highly recommend."
£5.25
£2.60
Another product worth having in your arsenal is a rich moisturiser, urea is the ingredient of the moment as it repairs and deeply moisturises your skin. Mixa has several different moisturisers to suit your skin needs, suitable for the whole body, but if you find your skin feeling sore under your boob or you get thigh rub a layer of this will stop the irritation.
£9.99
£6.65
As Dr Mihaela mentions a body powder is an ideal solution to reduce flare ups on the skin. A gently medicated powder like Medipure, which is talc free could improve your day in the heat.
£2.79
£2.40
Another way to battle the sweat, is glycolic acid. A common skincare ingredient renowned for its exfoliating and cell renewing properties. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Aiza Jamil, explains: "Glycolic acid works to combat body odour by changing the environment of the skin where odour-causing bacteria grows."
£15
£11.25
Topics: Women's Health, Weather, Life, Tyla Exclusive
Rhiannon Ingle