I’m 28 yrs old. Ive been suffering from really itchy nipples for a few months now. They also sometimes seep a little discharge which i only notice if its on my bra. Its normally a light brown colour. My nipples themselves become very red and sore when they are at their worst. I do suffer from eczema on my hands and legs and have steroid creams which i have used on my nipples thinking maybe its just eczema. This does nothing except irritate the condition more. I am very careful with clothing, washes etc as an eczema sufferer so dont think its an allergy. Its just becoming so uncomfortable. Any idea?

Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team

Nipple itchiness could be an allergic reaction to clothing material, detergent or toiletries like soap. So being meticulous with your hygiene may not guarantee that you will be free from the discomfort that allergies bring.

Fungal infection is also among the possible causes of nipple itch. Symptoms of fungal infection may not resolve with topical steroids. In fact, some people are allergic to steroid creams, instead of providing relief, application of the medicine can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Their skin condition fails to improve or the pre-existing symptoms worsen.

Flaky or scaly skin on the nipple, eczema-like rash, itchiness, burning sensation and nipple discharge are among the symptoms of Paget’s disease of the breast. However, this rare form of breast cancer occurs most often in women over 50 years of age.

Brown discharge may also occur in women with fibrocystic or mammary duct changes. Most often, benign discharge is caused by intraductal papilloma, these are tiny, non-cancerous growths in the breast tissue. Other causes of nipple discharge include breast cancer, breast abscess and use of some medications like birth control pills or sedatives.

The evaluation of your doctor is very important as your symptoms are present in several medical conditions. Aside health history and physical exam, your doctor may also request for tests to rule out possible underlying conditions.

This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

References:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/pagets-breast
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003154.htm

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Tags: breast cancer, itchiness, nipple changes, nipple discharge, Paget's disease

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