Eczema on the Nipple: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can develop anywhere on the body where there is skin, including on the nipples. If you have eczema on the nipple, you may experience an itchy, scaly, or oozing rash around your nipples and areolas. This can be uncomfortable and may affect your quality of life.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for eczema on the nipple. We will also provide tips on how to manage this condition and prevent flare-ups.
Causes of Eczema on the Nipple
Eczema on the nipple can be caused by two main types of dermatitis: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that often begins in childhood and can last into adulthood. It is a complex condition that may involve your immune system, genetic factors, stress levels, and environment. Atopic dermatitis flare-ups on the nipple may be triggered by:
– Having dry skin around your nipples and areola
– Scratching your skin
– Clothing rubbing your nipples due to tightness
– Taking hot showers
– Breastfeeding or chestfeeding
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction secondary to contact with a physical or chemical irritant. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when your skin is exposed to physical or chemical irritants. Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is an immune system reaction to an allergen that affects your skin. The causes of nipple contact dermatitis may include some ingredients, fragrances, and dyes in various laundry and hygiene products. Some dyes in clothing and jewelry that contains nickel can also cause nipple contact dermatitis.
Symptoms of Eczema on the Nipple
Eczema on the nipple can cause a range of symptoms, including:
– Itchy, scaly, swollen, or oozing rash on the nipple
– Discoloration of the skin around your nipple
– Painful or burning sensation around the nipple
– Fluid coming from the nipple
While atopic dermatitis on the nipple may start slowly and gradually get worse, allergic contact dermatitis usually appears within 24–72 hours of exposure to the allergen and then improves. If you encounter the substance you are allergic to again, eczema on the nipple is likely to come back.
How to Diagnose Eczema on the Nipple
To diagnose eczema on the nipple, a dermatologist will ask you about your health history, including other conditions, history of skin conditions, and your current symptoms. They may also ask you about products you use regularly and their scents.
Asking you questions and examining your skin helps your dermatologist rule out other skin conditions and determine whether the eczema is atopic or contact dermatitis. They may also order allergy testing to determine which allergens may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment Options for Eczema on the Nipple
Various treatments are available to manage eczema symptoms on the nipple. Some are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, while others require a doctor’s prescription. In addition, avoiding triggers and making lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial.
Your dermatologist may recommend certain OTC topical or oral medications to relieve your symptoms. These may include:
– Hydrocortisone: This is a low potency steroid available as an ointment, cream, gel, or lotion. It can decrease inflammation and itching. Talk with your doctor about how long or often to use hydrocortisone.
– Antihistamines: Many oral antihistamines, which may reduce itching and inflammation from your immune system’s response to an allergen, are available without a prescription. Examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
– Pain relievers: To manage pain and inflammation from eczema, your doctor may recommend pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
If OTC treatments are ineffective, your dermatologist may need to prescribe stronger medications. These may include:
– Steroids: Prescription topical steroids can help the skin heal by reducing itching and inflammation. Oral steroids like prednisone (Deltasone) may also be helpful, but they carry a risk of rebounding symptoms when you stop taking the medication.
– Calcineurin inhibitors: These medications work by inhibiting some immune system activity, preventing some of the symptoms of eczema. Examples include tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel).
– Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors: These medications work against PDE4, which is an enzyme involved in producing proteins that trigger inflammation in the body.
– JAK inhibitors: These medications work by blocking certain enzymes in your immune system that can cause skin inflammation. Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is one example.
In addition, a procedure called phototherapy may provide symptom relief. This involves exposing your skin to short bursts of UV light. You may need several treatments to see improvement.
Prevention and Management of Eczema on the Nipple
It is advisable for people with contact dermatitis that causes eczema on the nipple to avoid any triggers identified through the diagnosis or allergy testing process. Your doctor may also recommend some lifestyle adjustments to prevent or manage eczema flare-ups, such as:
– Wearing loose clothing
– Avoiding using products with fragrances
– Bathing with warm water instead of hot
With so many treatment options available, people with eczema on the nipple may want to consider working with their doctor to find a treatment and home care routine that helps reduce their symptoms. An accurate diagnosis, avoiding triggers, and following skincare instructions at home are all important to continued improvement.
Contact your doctor if your eczema symptoms don’t improve or worsen with OTC treatments. They may need to prescribe stronger medications or recommend additional procedures like phototherapy.
If your nipple is painful, discolored, or hot, it may be infected. Get immediate medical care if you have these symptoms.
Conclusion
Eczema on the nipple can be uncomfortable and may affect your quality of life. If you have this condition, it is important to talk to your doctor about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. You may be able to manage this condition effectively with a combination of medications, lifestyle adjustments, and home care. Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid self-diagnosis or self-treatment. With the right care, you can manage your eczema symptoms on the nipple and improve your quality of life.
