Nipples that irritate? Not only is it uncomfortable, but it’s also disturbing. It can, in fact, be a symptom of a disease such as shingles, eczema, allergy, bacterial infection, even worse, breast cancer. In sum, the itchy breasts can have several causes and can be synonymous with several pathologies. We must therefore be vigilant. More info in this article.
What are the causes of sore nipples?
In reality, it is the skin around the nipple that becomes irritated and itchy. This problem can have several causes.
It may be of viral origin. This is the case with shingles. If they are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, then it is a bacterial infection. In both cases, it is often postpartum women who suffer. They have a submammary skin infection and recurrent mastitis. They may also end up suffering from breast abscess related to chronic carriage and familial staphylococcal disease.
The irritation can also be the consequences of a local allergy caused by cleaning products or soaps. Wearing a bra with a metal underwire can also cause the same problem. It may even be the underwear that causes thenipple irritation. This is often the case if they are made of synthetic materials.
In some women, a hormonal imbalance or change is manifested by itchy breasts. This can thus announce a menstruation or a pregnancy.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
In most cases, an itchy nipple heralds mild illnesses. And yet, this concern can also indicate a more serious problem including breast Paget. The latter is a form of breast cancer. After the irritation and rash, redness and other skin changes may appear around the nipple. As a result of these symptoms, he may also have nipple discharge or bleeding, the appearance of a mass under the nipple or the flattening and inversion of the nipple. If these situations arise and they are accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest, you must immediately take the necessary measures and contact a professional.
What to do if the nipple itches?
The first thing to do in case of breast irritation is to understand and detect the causes. This is often easy. It is also necessary to see a professional such as a dermatologist for more precision.
In general, if the concern seems to be mild or not serious, the use of antibiotics or antivirals may be sufficient. If there are lesions on the nipples, it is sufficient to use an antiseptic to dry them up. Thus, the risk of infections will be remote.
Treatment for shingles is symptomatic. To soothe the pain caused by this pathology, it is necessary to carry out local disinfection in order to limit the drying of the lesions. Then it is necessary to moisten the parts that irritate. Often, the patient must take oral analgesics such as codeine, paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The use of a dermatological soap or a bar with lukewarm water is particularly recommended during daily showers. This helps reduce symptoms and irritation.
Since this is an allergy problem, the first thing to do is to avoid allergens. In case of inflammation, it is possible to apply a corticosteroid locally. If it is atopic eczema, which therefore has nothing to do with contact allergy, but which is rather of genetic origin, it is necessary to follow the treatments recommended by a professional.
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If it is Paget’s disease:
This situation is more delicate than the others. It cannot be treated at home. It is often necessary to perform breast surgery or removal of the breasts. This therapeutic option limits the damage that can be caused by the disease. Depending on the stage of the pathology, however, it is possible to keep part of the breast and remove only the affected area. We are talking regarding conservative surgery.
Some patients may also require other treatments including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies. The choice for these other treatments depends on the characteristics noted during the diagnosis.
What you must remember :
Causes of itchy breasts: The most common causes are skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and allergies. Infections (staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus), benign breast tumors (fibroadenomas), and even cancer can also cause itchy breasts. Finally, certain medications can also be responsible for this symptom.
-Treatments for itchy breasts: depending on the underlying pathology, different treatments are possible. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed in case of infection. If you have a skin problem, topical corticosteroids or antihistamines can help relieve itching. If an allergic reaction occurs, identify the allergen and avoid it. When it comes to cancerous lesions, surgery is often necessary.
– Itchy nipples: if they are not always symptomatic of breast cancer, itchy nipples should never be ignored. They may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires prompt medical attention. Consult your doctor if you experience any type of itchy nipples so that they can determine the cause and provide you with appropriate treatment.
