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Sunday, November 27, 2011 Maylett91 asks

Q: What could be the cause of an itchy breast - nipple/ariola?

I am 16 years-old girl. And one day, out of no where, I got what looks like a rash on both my nipples. It got to the point where I scratched so hard they bled, though I think that was my own fault. And this morning they hurt, I couldn't even put on a bra. When I look at them they look scaly, like if they were chapped and in need of moisturizing, but no matter how much lotion I put on, they still itch and the skin still flakes. I thought that maybe it was just some form of allergy to my bra. I changed to all cotton type of bra's and it still didn't stop the itch. I later read that it was common in women who were lactating... I'm not pregnant nor have I given birth, I'm not even sexually active! I also read that it could be from menstruation. And I did get my period a month after (I didn't get my period the month I got the rash.) the rash came to be. I'm confused and scared. I've read it could be cancer... I really don't want to think about that possibility just yet. Can someone please help me?
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Answers (1)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
11/27/11 7:15pm

Maylett,

 

A scaly nipple can be a symptom of a type of breast cancer called Paget's Disease of the Breast, but it would not occur in both breasts at the same time.  Since home remedies like lotion are not helping, it's time to check with a doctor.  There are several different kinds of skin problems that can cause itchy breasts, and using the wrong kind of lotion could just make it worse.  In the meantime, try really hard not to scratch; that just makes it worse.  Press really hard with the palm of your hand on the itchy place, but don't rub.  Although this is a really annoying problem, it is not likely to be dangerous.  I hope you are soon feeling better.

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By Maylett91— Last Modified: 11/27/11, First Published: 11/27/11