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What Causes Itching In Nipples?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Feb 2015
Question: i am white male, 75 years old; no history of cancer except skin cancer (nose) successfully removed more than 40 years ago; I do have a family history of cancer (father: colon, fatal; brother: breast cancer 25 years ago, apparently fully resolved0.
I have had an unexplained itching in my left nipple for about 6 - 10 weeks; My board certified internist has examined me and finds no lumps or other indication of tumor; the sensation is exactly in the left nipple or aureole; Thinking that my metal-band wrist watch, which I wear on my left wrist, might be the culprit, I have tried protecting the nipple at night with an adhesive patch and taking off watch at night; I have also tried an over-the counter itch lotion; nothing is helping much; this is not a serious problem, obviously, just irritating. Is there anything I can do? or just tough it out? Thanks for your help.
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Hasabe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not to worry about

Detailed Answer:
Hey thanks for your faith in the health care Magic
I have gone through your question and I understood your problem.
Itching in nipples can be caused by eczema, infections caused by fungi, reactions due to allergies etc.
Following are the different treatment modalities-

In conditions of itchy nipple one should avoid harsh soap which may dry the surface. Moreover, one should also avoid deodorants that may cause irritation to the breasts and may worsen the condition.
It is essential to avoid breast skin from dehydrating, for which a moisturizer should be applied after shower. This will also prevent irritation and itchy nipple.
Applying a thin coat of hydrocortisone lotion two times in a day for over a week or two can be helpful in treating itchy nipples.
If you suspect the itchy sensation to be a fungal infection then OTC anti-fungal lotions may be helpful. This should be followed when hydrocortisone does not provide any relief.
One of the most common causes of itchy nipples is use of harsh laundry detersive and/ or fabric softener. Such detersive may cause allergies to your nipples which may lead to itchy nipple.

I hope my answer was helpful for you . Dont forget to close the discussion.Thank you.
DR . XXXXXXX HASABE.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Rakesh Hasabe

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 396 Questions

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What Causes Itching In Nipples?

Brief Answer: not to worry about Detailed Answer: Hey thanks for your faith in the health care Magic I have gone through your question and I understood your problem. Itching in nipples can be caused by eczema, infections caused by fungi, reactions due to allergies etc. Following are the different treatment modalities- In conditions of itchy nipple one should avoid harsh soap which may dry the surface. Moreover, one should also avoid deodorants that may cause irritation to the breasts and may worsen the condition. It is essential to avoid breast skin from dehydrating, for which a moisturizer should be applied after shower. This will also prevent irritation and itchy nipple. Applying a thin coat of hydrocortisone lotion two times in a day for over a week or two can be helpful in treating itchy nipples. If you suspect the itchy sensation to be a fungal infection then OTC anti-fungal lotions may be helpful. This should be followed when hydrocortisone does not provide any relief. One of the most common causes of itchy nipples is use of harsh laundry detersive and/ or fabric softener. Such detersive may cause allergies to your nipples which may lead to itchy nipple. I hope my answer was helpful for you . Dont forget to close the discussion.Thank you. DR . XXXXXXX HASABE.