Breast Eczema: What is it | Symptoms | Treatment & Prevention
Eczema develops when the outermost layer of your skin is unable to perform its normal function of protecting you from microorganisms, allergens, and irritants in the environment.
Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin disorder that typically begins in childhood. However, it is possible for eczema to begin at any age. Eczema cannot be spread from one person to another because it is not a contagious condition.
When the symptoms of eczema emerge on the breast or in the area around the nipples, this condition is known as breast eczema. It is more common among persons who have eczema in other parts of their body, however, it is possible for it to exist on its own as a disorder.
Teenage girls are the most prone to suffer from nipple eczema, but the condition can also manifest itself in infants, younger children, and individuals of advanced age.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, and the National Eczema Association estimates that it affects more than 18 million people in the United States alone.
Even though the precise reason for eczema is unknown, you or a member of your family having a history of hay fever, asthma, or eczema significantly increases your likelihood of developing the condition.
Breast eczema symptoms
Because the symptoms of breast eczema and the symptoms of Paget illness, which is a hazardous disorder, are similar to one another, individuals should be aware of how to differentiate between the two.
Continue reading to find out what the treatment options are for breast eczema and Paget’s disease of the breast, as well as the symptoms of both conditions and how to differentiate between the two.
Itchiness in the nipple can have a variety of causes, but one of the most prevalent is eczema on the breast. In addition to appearing under or between your breasts, chest acne can manifest itself anywhere else on your body. There is a wide range of possible symptoms, but some of them are as follows:
- skin that is itching and uncomfortable
- enlargement of certain areas of the skin
- patches of skin that are red or brownish-gray that appear under, between, or on your breasts
- tiny lumps that may ooze fluid and crust over after being scratched repeatedly
- skin that is irritated, inflamed, or extremely sensitive as a result of scratching
- skin that is flaky, cracked, or scaled
- Bleeding
Those who suffer from breast eczema are more likely to encounter the symptoms described above on or near their breasts. The areolae (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) are the portions of the breast that are most usually affected by breast eczema. However, breast eczema can also appear under the breasts or in between the breasts.
Symptoms of Paget’s disease and contributing factors
People may mistake the symptoms of Paget’s disease of the breast for those of eczema of the breast since Paget’s disease of the breast is very uncommon. It is only detected in 1 to 4 percent of breast malignancies. Women over the age of 50 are most likely to be affected. These are some of the risk factors:
- age
- a history of breast cancer or anomalies in the breasts in the family
- skin that is itching
- genetic mutations (in genes such as BRCA1 or HER2)
- thick breast tissue
- radiation exposure
- discomfort and sensitivity in the area of the nipple
- a reduction in the prominence of the nipple
- carrying excess weight, which is especially problematic after menopause
- hormone replacement
- a discharge coming from the nipple that could be red or yellow in color.
Because Paget’s causes a rash that is red and scaly, it is sometimes confused with eczema of the breast. Symptoms typically manifest themselves in only one breast and could include the following:
- skin on the nipple and/or areola that is scaly, flaking, thickened, or seeping with discharge
- itching
- scorching or tingling sensations
- discharge from the nipple that is red or yellow in color
- an upside-down nipple
- the presence of a lump in the breast or behind the nipple
Around the nipple, some people report feeling a tingling sensation, while others report a scorching one. These symptoms will not improve despite receiving therapy for eczema; rather, they will become even more severe over time.
It is not known what causes or triggers the development of Paget’s disease of the breast. It is true that women are more likely to be affected by this type of breast cancer than males, but men are not immune. People over the age of 50 have a significantly increased risk of developing it.
Treatment options and preventative measures for breast eczema
Because there has been no treatment widely available, atopic dermatitis can linger for a long time and can be quite tenacious. Nevertheless, there are a number of treatments and preventative measures available. Consider these options:
- Make sure to moisturize your skin numerous times a day so that it can retain its natural moisture. There are a variety of creams, lotions, and even petroleum jelly that can be used to do this.
- Determine what appears to set off a reaction, and stay away from anything that could make the condition worse. Stress, sweat, pollen, food allergies, and strong soaps and detergents are some factors that might set off an allergic reaction.
- Showers should be warm, not hot, and should not exceed 15 minutes in length.
- Take a weak bleach bath to prevent flare-ups. Put between a quarter and a half cup of regular home bleach (not the concentrated kind) into a tub of average size filled with hot water. You should soak for ten minutes with part of your body visible above the water, but you should not do this more than three times per week. Consult your primary care physician before giving a bleach bath a shot to treat your eczema.
- After you get out of the shower or bath, pat your skin with a towel until it is still slightly damp and then apply moisturizer to it.
Antihistamines that have a sedative effect are sometimes prescribed by doctors to patients who are having trouble sleeping owing to the severity of their symptoms. These medications are intended to assist patients in falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. If your symptoms do not improve, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
It is essential that you make an appointment with your primary care physician if you are suffering extreme pain to the point that it disrupts your normal activities or your ability to sleep, or if you believe that a skin infection may be starting to develop on your body.
Infections of the skin are easily identifiable by the presence of red streaks, yellow scabs, or pus in the affected area.
Eczema of the breast can be treated with medication.
If a person has mild breast eczema, avoiding the triggers that cause it may be enough to completely cure the problem on its own. However, there are some conditions that might call for a doctor’s attention, therefore the treatment might involve things like these:
- topical corticosteroids
- nonsteroidal topicals
- phototherapy
- oral steroids
- oral immunosuppressant medications
- biologics
- topical calcineurin inhibitors
How to Treat Breast Eczema (Home Remedy)
Alterations to one’s lifestyle and the use of home remedies can also be helpful in the management of breast eczema symptoms. Things such as the following can help minimize the severity of the symptoms:
- making an effort to reduce their levels of stress.
- not taking hot baths or showers, which can irritate the skin, but instead opting for warm water when washing, rather than hot water;
- avoiding cosmetics and toiletries that have a high concentration of alcohol or scent, as these can irritate the skin and induce an outbreak of the condition
- obtaining lots of healthy sleep
- maintaining a healthy level of moisture in the skin by consistently applying an emollient
- trying to refrain from scratching
- you might want to try wet wrapping
- utilizing paste bandages
Prevention
Although there is no known and established technique to totally avoid eczema, there are things that people can do to lessen the likelihood that they will experience an outbreak of the condition. The best strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups is to avoid the triggers.
The following are some of the recognized factors that might cause eczema:
- Temperature: Changing from one temperature to another, such as going from a warm indoor environment to a chilly outdoor environment, or vice versa, can aggravate eczema symptoms. Both central heating and air conditioning can make the symptoms of eczema much more uncomfortable.
- Diet and food: There is no clinical evidence to support the claim that eating certain foods can make eczema symptoms worse; nonetheless, some people have reported that this is the case for them.
- Cosmetics and toiletries: For some persons, the onset of their eczema can be attributed to the use of particular cosmetic and toiletry products. People ought to exercise caution when choosing new items and should make it a habit to perform a patch test on new products before employing them in their entirety.
- Fabrics: Because certain materials have the potential to irritate the skin, those with sensitive skin are advised to wear clothing that is not too tight. During an acute episode of the disease, this can also assist people better control it.
Diagnosis
Before diagnosing a patient with breast eczema, medical professionals will do their best to rule out the possibility of any other conditions that could be contributing factors. They may order a number of different tests in order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.
These may include the following:
- tests on patches
- mycology, which is the examination of a tissue sample taken from the patient’s skin by medical practitioners using a microscope.
- culture swabs to investigate the possibility of subsequent problems
- a biopsy of the skin to rule out the possibility of Paget’s disease
The following are some of the potential conditions that a medical expert will seek to rule out:
- allergic contact dermatitis
- illnesses caused by bacteria
- illnesses caused by fungi
- Paget’s disease, a condition that affects the breast
- psoriasis or any of a number of other inflammatory skin illnesses
- carcinoma of the skin
Will breast eczema go away on its own?
There is presently no cure for eczema; however, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms of the condition. People who are able to recognize the factors that bring on their breast eczema and make an effort to steer clear of those factors may be able to lessen the severity of their condition and cut down on the number of times it flares up.
It is possible for a person to manage their symptoms with the use of home remedies, medical care, or both; however, some people may need to receive treatment on a more consistent basis.
It is possible for a person’s eczema to reappear at any point in time, even if it seems to have cleared up. People who have had eczema at a young age are more likely to have sensitive skin throughout their entire lives, according to the National Eczema Society. This is true even if the eczema clears up at some point in the future.
When to seek medical attention?
Even though eczema may not pose a direct threat to a person’s life, it can significantly diminish a person’s overall quality of life. When people’s symptoms do not improve with the use of home remedies or when their symptoms get more severe, they should consult a physician or another qualified healthcare expert.
In addition, eczema of the breast can be caused by a variety of other conditions as well. Therefore, individuals should consult a medical practitioner in order to rule out the possibility of any other underlying reason.
Summary
Eczema is a common skin condition that can show up in almost any part of the body. When it happens on the breasts or in the area around the breasts, there is a possibility that it is anything to worry about.
Breast eczema can often seem like other conditions, therefore it should be checked out by a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any other underlying concerns. However, you should determine what triggers your disease and remain constantly aware of them because they may cause it to flare up again.
Even though eczema can’t be cured, there are a number of treatments that can help people deal with their symptoms and live a better life despite having the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Eczema develop
Eczema develops when the outermost layer of your skin is unable to perform its normal function of protecting you from microorganisms, allergens, and irritants in the environment
Who are most like to have breast eczema
Teenage girls are the most prone to suffer from nipple eczema, but the condition can also manifest itself in infants, younger children, and individuals of advanced age.
Preventive options for breast eczema
Make sure to moisturize your skin numerous times a day so that it can retain its natural moisture. There are a variety of creams, lotions, and even petroleum jelly that can be used to do this. Showers should be warm, not hot, and should not exceed 15 minutes in length. After you get out of the shower or bath, pat your skin with a towel until it is still slightly damp and then apply moisturizer to it.
Breast eczema treatment options
topical corticosteroids nonsteroidal topicals phototherapy oral steroids oral immunosuppressant medications biologics topical calcineurin inhibitors