Eczema is a dry skin condition that can affect various places on the body. It is a non-contagious rash caused by inflammation of the skin’s pores called eczema. The national eczema association estimates that more than 31 million Americans suffer from atopic dermatitis.  

Breast eczema can appear anywhere on the breast, but it is most commonly seen on the nipples. Breastfeeding women are more likely to suffer from this condition.  Breast eczema may cause itching and swelling, but it is not life-threatening.

Causes of Eczema

There is no specific cause for eczema, but anyone with a history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever is much more at risk.

How To Prevent Breast Eczema

One of the most common causes of nipple itching is eczema on the breasts.

1. Breastfeeding mothers should alternate which breast they feed their infants to prevent the development of breast eczema.
2. Remove sweat-soaked athletic bras after exercise as soon as possible.
3. Women who do not wear a proper sports bra during workouts are prone to getting breast eczema.
4. Wash off your bras frequently.
5. Carefully wash the breasts and take good care of the nipples.
6. For those with breast eczema but not nursing, making some basic day-to-day changes will help you avoid rashes later on.
7. When it comes to laundry detergent, women with delicate skin need to be careful because they may be more prone to eczema.
8. In addition, eczema can also be avoided by using a laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic and scent-free. In order to treat eczema, do not scratch the affected area and apply ice packs and compresses instead.
9. Creams can be used to treat breast eczema.

A woman who works out frequently and does not wear a suitable sports bra may develop breast eczema. The sweat that gets trapped between the breasts or in the bra causes this.

 Symptoms of the condition include red and flaky skin, itching, swelling, and rough pores and skin. Breast eczema is often treated with skin hydration. A physician may prescribe an over-the-counter lotion to relieve discomfort and itching.

How Do You Treat Eczema on Breasts?

Breast eczema treatment and prevention can last for a long time because there is no cure for atopic dermatitis currently. The good news is that there are a number of treatments and preventative measures available. For breast eczema, skin hydration can be helpful.

RELATED: The 13 Best Ways to Get Rid of Postpartum Hives

Can Breast Cancer Look Like Eczema?

Yes, an unusual form of breast cancer, Paget’s disease extends from the nipple to the areola (the dark region around the nipple). Due to its first symptoms, this condition is frequently misdiagnosed as a scaly, red rash on the breasts or nipples.

The red and scaly rash of Paget’s after menopause may be confused with eczema of the breast as a result of hormone replacement

What Does Eczema Look Like on Boobs?

There’s also a possibility that you’ll get breakouts under your breasts or between them and the rest of your chest. Symptoms may include scaly, red, or brownish gray areas of skin under, or in between your breasts that are itchy, dry, cracked, or scaly.

Repeated scratching may release fluid from these small bumps and cause them to crest over. Scratching can cause swelling or oversensitivity of the skin

Is It Normal to Get Eczema on Your Nipples?

It is possible for women breastfeeding their babies to develop Eczema near their nipples. This could be due to the inflammation caused by nursing your baby throughout the day.

Is it Eczema or Paget’s disease?

The symptoms of Paget’s disease are very similar to that of Breast eczema. cancer diagnosis could also cause breast thrush. Due to the exceptional nature of this situation, any mysterious breast marks should always be investigated by a healthcare professional.

Does Eczema go Away on Its Own?

Eczema is suffered by 10 to 20% of the world’s population and has no cure. Breast-feeding women are more prone to breast eczema than other women.

Options to Consider:

1. Make sure to moisturize your skin multiple times a day to keep it hydrated. Several types of creams, lotions, or petroleum jelly are available for this purpose.
2. Consider identifying what triggers a reaction and avoiding anything that might worsen it

Among The Most Common Triggers Are:

• Detergents and soaps that are harsh
• A sweaty body
• Allergies to food
• Having stress

 Caring for Eczema

• Prevent flare-ups by taking a bleach bath diluted with water. (Before using bleach baths to treat your eczema, consult your doctor.)

• Fill a standard-size bathtub with warm water and add 14 to 12 cups of household bleach, not concentrated. Spend 10 minutes soaking in the bathtub with your head above the water. Taking these baths more than three times a week is not recommended.

• Take a warm and NOT a hot shower that lasts more than 15 minutes

• When your skin is still damp after showering or bathing, gently pat it and apply moisturizer.

• Until a woman can see a doctor for a diagnosis, petroleum jelly is an effective skin soother.

• If you continue to experience symptoms, you should see your primary care physician.

A doctor should be consulted if you are experiencing severe discomfort or if you think you are developing a skin infection or are unable to sleep.

It is common for skin infections to be characterized by red streaks, yellow scabs, or pus appearing on the affected area. 

Paget’s Disease

What is Paget’s Disease?

Paget’s disease of the breast in some cases, itchiness of the nipples may indicate something more serious than eczema.

Despite the fact that the causes of Paget’s disease are unknown, many doctors believe that this condition is caused by non-invasive breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

The nipple and areola are infected by cancer cells coming from a tumor behind the nipple.

Breast Paget’s disease is rare. Breast cancers with this mutation make up 1 to 4 percent of all cases. There is an increased risk of Paget’s disease among women over 50.

Risk Factors for Paget’s Disease include:

• Age
• A family history of breast cancer
• Gene mutations related to breast abnormalities (BRCA1 or HER2).
• Exposure to radiation
• Excess weight

Symptoms are usually only in one breast and may include;

• In the nipple or areola,

• Crusty, flaky, thickened, or oozing skin

• Itching, burning, or tingling sensations

• Bloody, yellow discharges from the nipples and/or areola

• An inverted nipple or lump in the breast

Final Thought

It is possible to manage atopic dermatitis fairly effectively with the right treatment. In spite of this, identify your triggers and be aware that they may trigger the recurrence of the condition. It is recommended that you wear cotton shirts and stay away from wool sweaters since wool can cause excessive irritation.

A prescription anti-inflammatory cream is occasionally prescribed in severe cases. In addition, health care providers can recommend specific ointments to nursing moms to manage nipple eczema.

Call your doctor if you experience more severe symptoms or if you are concerned at all. It is highly recommended to have any breast marks checked out by a doctor.