inflamed nippled with spreading rash around it -- concerned

kika2013

Hi all--I was diagnosed with IDC and treated for it five years ago and have done well since. This week, during a huge heatwave, the nipple on my other breast became inflamed. I chalked this up to sweat (no air-conditioning) etc. On Tuesday, I noticed a small rash spreading from the nipple. It grew yesterday and today is now more or less a perfect oval, the majority of which is above the nipple. I was so concerned I went to the ER last night, where they diagnosed me with either Lyme or cellulitis, though the doc said neither quite matched the symptoms perfectly. Additionally, over the weekend, before the nipple/rash situation began, I was slightly feverish on Saturday night and had dry heaves on Sunday, along with a splitting headache for about 24 hours. We thought this was food poisoning, but now I'm wondering.

My concern here is IBC, of course. I just had a clean mammo and sono about a month ago, but I know it can be hard to see, and this all came out of nowhere. I started antibiotics last night for the Lyme/cellulitis diagnosis, but no improvement yet. The oval rash now seems to have a slightly raised border. The ER doc (a good doc, but still and ER doc rather than a breast doc) said he was not very concerned about cancer given the recent clean scans but I'm just so nervous right now.

Can anyone advise? Clearly if this was anywhere but on my breast I'd be a lot less worried. I have a call into my breast surgeon as well, but haven't heard from her.

Racy

Have you tried a cortisone cream? I also had a rash and have been using a cream which has cleared the rash.

You are doing the right thing getting your rash checked. Try to be patient and wait a few more days to see whether it progresses or regresses.

kika2013

Thanks for this. The antibiotics seem to have kicked in this morning and the rash is fading. Looks like maybe Lyme or some other insect-borne disease. I am very relieved!

Racy

Good to hear, Kika.