Crusty Nipple After Radiation--will it ever go back to normal?

kec1972

I finished radiation about 6 weeks ago. My skin has completely recovered, but my areola is still slightly swollen, and my nipple is now just this ball of dry yellow crust. Wondering if it will ever get back to normal?

moth

yes! I had skin damage to the nipple and it just eventually sloughed off and the new skin underneath is fine. Just give it time, keep it moisturized, don't pick it off or scrub - but moisturize lots. If you have discharge or oozing or it doesn't seem to be getting better, then have it looked at by a doctor because you can get secondary skin infections.

kec1972

Thank you Moth! There is no discharge, oozing, or pain, just this super dry yellow crust. How long did yours take to heal over? I haven't been moisturizing it like I probably should

AliceBastable

Keep using Aquaphor. It took quite a while, but it does work.

moth

I think mine took about 4 weeks to heal up. I was told to keep moisturizing for months after radiation finished. I went from several times daily to twice a day and now I'm down to once a day

kec1972

Keep moisturizing just the nipple, or the whole breast?

AliceBastable

Both. I didn't even notice my breast skin was dry until I had an appointment with my MO and some skin rolled off while she was vigorously examining me! Whoops. But the ol' crusty nipple was obvious even to me.