Swollen left nipple- oozing, bleeding, crusting & itchy!

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Cmmarier
Cmmarier Member Posts: 4
edited November 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi all, I am experiencing the same issues that a previous user has posted back in 2016. Has been going on since last December 2017 when my eczema kicked in and hasnt gone away. My left nipple is almost constantly oozing. It will crust and bleed as well. It also itches like crazy and it's hard not to itch it.

I have talked with/visited my OBGYN multiple times and she has put me on antibiotics and given me eczema and anti-fungal creams. None have worked. I started just lotioning and using natural oils and that doesn't work either. I am so frustrated. My left nipple oozes, gets dry and cracks, bleeds, and then just repeats. And the itchiness is terrible. I have used anti-itch cream but that doesnt help. Ice doesnt help. I believe it is eczema but I havent been able to visit a dermatologist yet but wondering if it is even worth it. I dress my nipple with bandaids throughout the day so that my clothing and bras do not irritate my nipple more. My nipple is also a bit swollen.

Also, I have sensitive skin and have been using the same laundry detergent for over two years. No change in diet, soaps, or routines. I am 23 and have no children. I have been married only a year and much of my married life has been dealing with this issue. I did have a well woman exam back in the end of May 2018. My results for my pap came back normal, as did my breast exam.

If anyone has any advice, please let me know!

Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited September 2018

    What does your dermatologist say

  • karlaconcepcion
    karlaconcepcion Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2018

    We have the same issue :( i am also experiencing a very itchy nipple especially on my left side,i visited 2 doctors already. they told me its a fungal infection. i've been experiencing this since 2010 and on and off.. i have flat nipple since birth that's why i know its skin infection. before it was two nipples are itching but now and weather is changing my left nipple again starting to itch and dry:(

    i've noticed if the weather is warm. my nipple also is in normal condition but if started feel cold it will itch again.

    What does your gyne told you?

  • MBPooch
    MBPooch Member Posts: 229
    edited October 2018

    I was diagnosed with Pagets last October. I also did multiple creams then finally had my dermatologist do a punch biopsy. That is the only way to test for Pagets, mammogram and ultra sound both missed it as well as the DCIS that was underneath the nipple. If you have any question at all get the biopsy.

  • Kelligirl5
    Kelligirl5 Member Posts: 81
    edited October 2018

    I had a similar issue this past year and was diagnosed with Paget's disease at the end of March. I have eczema flare ups regularly and assumed that's all it was but also resorted to using a band aid to ease the irritation. I would definitely see a dermatologist. It would start to heal and then get worse again with creams etc. I pointed out the spot repeatedly to the people doing my mammogram, ultra sound, MRI etc. I was being seen for a cyst on the other side and no one was concerned with the spot at all. It's not something they typically see so may not know what to look for. My OB/GYN said I am only the second case she has ever had in the last 25 years and she didn't even see mine, just sent me for tests for the original cyst. It took me asking the surgeon for a prescription before she decided to do the biopsy. The DCIS underneath was not seen on a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.

  • Cmmarier
    Cmmarier Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2018

    Thank you all for the great feedback. I had looked into possible issues that it could be. I kept coming back to eczema just because I have sensitive skin and it's been particularly worse this year. I have made an appointment with a dermatologist and am hoping they can shed some light on this issue. I will also be requesting to be tested for Padgets.

    For those diagnosed with Padgets (@Kelligirl5 and @MBPooch), has your nipple oozed excessively? Aside from drying out and cracking (and then bleeding), my nipple will ooze a lot, with little to no irritation. It has soaked my bras, shirts, bandaids. The liquid it oozes is clear with a yellow tint, which makes me think maybe a minor infection.

    I'll give an update once I get to visit the dermatologist.

  • Cmmarier
    Cmmarier Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2018

    @Karlaconception, My gyno just thinks it is eczema or a fungal issue. So she has prescribed moisturizers and also steroid ointments, which neither have worked.

  • Kelligirl5
    Kelligirl5 Member Posts: 81
    edited October 2018

    yes it did ooze a bit. I basically had an open sore so it was that clear/yellowish tinge you get with say a skinned knee if that makes sense. I really hope your dermatologist is right and some specialty cream does the trick for you!

  • MBPooch
    MBPooch Member Posts: 229
    edited October 2018

    I only had a little oozing and exactly how Kelligirl5 described. Never enough though where it would soak through anything. Definitely have your derm do the biopsy so you can set your mind at ease and know one way or the other. Keep us posted!

  • ishhlish
    ishhlish Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2018

    Hi, I know it's a month late but I had that same issue years ago and my tests came out negative.

    Use ELOCON / ELICA on your nipple once a day for 1 week straight. I had nipple eczema for 1 year and it never came back again.. for almost 6 years now :)

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