Itching of the Areolae

[Samds]

I have begun to experience this bilateral itching of my areolae as many of other women have. I am not satisfied with the mis-information that is being given. So it sounds to me like we need to begin research to try to identify why so many women are experiencing this condition.

I am 42 y/o, have 3 adult children, haven't changed anything recently that I haven't been using for the past 6 months ( did go back to using an old detergent that I used to use for many years, in the past 30 days). I just starting having this itching and increased scaliness of my areolae and nipples, in the past 2-3 weeks. This itching is an intense itching, and the more you scratch the more you want to scratch. It is almost euphoric in its response to scratching. The irritation I believe comes from the increase scratching, rubbing against bra and clothing. It is not normal and I dont want someone telling me to try jock itch cream on it...it's not a fungal infection. I will start hand washing my bras in (that gentle liquid for fine fabrics, cant think of its name), I will use Dove soap to bath, and put nothing on them for the next week, then I will start using eucerin cream (sparingly) only on my nipples to see if that helps. I'll let you know what happens. I see my doctor on 11/04 and I will ask him about it.

I am currently in school and will graduate in 2009. I am used to stress so I don't believe that is is. I am planning to have my doctor check my hormone levels (TSH, FSH, and my LH) to see if maybe I am starting my perimenopause phase. I think the itching may be secondary to hormonal changes. I had a hysterectomy over 18 yrs ago, I just had my annual Mamm, and I do not take any medications. I do take a vitamin periodically and I've recently started trying to take them daily (for the calcium benefit and I notice I have more energy when I do). I see a variety of women are experiencing this same problem; (I want to start researching it now). If you are interested in participating email me at ***@****, and let me know).

Does Medhelp engage in this type of research? or Do you know if any research has been done and where we can find the results? Maybe like a survey to gather data about the many women who are experiencing this? Devise a questionaire and reccommendations on how to approach this.

Thanks for your help, I am eager and itching to hear your response.


This discussion is related to itchy and scaly areola.

[Hurtin_Hubby]

Hello,
        My wife is having similar issues with her nipples and areolas as well as her vulva itching.  Poor thing.  We have been to the doctor several times, each returning limited or no success in relieving her symptoms.  She has had a biopsy that returned negative results for cancer or fungus, however, she was diagnosed with eczema or contact dermatitis.  The doc currently has her on a 10 day steroid treatment that has also yielded negligible results.  She is 44 years old, has 2 children and is not yet menopausal.  Her nipples appear dry and have thin scaly dry skin.  It is worse at night.  We were advised against using Hydrocortizone for it, since it can cause the skin in the area to atrophe if used for an extended period.  We have used the lanolin nipple cream (Walmart Baby section, near the baby bottles and nursing supplies) it has provided some, but not much relief. There has been no change in diet, clothing, soaps or lotion prior to the onset of her symptoms.  The weather is hot ans humid, so it's not winter itch.  We are at wits end.  She has a follow-up visit next week, hopefully her Doc has been doing some research and found a miricle cream.  Lets hope.  If she finds anything that provides significant relief, I'll pass the info along... Please do the same.  Good luck ladies.

[Samds]

I located information on Paget's disease. It is a form of breast cancer that effects the nipple. According to Beckman et al.(2006) "Paget's disease presents as a superficial skin lesion similar to eczema" (pg 325). More indepth information from Youngkin & Davis (2004) goes further to explain that this type of cancer of the nipple is "almost always associated with an underlying intraductal carcinoma and frequently with a long history of eczema of the nipple with itching, burning, oozing, erythema, crusting or bleeding" (pg 372).

The literature goes on to say that Paget's disease of the nipple may heal between episodes of excoriation and a recent history of excoriation is also an indication for biopsy. I think it is important for your many participants who have described this condition in their breasts who were told that it "looks like eczema," to inquire of the provider if it could be Paget's disease, and if a biopsy to either diagnose or rule it out is appropriate.

Thanks,
Samds

[Samds]

Thanks for the support? I have been searching the EBSCOhost, CINHAL, Nursing Journals, AMA, and a host of other sites, this is how I know that it may be hormonal related. So I thought maybe your "support" group had supported women with this problem, by either searching for some valid information before offering support?

Apparently, I must be at the wrong site. Thanks for your response. I will continue my independent search, and will be happy to post my results.

Have a blessed day.

Samds

[rockchalk76]

Hi - here I go again on my crusade about public libraries!  I wondered if you are near a public library that might provide access to some online databases like EBSCOHost?  My public library provides access to library card holders and you can even access it from home.  That database gives you access to a wealth of information resources.  Medline Plus or Pub Med may be other ones you could try for research studies.  You never know about the variety of research studies that may have been funded!  Take care, Kay