Nipple change in men

[Winikor]

I noticed that my husband's left nipple felt crusty and hard compared to his right.  He said that last week he felt an irritation in the area.  Except for his parents who are in excellent health, he has no other relatives, as they were all killed in the war therefore doesn't know much about his medical history.  I am aware that men do get breast cancer and I was wondering what, if anything, this could mean.  What kind of a physician would he need to see,  Please advise.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to be of help.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and do keep us posted.

Regards.

[Winikor]

Just wanted to let you know that my husband saw his physician who told him exactly what you had.  Every time he comes back from a business trip where it's cold, he has the same problem and so he uses the cream and that seems to do the trick.  Thank you again.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
Wish you a Happy New Year too.
Do keep us posted and let us know if you need to know anything else.
Good luck.

[Winikor]

I will certainly let him know of your suggestions.  He does take a multi vitamin but I don't know if it's a complex Vitamin B w/zinc, which is what I take.  Thank you again for your time and help and I will keep you posted.  We are watching this very closely and if it has not disappeared in a few weeks, he does an appt. w/his dr. and will have it checked then.
Happy and Healthy New Year to you.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Glad to be of help.
You should ask your husband to cut down on the coffe for a few days - that is if he is drinking too many cups per day. Too much coffee is also known to cause dehydration.
He also needs to maintain a healthy diet plan with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. It would be advisable to take vitamin and mineral supplements to make up for the deficiencies in his diet especially Vitamin B - complax and Zinc.
Continue with the moisturising cream. If he has any itching, he could also use calamine lotion as it is a soothing agent.
Do consult your doctor if the lesion persists.
And do keep us posted on the progress.
Good luck.

[Winikor]

Thank you so much.  After applying the moisturising cream last night twice, this morning it looks better.  He doesn't drink or smoke but drinks coffee.  He will definitely discuss this problem with his doctor at his next appointment.  You've been a great help.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You are most welcome.That could probably be the cause - exposure to dryness, and cold weather.
Along with local application of a moisturising cream it is important to maintain adequate hydration. He should dring plenty of fluids and mostly water - around 1.5 to 2 litres per day. Avoidance of alcohol is important and also coffee intake should be decreased as it causes loss of body water.
All this should definitely help. Do consult your physician for a clinical examination otherwise.
Good luck.

[Winikor]

Thank you so much for your reply.  He was in cold weather all last week and that could have been the cause of the dryness.  We have applied moisturising cream as you suggested.  I noticed a little tiny blister-like tip on the nipple while applying the moisturizer that was not on his other nipple.  If this does not help, he will make an appointment with his doctor.  Thank you again.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
This could be a benign skin lesion - caused due to accidental trauma or drynees of skin. Try applying some moisturising cream and maintain adequate hydration. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
If the lesions still persist you would need to see a surgeon for a proper clinical examination. He would then decide whetehr further investigations need to be done and plan the further management accordingly.
You are right, men do get breast cancer. The symptoms range from lumps, nipple discharge to skin changes.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.