Scab on nipple

I have a very small scab on my nipple (right in the middle) that is about the size of the head of a nail.  I am just wondering where it came from.  I have not changed detergents, bought new bras, or changed any other factors.  It is very painful to touch and if I try to remove the scab it bleeds a little.  Without a bra on, I have to have a bandaid on the nipple because it hurts rubibng against my clothes.  I don't think we have a history of breast cancer in my family, but we do have a history of cancer throughout both sides of my family.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear EGDE, Skin on the breast and nipples is like skin anywhere on the body and is subject to a variety of skin problems. Without examination, we cannot say for sure what this is.  You may want to have it checked by your doctor.

[Joanswa]

I would definitely go in to have your breast examined.  I went through a little itching at first and wrote it off as menopause symptoms.  A few months later I noticed more of a scab, then bright red blood spots began to show up in my bra.  I looked at my nipple & saw the blood was coming from one pore vs. many.  My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 49 & unfortunately passed away in 1986.  Her sister also had breast cancer.  We know a lot more today & being pro-active vs. reactive is a way we can beat it!  Not saying you have breast cancer, but am writing for everyone who reads these forums.
I am still doctoring.  I had my annual mammogram & 2 calcifications were found.  Very small, but because they were not present in my last mammogram & are in a straight line, my doctor is concerned.  A week ago I had the Stereo-tactic biopsy where I laid on a table with my breast hanging through a hole while I was numbed & mammogrammed from below so they can use the picture as a guide the needle to obtain the calcifications.   No I.V. given to chill me out…just some llidocane which was fine.  The worst part was my neck cramping because you cannot move it during the procedure.  As they maneuver to get each sample, a measured doses of lidocane is dispersed ‘each time’ allowing for numbing medicine to enter the area being sampled.  
The calcifications were not obtainable in the stereotactic biopsy.  I expected that as my doctor tried twice.  They must be deep.  I am going back in September 25th for a different method - sonogram - needle biopsy where I will lay on my back.  I am tender & have a small hematoma so I am glad to wait a little longer.   I really think I am fine…not in denial….but feel it will be benign.  If it is not…I will simply decide to take a step forward to begin being proactive with my choices vs. reactive by choosing not to do anything early on.   The ***** & then a little pain after from some bruising is well worth my life.  I am 45 & holding =)  I have plans in my life & admit after having multiple feeling about all this have decided that I would make the best decision I can should my final results come back positive.  
So in a nutshell, go to a specialist if you can.  I recently went to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Center in Beachwood due to the fact that they specialize only in breasts.  I had a wonderful experience.  They were all so kind & made me feel very comfortable.  I also liked having my mammogram & if they saw something, called you back right then instead of getting a call at home 3 days later to come back.  
They have you wait in a cozy area that is for WOMEN only.  I am close with my hubby of 25 years & wish they also had an area where spouses can accompany you during your wait.  The men are left sitting out in the main waiting room & you may be there 3 hours or so depending on what you have & if any re-takes, procedures are warranted.   I really like the care so it is a trade-off.

Best of Luck!!