itchy areola

Off and on over the last few weeks, I've noticed that under my nipple, the areola on my right breast has become itchy and scaly.  As I scratch for relief, the flakes fall off and the skin, in very small spots, is broken.  There is no discharge from the nipple and no lump from what I can tell (I'm not sure how noticeable lumps are either).  But the patch that itches is definitely noticeable.  It either looks dry, scaly and white (I am African-American, so my areola is brown) or the skin looks a little thickened, but scaly as well.  I've made an appointment with my OB/GYN, but I'm quite anxious.  Can you give some insight on what may be happening?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear shadyjady, The skin on the breast is like skin elsewhere on the body and subject to a variety of conditions.  As this is continuing and causing you concern you are doing the correct thing by getting it checked just to be sure.