redness worries

[myrazzyjazzy]

I have had redness on my left breast for a couple of days, and itching for a couple of weeks. I first thought that the itch was from my bra, but now with the redness and occasional twinges of pain, I am worried about IBC. I have been desperately trying to search online for another possible cause, but basically there are three things that come up - IBC, Mastitis, and dermal infections. I am not breast feeding and there is no active infection - just a lacy bright pink/red appearance. While searching, I also discovered that rashes called Erythemas (Erythema gyratum repens, esp) are often present when there are malignancies, and I have had recurring rashes on both shins and forearms for quite a while. I have been treating them with lotion as if they are Excema, per my GP.

So obviously I have to see my GYN about this, and try not to get too worried until I have answers, but it is very hard not to be concerned that I am about to face something very grim. I am wondering what kind of hope there might be, since by all I've seen so far, IBC is about as bad as it gets.

Please tell me you know someone who has had this and is ok now.

[myrazzyjazzy]

PS, the rashes on my arms & legs are also nearly gone after treating them with lotion for the last few weeks. They seem to always come back, though.  They are sort of irregular target rashes when they are active.  Nothing very tangible for the docs right now, sigh.

[myrazzyjazzy]

PS, the rashes are also nearly gone after treating them with lotion for the last few weeks. They seem to always come back, though.  They are sort of irregular target rashes when they are active.  Nothing very tangible for the docs right now, sigh.

[myrazzyjazzy]

PS, the rashes are also nearly gone after treating them with lotion for the last few weeks. They seem to always come back, though.  They are sort of irregular target rashes when they are active.  Nothing very tangible for the docs right now, sigh.

[myrazzyjazzy]

Thanks for the reply.

The redness is not really a classic inflammation, but rather like a blushing (I have very fair skin) however, it is in a lacy sort of pattern that is now always present - it doesn't fade away, and is only on the left side.  There is no discharge or other symptoms other than the itching and slight pain.  Because it is not ugly yet, I'm worried that my docs will be too conservative and dismissive.

At any rate, at the risk of sounding like I'm self-diagnosing, I'm pretty sure it's not dermatalogical or Mastitis, so unless someone knows something else, IBC is the only other thing that has come up in my searches, and it's very scary. Esp since we lost our 25 yr old son last Oct.  I'm afraid for myself and my family.  I am waiting on my clinic to return my call.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Mastitis usually presents with breast tenderness, associated with redness of the breast involved.  Sometimes, there may be nipple discharge.  Inflammatory breast cancer usually have ulcerated breast mass with discharge, tenderness, and redness.
Have you been seen by a dermatologist?  If not, a consult with a dermatologist is suggested.  A skin scraping/biopsy may be needed for proper diagnosis.
Please post your updates.
Good luck.