Dry nipple and some itchyness!

i am a 34 yr old female.  i get some dark hairs around my areolas and i shaved them...  now a few days later i am itchy in my breast area.  also, my nipple seems a bit dry with very slight peeling (like dry skin).  i went to my nurse practitioner today for some unrelated reasons and showed her my nipple and she did not seem concerned.  i bought some lanolin and put it on my dry nipple and it seemed to take the dry skin look away and moisten it up.  has anyone else had any similar problems as i?????

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be due to dry skin(xerosis), allergic reactions to chemicals,wool,soaps,cosmetics and certain foods or eczema(It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema).

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.A weak steroid may also be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.