Nipple Eczema Scars

[Keira_M]

I am about 18 years old and I have unsightly scarring from this problem.

It started back when I was about 10 years old and my nipples would itch. This wasnt any normal itch; it was very severe. I used all kinds of lotions and Cortizone 10. At some point I remember getting very fed up and digging my nails into the flesh, to try and stop the itching. (I was younger and didn't know any better) I also remember the itching dying down after some point, but there was really nothing left of the nipple area, as part of the nipple itself was hanging by a thread, which eventually came off. The other nipple was also left to shreds. (I apologize for the gory details.) I figured it would heal itself at some point and go back to normal.
Over time as I got older, I started noticing the scarring and feeling incredibly  self concious. Ive went to doctors, but they just laugh and turn me away as if my concerns mean nothing to them, because "I'm just a silly teenager".

I do understand that this is not a life or death matter. However, Ive become very frustrated that I have not been taken seriously when I present this problem to these doctors, especially since I act very mature for my age.

So I've come here in search of some real help in correcting this problem that has been haunting me for quite some time.
Please help?

-Keira M.

[Fmelendez09]

If a doctor does not respect you (not take your concerns serious) I suggest you see another doctor. I too suffer from the same problem from my nipples. I am 26 now and have been suffering since the age of ten as well. I remember going to the doctor at that age and the best "advice" they gave me was to stop oral stimulation of the breast. Because apparently at age ten that was the most feasible situation. Since then I been back and forth to doctors. My personal suggestion is to get tested for an food allergies. Try eliminating certain foods from your diet and seeing the effect is has on your eczema. Along with that stress is the major reason for flare ups so stay away from stress... now that your nipple is healed and free from flare ups try soaking the nipple in luke warm water and with a terrycloth washrag gentle try to wipe of the flaky skin, avoiding harsh rubs as it may cause tearing. Then apply plenty of moisturizer , staying away from any scented or colored.. I use aveeno extreme dry skin, seems to work. Also play around with it and see which creams work best.... Remember listen to your body for it knows best

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In most cases of eczema no one treatment will be effective. Medical research shows that the most effective treatment plan for eczema involves using a combination of therapies to treat the skin and making lifestyle changes(prevention of triggers and application of lots of moisturizers) to control flare-ups. Doing so tends to increase effectiveness and reduce side effects from medications.

I hope it helps. take care and regards.