itchy areola

The last few days I have noticed my left areola has been itchy. Never had this before. There is also a real small bump that is the same skin color as the areola. Should I be worried about the itching?

[Kristin2010]

Hi - definitely bring it up with your doc since there's a bump.  However - it Could be your bra.  Sometimes materials (ones that don't allow your skin to breathe well) cause this.  If this might be a possibility - try more of a cotton bra for a week and see if it makes a difference.  Good luck!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Itching on the areola can be due to cloth allergy , contact dermatitis to the bra, soaps, detergents, eczema, fungal infection or Paget’s disease of the nipple. Wear cotton clothes and apply warm compresses and topical antiseptics on the area. Then apply some topical antibiotics cream like Neosporin. For the eczema, apply hypoallergenic moisturizers and topical steroids after consulting a dermatologist. You can take some antihistaminics to relieve the itching.

If the symptoms are severe and there is deep cracking then Paget’s disease has to be ruled out. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing.