In the 'Symptoms - Skin - Conditions' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about itchy or scaly nipples:
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Are your nipples itchy or scaly (with flaky skin)?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"Don't know" |
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| 2. |
"No" |
Not having itchy/scaly nipples |
A symptom |
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"Yes, slightly" |
Itchy/scaly nipples |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"Yes, severely" |
Itchy/scaly nipples |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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Breast Cancer |
(Women only) Very rarely, eczema of a nipple can signal a cancerous growth beneath. This is uncommon, but is a good reason to see your doctor if you have eczema on only one nipple. It occurs mainly in middle-aged or elderly women. It is not usually itchy, but there may be a pricking or burning feeling. |
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4 |
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Eczema |
Itchy, scaly and cracked nipples are a sign of eczema. The itching can make this an embarrassing condition. It occurs mainly in women in their late teens, and usually affects both nipples. It may be only on the nipple, or may affect the flatter area surrounding the nipple (the areola). Scabies should also be ruled out. |
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Male Breast Cancer |
(Men only) A special kind of breast cancer, Paget’s disease, may appear as a rash or irritation of the nipple. |
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GLOSSARY
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Nipple (Areola, Nipples, Subareolar)
The small projection near the center of the breast containing the outlets of the milk ducts, OR the corresponding projection of the male breast. The areola is the darker tissue that encircles the nipple. Subareolar describes the location beneath the surface of the areola.
Scabies
Skin eruption due to a mite.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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