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How Can A Rash Around The Nipple Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Question: Hello again, Dr. Dittah. About my skin issue on my nipple, the rash started spreading, and I realized it was connected with the protein diet shakes I have been taking for two weeks containing phenylalanine, and I realize I developed hives!

So I have stopped them. How long would it take for the rashes to disappear? I can't use alternative shakes because whey or soya give to much gas.
Does aspartame contribute to suffering gas? I was eating a lot of diet foods having gas as well, such as cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli....but stop it too...

Dr. Dittah, attached is a photo of the rash now after stopping the protein shake since Thursday night.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Averagely two weeks!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It should normally take about 2weeks for this rash to regress significantly. However, this product might not be the sole cause else it would have affected both nipples. As long as the rash continues to regress, become less reddish, and with no pain, we are on the right path. Any increased spread, pain, or pus should immediately notify me.

The previous measures of cleansing regularly with an antiseptic solution and keeping it airy and dry applies still.

I hope this helps. Keep me posted. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (55 minutes later)

Thank you. I did take Advil and the redness has been reducing both on the breast and my back which had a small amount. I think I have also a little under my right ear. It was rather frightening. I don't understand why I also feel gas at my back and left abdomen (even after I pass gas) since I eliminated the aspartame and gassy foods. It too is annoying. Could this still be the effect of the phenylalanine since Thursday??

Also, should I be especially concerned that the rash affected my left side and not the right breast? What other possible cause could it be in addition the Aspartame if it did not affect the other side?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If rash is also on other parts: Ear, back, then probably an allergy!

Detailed Answer:
HI,

With this added information, an allergy is more likely. However, we cannot entirely eliminate the contribution of the local product on this. I will suggest that you add benadryl 25mg to this treatment plan.

I wish you well and keep me updated!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (14 minutes later)

By local product, you mean that aside from the Aspartame there would possibly be some contamination of the shake powder that I took for two weeks? I would think that would result in reports of other people breaking out in rashes as well. In any case, my situation seemed to have been getting more noticeable until Thursday when it really spread across my left breast. I guess it must have also contributed to continued episodes of trapped gas even until this evening.

Hello Dr. Dittah. I wanted to update you as you suggested. I was just at my GP who wants me to see a dermatologist because the rashes would seem to be shingles, but he's not sure because I have no constant pain even on my back. He says it is a strange presentation if it is shingles because it looks like a sunburn with also what looks like mosquito bites on my back.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very unlikely to be shingles!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Shingles rarely affect multiple noncontiguous body parts. Besides, shingles never cross the midline. This really seems different from all you have. In any case, it never hurts ruling out worrisome possible causes. I will recommend you follow through just to be sure but shingles would be unlikely the cause at this time.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Yes, thank you. It's unusual because the discomfort I describe as like a sunburn or muscle ache but mild. And no blisters, but on my back like mosquito bites. Anyway I will let you know what the dermatologist says. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I will be on the look out!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for this and do keep me posted.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng