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What Causes Small Rash On Sides Of Nipple?

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Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014
Question: i just disscovered a small rash on sides of my nipples. they are small, my nipple areas is itchy but it sometimes is. their is no lump or discharge for my nipple and the rash is in a area around the nipple not the nipple itself. does it sound like cance?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer: if both breasts involved not likely Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There is a condition called pagets disease of the breast where a rash around the nipple is associated with underlying cancer of the breast, usually intraductal cancer which is cancer involving the ducts or passages in the breast. It would occur in one breast only in the vast majority of cases, it would be very rare to have bilateral cancer in both breast. If the rash involves both breasts then it is very unlikely that there is any risk of cancer with it, it may be related to the area being irritated by a the material of the bras, soap used , detergent or any cream used in this area. This would be treated by avoiding the allergen if known and using a mild steroid cream. If it involves only one breast then though it may most likely not be cancer related, it would be best to see your doctor who may suggest a mammogram.This type of cancer is rare however , only 1% to 4 % of breast cancers are associated with a rash. Summary: (1) if it involves both breasts, then cancer is very unlikely (2)if it involves only one breast then though cancer is still not likely, you may want to consider visiting your doctor for an assessment I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (18 minutes later)
i had a blood blister on one of my breasts about a month ago. it was raised and sore i popped it and drained the blood and it also popped and then was not sore. it stayed red for awhile as i tend to bruse and it put alot of pressure on it when i popped it. its gone not but still alittle spot where the blood blister was. do you think its ok.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer: not usually seen in pagets Detailed Answer: Hi Typically blisters are not the rash seen in pagets. The rash is normally a scaly, itchy red area that may ooze due to the itching. Blisters usually form due to trauma or inflammation of the skin. It is not unusual for there to be a mark where the blister was located. It can take weeks to months for the skin to return to normal after any trauma. Summary: blisters not usually a part of pagets Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 minutes later)
this blister was on the under side of one breast. does the rash sound like any kind of cancer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer: not a known symptom Detailed Answer: Hi The only rash normally associated with breast cancer is pagets disease which is rare. Most types of breast cancer are not associated with a rash. Pagets disease ( ductal breast cancer associated with nipple rash), is a rare type of breast cancer occurring in only 1% to 4% of breast cancer patients ( 1 to 4 out of 100) Blisters are not a symptom associated with breast cancer. In pagets the rash is red, scaly itchy. It is understandable to be concerned but this is not a symptom that is seen in breast cancer. Hope this reassures you, please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 hours later)
i do have lichen sclerosus on vulva area, i put cream on it weekly. could this also show up on my nipple. could this rash be prosiblely be lichen sclerosus since i already have it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer: not likely to be lichen sclerosus Detailed Answer: Hi Lichen sclerosus does not normally occur in this area so it is not likely to be the cause of the rash. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown but it is thought to have an autoimmune component. It is most commonly seen in the vaginal region and also around the anus. To see it elsewhere is unusual but it has been seen rarely in the buttocks, outer thighs, axilla. Please feel free to ask any additional queries
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Small Rash On Sides Of Nipple?

Brief Answer: if both breasts involved not likely Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There is a condition called pagets disease of the breast where a rash around the nipple is associated with underlying cancer of the breast, usually intraductal cancer which is cancer involving the ducts or passages in the breast. It would occur in one breast only in the vast majority of cases, it would be very rare to have bilateral cancer in both breast. If the rash involves both breasts then it is very unlikely that there is any risk of cancer with it, it may be related to the area being irritated by a the material of the bras, soap used , detergent or any cream used in this area. This would be treated by avoiding the allergen if known and using a mild steroid cream. If it involves only one breast then though it may most likely not be cancer related, it would be best to see your doctor who may suggest a mammogram.This type of cancer is rare however , only 1% to 4 % of breast cancers are associated with a rash. Summary: (1) if it involves both breasts, then cancer is very unlikely (2)if it involves only one breast then though cancer is still not likely, you may want to consider visiting your doctor for an assessment I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions