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What Causes Dark Brown Ring Around Nipple?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

Question: When I got out of the shower this morning and looked in the mirror, I have a dark brown ring around my right nipple (areola). In the past my doctor mentioned that these darken with age and they are sensitive depending which shirts I wear if the material irritates them.

Is this something serious like cancer. I can feel no lumps?

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it might be simple eczema

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to healthcare magic.I understand your concern.
In my opinion the dark discoloration might be simple eczema ,a skin condition due to any irritants as you dont have any associated symptoms.
A type of condition called pagets disease of breast might present with skin eczema,crusting but associated with nipple discharge or blood discharge.And in 50% of cases palpable lump or lymph nodes might be there.
So the diagnosis can be made better on physical examination.
If suspicious mammography or breast biopsy of that particular area might be needed to rule out the diagnosis.
So I suggest you to consult a doctor and go on further management.Dont worry.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards..Dr srilatha

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

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (4 hours later)

Thank you for your information. The ring is almost black.........no pain, I felt around for lumps, none there. My nipples do get sensitive when my shirts rub on them. With eczema is that discoloration or a crustiness? There is no crustiness. Just a ring around the nipple.

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,I got your query.I understand your concern.
In my opinion there might be two possibilities for nipple and areola irritation ie.,eczema or pagets disease.
Yes eczema might present with discoloration and pagets most often present with crusting.
I would like to know since how many days you have it and did you try any medication.
And if possible upload the picture of areola and nipple of both breasts for proper suggestions.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Best regards...Dr.srilatha

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

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (10 hours later)

I just noticed it at the hotel while traveling....it is a perfect circle but the nipple is still pink and protrudes.

In the past both have itched I related this to soap or detergent. No itching now and no crusty XXXXXXX or discharge. But a perfect ring of black

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it might be due to allergy

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,thanks for the information.I understand your concern.
In my opinion your history mostly might suggest allergy to soap or detergent.
And normal nipple without any discharge or crusting might support this.
Anyway if it is recurrent you might try steroid ointment and avoid causative agents.
Skin eczema mostly responds to above measures.
If it is persistent for a month or more then you might need a doctor's opinion.
Otherwise nothing to worry about that.
Hope this satisfies your query.
Feel free to discuss further.
Best regards...Dr.srilatha

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

Follow up: Dr. Srilatha Myaka (2 hours later)

Thank you. I took a picture but not sure how to attack here. There are little bumps raised around the nipple. It looks like a sponge.

Answered by Dr. Srilatha Myaka (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
problem is reported

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,I got your query.I understand your concern.
In my opinion the bumps along with sponge like appearance suggest skin response to irritants.
But physical examination might help in giving you more suggestions.
I have reported your problem of not being able to attaching picture to healthcare magic team.They will look into it.
Best regards...Dr srilatha

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

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