DEAR Dr. Fritz,
Good day to you. I hope you are doing well. I am writing you because I have some concerns. My nipples are really itchy and no matter how I scratch it, it won't go away. I even think they have gotten irritated because of my abusive scratching. It's also embarrassing, especially when I feel the urge to scratch and I am outside or in the office. I could feel those eyes around me.
Doc, I really want to know what causes my nipples to itch this bad. I hope you can help me, thank you and more power!
Razzie of DDS
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Dear Razzie of DDS,
I understand you. It's really embarrassing to scratch your nipples in public.
The truth is, there are a lot of things in the world that can make your nipples itchy. The list includes friction, eczema, breastfeeding, or pregnancy. But, sometimes, this can mean a more serious condition - which I pray that it's not your situation.
So, let's start with some of the things which can probably be hounding your nipples.
1. Look at the weather
If the weather is cold and dry, itchiness could be all over you, which could include your breasts and nipples. If this is the case, your nipples may look raw or irritated. That is why; you should not stay long in the baths and showers for more than 10 minutes. Even if you feel cold, don't ever use hot water because this flushes away the essential oils and could dry your skin even more. When you dry your skin, pat it gently until they are almost dry. Be sure to moisturize with a petroleum jelly followed by a lotion.
But, I believe this is not your case, since you are not talking about other itchiness in your body, except that of your nipples. So, we'll try to see other causes until we could find your perfect fit.
Oh, oh, I would have wanted to talk more, but, since we are running of space for now, so, let me then, continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz." She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)