(Foreword: this is the continuation of our response to the letter of Razzie of DDS regarding her concerns on the itching of her nipples.)
DEAR Razzie of DDS,
Now, as we continue with your concerns and pleas, here are more interesting reasons why nipples itch.
8. Thrush
This usually happens when you are breastfeeding. If this is your case, you will feel that your nipples and the surrounding area are not only itchy, but, shiny or flaky as well. You will also feel that sharp pain while you are nursing your baby.
If you feel that you have this unlikely situation, be sure to see your physician because those are signs of thrush which is a fungal infection.
So, if your doctor thinks that this is your situation, he or she may prescribe an antifungal cream for you to apply on your nipples and breasts, and probably, a mild antifungal medication that you can take by mouth.
Please don’t wait any longer if you have fungal infection because this can potentially infect those people around you, especially the ones you love. Act now and act fast.
9. Menopause
This is the time of your life when a lot of women would frown about as this is when you will feel that your skin is thinner, drier and more easily irritated.
You can blame all of these things to your hormones that are erratically going up and down and joined with the lower levels of your estrogen.
Your body at this time makes less oil and thus, it will be more difficult for your skin to keep that moisture. The problem now is that the itch can just strike anywhere in your body, which unfortunately, at times can hit your vagina and nipples. So, fight this dryness by using mild cleansers, moisturizing often and not taking a lot of hot showers.
You can also help your situation at this time, by not just applying lotions or moisturizers, especially, when the weather outside is cold which could worsen your dryness. If this happens, on top of the usual lotion or moisturizers, you can also apply petroleum jelly to help retain the moisture more.
Oh, oh, I would have wanted to talk more, but, again, since we are running of space for now, so, let me then, continue this in my next issue. Until then again!
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.)