(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, here are more reasons why nipples itch.
2. Eczema
If you see your nipples and the flat part around it have a crusty rash, then, there could be eczema lurking around. If this is your case, you can use a thick moisturizer with ceramides. Ceramides is a waxy ingredient that can help heal the skin. You can also use a topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone. This can help with the swelling and itching. But, your doctor can give you stronger prescription ointments should the over-the-counter creams for your itchiness would not help you at all. But, if you notice any oozing or tenderness, which could be a signal of infection, don't wait for another day to see your physician.
3. New Soap
Try to look at your new soap, or lotion or laundry detergent. They could be the reasons why your nipples itch. There are many chemicals in the many cleansing products which can cause some rashes. If that happens, you call that contact dermatitis. This can show up as itchy red patches on your body, including your nipples. Now, if you feel that your soap, or your lotion or whatever is in contact with your nipples is hurting you, switch to soaps and cleansers that are hypoallergenic, unscented, and free of dyes. That's the only way to go.
4. Check your Undergarments
Sometimes, your breasts and nipples may react to the elastic or dye that are used to make a bra or lingerie. Now, if you think that the redness and itchiness on the areas of the skin that touches your skin, like the breast area and the nipples, then, you can attribute this to your undergarments.
Again, you have contact dermatitis for this matter. If you have a new bra, then, stop using them, get back to what you used to wear. Check if the itchiness and the redness goes away as well. But, if they don't, then, don't again waste another day, see your physician as soon as you can.
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.)