Itchy nipple and scared of doctor

[Candymay]

I’m too worried to go to the doctor but I have one itchy nipple. Every day it’s extremely itchy. It’s been about 3 or 4 years now. After one year of constant itching I did see my old GP (she’s left) but I feel on the one hand I’m not worthy of an appointment and on the other hand I’m afraid of anything sinister being found. The GP a few years ago did not know what the cause could be. Has anyone else ever heard of this?

I get this often and it's my eczema. Steroid cream and some moisturiser and it clears up sharpish.

If the cream didn't work it's likely that she either didn't give you a strong enough steroid or you applied it incorrectly.

You should also change to a non-bio detergent and stop using soap near the area.

I know how annoying the itch is as I have eczema on 70% of my body. I never stop bloody twitching. Go get rid of the pest, if it comes back use the steroid again as there is no cure for eczema just treatment.

Should also say though that if there is never any dryness at all it could be something else.

Itching without a rash can be psychiatric or due to OCD which would tie in with your anxiety.

It could also be an old nerve injury caused by a previous illness.

@Candymay

I'm so glad you're feeling a little more confident, having made an appointment and having seen how many women have answered you, who understand health anxiety. It can be crippling.

Itchy nipples can also be related to hormonal fluctuations. When I was pregnant and when I was breastfeeding, both my nipples were intensely itchy.

You don't give your age but are you starting to go through the menopause?

I hope your doctor is understanding and you don't feel dismissed by her/him. It's never a waste of a doctor's time to get reassurance when you have health anxiety. Please never think that.

I think I am starting to go through the menopause so that could make sense. Also my mental health and anxiety is not good at all. Hormonal changes would tie in with the time line but it’s just one nipple that is affected and it’s not the side I had a previous operation on.
Thank you to everyone who has commented. It’s helpful for my perspective.

I’m off to the hospital today after a referral from my GP.

Good luck candy

I'm having some hormonal level issues at the moment (I'm 42) and I get itchy nips periodically. So could be hormones.

I reckon an allergy to something you're using is most likely. Wash your bras in something very gentle and mild and see if that helps too.

I also get incredibly itchy 'want to scratch them off' nipples when pregnant.
Cancer would be wayyyyy down my list of concerns about it.

Thank you.
Yes I’m hoping it’s hormonal. It’s just strange because it’s in one particular spot only.
I’m in the waiting room at the hospital now.
When i was younger I lost part of my breast at this same hospital- and it wasn’t cancer but was a very traumatic event and has affected my life ever since. I’m hopeful that today will be ok and I’m very grateful to my GP for referring me.

Best of luck today, I'm glad the bottom of the thread showed that you are in the right place.

Well done OP. Hope everything is ok.

Well done for getting this seen to and good luck to you.

I’m having an awful scare at the hospital.
They called me back for another more detailed mammogram. I’m shaking. Kids are at home. Still in the waiting room.

Back to say I’m very relieved and all is well. I’ve been at the hospital for several hours and can now go home.

Take some deep breaths. This is exactly where you need to be.

Oh great, cross posted! So glad everything is OK!

So pleased you've had the all clear. Go home and give everyone a big hug!

Good news OP.

Thank you so much.

Glad all is well, that must have been scary having to go back for the second mammogram. Do they think it's likely just hormonal then?

Yes I think it could well be hormonal. I think it started in a time when menopause would be approaching. Apparently I am peri- menopausal.

They had to do a forensic 3D image of the breasts because of spots that showed up on the regular mammogram. The itchiness must be hormonal. I think I’ve tried all washing brands for clothes and I haven’t noticed any lessening of the itchiness but now I am reassured it’s nothing sinister I can look for other causes.

I would get seen. Have you checked for any lumps? You could always see a nurse first, then they could advise you on which dr to see? Please get checked, breast cancer can affect anyone.

I have exactly what you are describing OP, a really irritating one sided itch, with nothing visible. It persists despite anything sinister being ruled out, I've had mammograms & a biopsy. I've also come to the conclusion that it's hormonal due to my age, it started during perimenopause a few years ago. I've been able to reduce the itching by making sure bras are only washed in non-bio & extra rinsed, and by using Eurax anti-itch cream daily. I've also got some nipple covers which I bought online, which help to stop irritation from clothing. It's nowhere near as bad now but it does flare up again sometimes. Just wanted to say you aren't alone.

Thank you! I’ve never heard of anyone else having it but then it’s not something people want to talk about I suppose. I will take your tips re laundry though. I use non bio and eco liquids but extra rinsing is a good idea that I haven’t tried.

And I have been seen and am so glad I did. It’s a feeling that I’m not worth the doctor’s time that is part of my anxiety. I’m really grateful for the support here so I truly thank everyone who has commented.

I wish I'd seen your thread earlier, glad I came across it this evening

I forgot to mention last night, the other thing I do which I think helps is take a daily antihistamine tablet.