Itchy, sore, bleeding nipple (just the one :s)

[itchyissues]

Wonder if any of you lovely MNers can help me.

About 3 years ago I had a strange, not properly diagnosed, nipple infection. Started with itchy nipples, which would then become raw, and sore, and sticky, to the extent of making me stick to my bra. Have no idea what this was, went on for a little while then became infected, went to the drs who didn't think much of it gave me some cream didn't clear up. Went back saw a different doctor, who was very concerned and surprised that the previous dr hasn't referred me to the 'infectious diseases' people sooner. They gave me some anti-biotics and it cleared up alright. Since then my left nipple has always been a bit temperamental. Gets itchy and sore every now and again.

The last month or so, the left one has been very itchy, dry, cracking, sore, started to bleed (only tiny bit) and sticking to my bra again however its not infected. Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

Could it be eczema? I would really get it checked though just to make sure it's a skin problem and nothing underlying.

Can you go to your GP? It could be eczema, or psoriasis, but there is also a rare cancer with those symptoms. The fact that you've already had it once and it's gone away is reassuring, but if you go to your GP they can give you whatever cream you need.

This happens to me too (have been to breast cancer clinic in my twenties to rule out anything suspicious). Creams etc just make mine worse. The best thing I've found is dressing it with a melonin pad until the skin heals up - part of the problem is that the sticking to the bra means the skin rips off and doesn't get chance to heal properly so the problem perpetuates.

There is a rare breast cancer which mimics eczema. Highly unlikely but you need to keep chasing this with the GP.

My mum has same btw and it's eczema :)

I'm not a doctor but when I had something similar I took an oral thrush capsule and it disappeared. Candida can overrun the milk ducts. When I get sore sometimes now I use coconut oil on the skin (anti microbial and anti fugal as well as moisturising).

Thanks all for you're advice, I hope its just eczema.

Wolfcub yea that's what happens to me I think that's why it's not healing properly.

toddlerama I might give that a try, thank you.