Nipple Rash, Redness, Discharge, Pain or Itch
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Nipple rashes may appear as a red, scaly or bumpy area of the skin of the nipple and/or the area of darker skin surrounding the nipple (areola). The affected skin is often sore and inflamed, and it can be itchy or cause a burning sensation. There are many causes and the most common one is contact with an irritating substance or piece of clothing. If the symptoms are on both sides and get better with removing the irritation or with over the counter itch creams there may be no need to see a physician. Bloody nipple discharge that shows as spots on the bra or clothing can be an early sign of problems that may lead to a cancer. This and any other type of nipple change or discharge should be evaluated by your doctor ASAP.

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Recent weight loss

Generally, Nipple rash, redness, discharge, pain or itch can be related to:

• Hyperprolactinemia

  Excessively high prolactin (hormone that releases milk) levels in the blood. Causes include medications and brain tumors.

• Gynecomastia

  A condition in which abnormal hormone levels cause males to develop female characteristics, such as breast enlargement. Common causes include medications and brain tumors.

• Breast Cancer

  Breast cancer is a malignancy that arises in the breasts of men or women. It can arise from ducts or lobules. Patients either find a lump or have an abnormal mammogram. Risk factors include being female, having breasts, have a genetic predisposition (eg a gene you inherit from a parent), family history of breast or ovarian cancer, getting older, personal history of breast biopsies, dense breasts on mammography, or ovarian cancer, alcohol, and obesity. Protective factors include pregnancy, especially at a younger age, weight maintenance especially after menopause, and exercise.

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)