Eczema on the nipples

Nipple eczema is one of the most common types of skin disease. It can be either chronic or recurrent. Nipple lesions are specific and are not very common. The lesions have contoured borders.

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Causes nipple eczema

There is currently no reliable information regarding this point. Many believe that the problem arises due to internal factors. These may be diseases of the internal organs, digestive organs. It is quite possible that the pathology is caused by a problem with the thyroid gland, kidney problems, and also metabolism.

External factors can influence the development of eczema. These include contact with chemicals, dyes, solvents, and other agents. Infections such as streptococci and staphylococci can provoke lesions. A special role in this matter is given to overwork, stress, and medications.

The skin is closely connected with the functionality of the internal organs. Toxic products that enter the intestines and are formed in them are excreted together with feces. Any disturbances slow down this excretion, and everything remains in the body. Thus, the skin suffers. A similar situation applies to those cases when there is a problem with the kidneys. If disturbances are observed over a long period of time, then the effect of toxins increases and this leads to the development of eczema. An allergic reaction often leads to damage to the skin.

Pathogenesis

Eczema is familiar to many, it originates from ancient times. True, every year the number of reasons causing the lesion is rapidly growing. New factors are added, which make some adjustments to the etiology and pathogenesis. The main point of development is the disruption of the central nervous system. Often, everything happens due to the penetration of infections into the body. Allergic reactions, poor heredity and weak immunity are other factors in the development of the lesion.

The classic problem has always been considered the presence of an allergic process. It begins with an immune reaction of a pathological nature. It is this that forms lesions and inflammatory processes on the skin. Immune shifts play an important role. Most people suffering from eczema have pronounced changes in immunoglobulins IgG and IgE. In addition, IgM levels are reduced.

The immune system becomes weak due to the presence of infectious antibodies. All this leads to the development of an inflammatory process or relapse. As a result, pathological changes in the skin are observed. Do not forget about the fact that the problem also has a neurogenic nature. Most often, eczema occurs due to a violation of the integrity of the nervous system.

If we touch upon the issue of heredity, then the development of the process against the background of genetic predisposition is associated with many factors over several generations. At this stage, directly polygenic multifactorial inheritances are of great importance. The diversity of pathogenesis does not allow us to make an unambiguous conclusion. Everything is strictly individual for each cause of occurrence.

Symptoms nipple eczema

Whatever the form of the disease, the symptoms are always the same. Initially, erythema begins to manifest itself, this is a common reddening of the skin. Then the affected skin begins to heat up. Simply put, their temperature is slightly higher. This process is called hyperthermia. A person begins to be bothered by severe itching. If at this stage the victim begins to touch the affected skin, the condition may become more complicated. Infection is possible.

At the papular stage, papules begin to appear. These are nodules that do not have a cavity. They rise above the surface of the skin, as a rule, have pink-red shades. As for the size, it does not exceed the head of a pin. Over time, the papule becomes covered with scales, the redness disappears. The skin can return to its original state.

Next comes the vesicular stage. It occurs due to the progression of papules. Then they begin to accumulate liquid. Some bubbles disappear over time, and all the contents are released. Often they become purulent. After this stage, the next one comes - pustular. The contents of the bubbles become cloudy, leukocytes accumulate in them, turning into pustules.

Weeping stage. The lesions become weeping and take on a pink-red hue. If there is hair on the affected skin, it falls out. In case of infection, the picture is more pronounced. The inflammatory process may subside over time, and then flare up again with renewed vigor. If infection occurs, pus begins to accumulate. If the nipples are damaged, the skin becomes dark brown and crusty.

The last article is scaly. As soon as the skin begins to recover, the damaged areas begin to be rejected and fall off. The skin becomes dry and covered with horny plates and scales.

First signs

The disease begins with a slight reddening. This is the first process in the formation of eczema. All types of pathology are characterized by common signs. Thus, an area appears on the skin where inflammation is observed. It is characterized by a bright color, sometimes blue. The skin appears thickened. Then a rash appears, its frequency and appearance depend on the type of eczema.

Over time, skin itching begins to develop, which can manifest itself both periodically and be constant. In most cases, it interferes with normal life and prevents normal sleep at night. If you try to open the resulting blisters, it will not get any easier. On the contrary, there is a risk of infection and the development of purulent inflammation. The wounds become painful, cracks appear. During an exacerbation, an elevated body temperature may be observed. When the inflammation begins to subside, the skin dries out and loses its former elasticity, and begins to crack.

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Eczema of the areola of the nipple during pregnancy

This phenomenon most often occurs due to various factors. The mother's body is significantly weakened during pregnancy, so any infection can penetrate it. The immune and nervous systems are not going through the best of times. Eczema may well originate from here. It does not necessarily occur directly during this period. Most often, the pathology already exists, and due to some changes in the woman's body, it worsens during pregnancy. It is enough to simply support your own body and fight the state of progression.

During pregnancy, it is not recommended to take any medications. Therefore, you will have to fight the problem with the help of ointments and folk remedies that do not penetrate the body. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the nipples with anything during breastfeeding. Dangerous components can enter the baby's body. There is nothing terrible or dangerous in eczema, but it needs to be eliminated.

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Forms

ICD-10 code

Dermatitis and eczema are coded under numbers (L20-L30). Note. In this block, the terms "dermatitis" and "eczema" are used interchangeably. Totally excluded are chronic (infantile) granulomatous disease (D71), dermatitis: dry skin (L85.3), factitious (L98.1), gangrenous (L88), herpetiform (L13.0), perioral (L71.0), stasis (I83.1- I83.2) diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue associated with exposure to radiation (L55-L59).

• L20 Atopic dermatitis. Excludes: limited neurodermatitis (L28.0).
• L21 Seborrhoeic dermatitis. Excludes: infective dermatitis (L30.3).
• L22 Diaper dermatitis.
• L23 Allergic contact dermatitis

Includes: allergic contact eczema Excludes: allergy NEC (T78.4) dermatitis: NEC (L30.9), contact NEC (L25.9), diaper (L22), due to substances taken internally (L27), eyelids (H01.1), simple irritant contact (L24), perioral (L71.0) eczema of external ear (H60.5) diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue associated with exposure to radiation (L55-L59).

• L24 Simple irritant contact dermatitis.

Includes: simple irritant contact eczema. Excludes: allergy NEC (T78.4) dermatitis: NEC (L30.9), allergic contact (L23), contact NEC (L25.9), diaper (L22), due to substances taken internally (L27), eyelids (H01.1), perioral (L71.0) eczema of external ear (H60.5) diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue due to exposure to radiation (L55-L59).

• L25 Contact dermatitis, unspecified.

Includes: contact eczema, unspecified Excludes: allergy NEC (T78.4) dermatitis: NEC (L30.9), allergic contact (L23), due to substances taken internally (L27), eyelids (H01.1), simple irritant contact (L24), perioral (L71.0) eczema of external ear (H60.5) disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue associated with exposure to radiation (L55-L59).

• L26 Exfoliative dermatitis. Hebra's pityriasis Excludes: Ritter's disease (L00).
• L27 Dermatitis due to substances taken internally

Excludes: adverse effects: drug effects NEC (T88.7), food reactions excluding dermatitis (T78.0-T78.1), allergic reaction NEC (T78.4), contact dermatitis (L23-l25), drug: photoallergic reaction (L56.1), phototoxic reaction (L56.0), urticaria (L50).

• L28 Simple chronic lichen and pruritus.
• L29 Itching

Excludes: neurotic skin picking (L98.1) psychogenic pruritus (F45.8).

• L30 Other dermatitis.

Excludes: dermatitis: contact (L23-L25), dry skin (L85.3) small plaque parapsoriasis (L41.3) stasis dermatitis (I83.1-I83.2).

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Complications and consequences

If the pathology was mild, pale pink spots may remain on the skin. A dark red tint is typical for a severe course. The skin is covered with rough crusts, and after complete elimination, the skin remains rough and flaky. Peeling, pigmentation and changes in skin tone may develop. In fact, all this is not so scary.

The disease destroys the integrity of the skin, or rather, it disrupts it. Therefore, viruses, microbes and fungi can easily penetrate through the skin. One of the consequences of eczema can be an infectious disease. It is this that complicates the course of the disease. The pathology can also affect the human nervous system, leading to disruption of its functioning. As a result, a person sleeps poorly, he is plagued by insomnia.

A severe form of the disease can develop into a chronic one. All this bothers the patient for years. It is difficult to cure, and almost impossible. New wounds appear at the site of the lesion. Over time, the skin can become completely affected, the skin becomes very sensitive.

If eczema occurs on the labia, over time the skin will become smooth, thin and immobile, which will cause discomfort. That is why it is easier to prevent the disease than to deal with all sorts of complications later.

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Complications

Dangerous complications can arise against the background of eczema, together with herpes viruses. As a result of such penetration, herpes fever or chickenpox can occur. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid contact with the herpes virus and, if possible, not to communicate with people who have pronounced symptoms. If the disease has occurred in a family member, it is worth covering the affected area so that the virus does not penetrate into the eczema.

Herpes can cause a papular rash, which resembles eczema blisters. Under such influence, the disease can worsen. The person feels unwell, he is plagued by fever. Often, the problem spreads to internal organs, which aggravates the condition of the victim. In such cases, you need to seek help from a medical institution. The patient should take medications based on acyclovir. These include Acyclovir and Zovirax tablets, as well as ointments. This will stop the spread of infection and prevent possible consequences.

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Diagnostics nipple eczema

Diagnostics are based on the characteristics of the disease. Thus, eczema has always been considered the most common pathology of the skin. However, there are many reasons for its development, and not all of them have an explanation yet.

Inflammatory processes can spread to neighboring areas. The disease is polymorphic. This means that several stages of pathology development can be observed in one area at once. Acute course can be stopped without treatment. But there are forms that are difficult to cure. Relapses are quite common. Because of this, eliminating the problem is not so easy.

The presence of pathology can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms. The person is bothered by itching, and at the weeping stage there are also pain syndromes. The doctor just needs to examine the patient and collect anamnesis. The cause of the pathology can also be diagnosed in the laboratory. This process is lengthy and may ultimately yield no results.

In any case, the patient should have a blood test for allergens, as well as allergy tests on the skin. Based on this data, a diagnosis can be made.

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Tests

Initially, the analysis is made based on the patient's complaints and external examination. But in order to make an accurate diagnosis, the patient should undergo a series of examinations. Analysis for skin pathology can be divided into several types. These include those that are done first, and then other studies that reveal the main cause of the pathology.

The first step is to conduct a study of tissues and scrapings under a microscope. This analysis allows you to identify any changes in the tissues, as well as processes characteristic of eczema. With the help of the study, you can also see the pathogen that provoked everything. Then a general blood test is taken to identify the severity of the inflammation, as well as the intensity of the existing allergic reaction. Next comes a biochemical blood test, which allows you to see metabolic disorders.

It is important to determine the immunoglobulins in the blood. This will confirm the diagnosis. Increased levels of immunoglobulins of class E and G are characteristic of skin pathology. Feces can also be examined, and helminth eggs can be detected in them. They are often the causative agents of pathology.

A general immunogram will allow you to fully assess the state of your immune system. Thanks to it, you can choose quality treatment. In addition to these studies, additional ones may be prescribed. You should not neglect them.

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Instrumental diagnostics

This type of diagnostics is multifaceted and includes several basic procedures. First of all, a person needs to submit a culture of material taken from the affected areas. Thanks to such a study, it is possible to check sensitivity to antibacterial drugs, as well as to pathogens of the inflammatory process. This will allow choosing high-quality treatment.

Coprogram includes the study of the composition of feces. This study provides complete information about the person's condition, as well as hidden problems of the body. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity will allow you to see changes in the organs, which can lead to the development of skin pathology.

A significant role is given to the biochemical study of serum autoantibodies in the blood. This will allow the direct allergen to be identified. Skin-allergic reactions with specific antigens are also carried out. This will also allow the direct allergen to be identified.

In addition to all the methods described, dermatologists can also prescribe differential studies. In general, it is possible to determine the cause of the pathology only after all diagnostic measures have been taken. It is impossible to get a complete picture from tests or instrumental examinations alone.

Differential diagnosis

A preliminary diagnosis is usually made based on a person's complaints, as well as an external examination of the patient. This is quite enough to identify a pathology in the patient. However, it is worth paying special attention to the reason for which it arose. To do this, it is necessary to take special tests and undergo a full examination.

Initially, a scraping is performed. This will allow the affected tissues to be examined, the nature of the inflammation to be identified, as well as the pathogen that led to this condition. A general blood test is not overlooked, as it demonstrates the severity of the inflammation. Then a biochemical blood test is taken, which allows the disorders associated with metabolism to be identified.

It is important to determine the level of immunoglobulins, their significant increase indicates the nature of eczema. Feces are subject to detailed study. If helminth eggs are found in them, then the main cause of skin pathology is immediately clear. It is also important to pass a general immunogram. This will allow you to study the features of the immune system and identify the true cause of the disease.

Treatment nipple eczema

Elimination of eczema requires following special rules. It is not necessary to take any medications. It is enough to simply follow special rules of nutrition, as well as habits in general. So, if we are talking about nursing mothers, then in order to avoid infection of the baby, it is worth stopping breastfeeding. The issue is especially acute in cases where the pathology has a microbial or fungal form.

You should be more careful when choosing underwear. With nipple eczema, bras should be changed as often as possible. It is advisable to give preference to underwear without synthetics and wool. After all, it can cause additional irritation. It is recommended to avoid contact with household chemicals. Hygiene products also belong to this list. They can provoke an exacerbation.

Nutrition rules play an important role. It is advisable to give preference to a dairy-vegetable diet. It is recommended to eat vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meats and fish. Fried, salty and spicy foods are completely excluded from the diet. Alcoholic drinks and products with preservatives are prohibited. It is advisable to limit contact of the affected areas of the skin with water, the body should not overheat. The skin should be moisturized, use medicinal creams.

Medication is mandatory and should be used in combination with other measures. Detailed information on medications will be provided below. Traditional methods can also be used, but only after consulting a specialist. In any case, the elimination of pathology should be comprehensive.

Medicines

There are many different medications for treating eczema. Thus, it is worth using enterosorbents, they allow to reduce intoxication of the body. These include Enterosgel and Atoxil.

• Enterosgel. The product is prescribed orally. It is enough to take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is usually 7-14 days, depending on the person's condition. Contraindications: the product cannot be used by people with intestinal obstruction and hypersensitivity. Side effects: constipation is possible in the first days of taking it.
• Atoxil. One or two sachets should be dissolved in 150 ml of liquid. The drug is taken an hour before a meal. The duration of the course and frequency of administration are prescribed by a doctor. The drug is designed to eliminate toxins from the body. Contraindications: stomach ulcer, intestinal obstruction. Side effects: constipation was noted.

Hormonal therapy is also widely used. However, its long-term use can be fraught with serious consequences. Prednisolone and Dexamethasone are most often used.

• Prednisolone. The dose is set individually. Usually 4-6 tablets per day are enough, this is the maximum dose. It depends entirely on the person's condition and is adjusted by the attending physician. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis. Side effects: obesity, acne, mental disorders are possible.
• Dexamethasone. The dosage should be prescribed by the attending physician on an individual basis. Approximate dose up to 15 mg per day. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. There are no side effects.

Vitamin therapy can be used. It includes the use of folic acid, ascorbic acid and B vitamins.

You can get all this from both pharmaceutical products and food products. This method is usually used for weakened immunity.

Antihistamines are indicated for any type of eczema. This may be Pipolfen, Loratin.

• Pipolfen. Adults and adolescents are recommended to take 75-100 mg 3-4 times a day. The maximum dose should not exceed 500 mg. Contraindications: childhood, hypersensitivity, cardiovascular disorders. Side effects: drowsiness, anxiety, cardiovascular disorders.
• Loratin. The drug is taken orally. One tablet or measuring cup per day is enough. The duration of therapy is determined individually. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, pregnancy and lactation. Side effects: fatigue, dermatitis, possible obesity.

Immunomodulators play an important role. They are especially effective during periods of exacerbation. Timalin and Immunofan are usually prescribed.

• Timalin. The drug is administered intramuscularly. Adults are prescribed 5-20 mg. For children, the dose is adjusted. The duration of treatment is prescribed individually. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. No side effects have been identified.
• Immunofan. The drug is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The dose is prescribed individually, depending on the patient's condition. The duration of therapy can be adjusted. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: none observed.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine includes a lot of proven methods that will help relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the pathology. Gifts of nature can provide tremendous help. Oak bark, willow, burdock and dandelion roots have special medicinal properties. It is worth paying attention to strawberries, blueberries and black currants. There are several basic ways to get rid of the annoying symptoms of eczema.

• Recipe 1. You need to boil chicken eggs. Their number completely depends on the extent of the affected area of the skin. The eggs need to be peeled and the yolks removed. Then take a fork, put the yolk on it and hold it over the fire. At this stage, droplets of liquid will begin to stand out, they need to be collected in a special container. The process is long, but it is worth it. The resulting liquid should be applied to the affected area 2 times a day. Treatment is carried out until the foci of inflammation completely disappear.
• Recipe 2. If the peeling phase has begun, simply apply orange peels to the affected area.
• Recipe 3. When wet wounds bother you, you can make compresses from fermented baked milk. To do this, the fermented milk product is simply applied to gauze and to the affected area.

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Herbal treatment

Traditional medicine has proven itself long ago. Medicinal herbs are of particular importance in it. It is easy to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of eczema with their help.

• Recipe 1. Aloe and Kalanchoe juices. You need to take these ingredients and apply them to the affected skin. You can apply them either as is or as a paste. A cotton wool soaked in the juice of these plants will also help. You should wipe the affected areas with it. Do all this for a week. Once the inflammation subsides, you can stop using this method.
• Recipe 2. Celandine. This ingredient is widely used in dermatology to eliminate purulent inflammation, lichen and eczema. The product actively relieves itching and alleviates a person's condition. You should simply use the juice of the plant. You can also prepare an infusion for internal use. To do this, take 2 tablespoons of celandine grass and roots, pour boiling water over it. Infuse for an hour. The affected areas should be moistened with the resulting product several times a day.
• Recipe 3. You can make an effective herbal infusion. To do this, take 2 tablespoons of burdock root, dandelion and yarrow. Pour a liter of boiling water over all of this. Let the infusion sit for 30 minutes, then strain. Take 2 tablespoons a day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies have proven themselves long ago. But, they should be taken with special caution and only under the guidance of an experienced homeopath. The main medications should be considered.

• Calcium carbonicum. It can be taken by both children and adults. It is especially good for patients with wet wounds. Unpleasant symptoms are removed quickly. The main focus of the drug is the elimination of chilliness, sweating, rashes. It is suitable for people with an exacerbation of the pathology, which passes in the winter.
• Petroleum. The composition of the drug includes: gasoline, kerosene and coal oils. The product eliminates itching, rash, and alleviates general symptoms.
• Arsenicum. The remedy is indicated for any form of eczema. It is widely used in dermatology and homeopathy. It actively removes scaling, compaction and relieves burning pain. Hepar sulfuris. Widely used for various forms of eczema.

A detailed list of medications can be obtained from a homeopathic doctor. This treatment cannot be started independently. There is a risk of worsening the condition, as well as increasing the existing symptoms.

Prevention

There are several basic recommendations regarding the prevention of skin pathology. So, first of all, you need to avoid working in hazardous industries. To a greater extent, this applies to people who have a genetic predisposition to this disease. You will have to limit contact with allergens and irritants.

It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle will strengthen the body, which will be able to resist many diseases. Stress, nervous shocks should be excluded. It is advisable to give preference to clothes and underwear made of natural fabrics. Tight shoes, gloves and clothes should be completely excluded.

It is necessary to treat diseases in a timely manner, especially those that can lead to the development of eczema. The use of alcohol and tobacco is completely excluded. A young mother needs to carefully introduce complementary foods and lead a healthy lifestyle. After all, a woman's condition can affect the baby. This issue is especially acute during pregnancy. Following special rules will help avoid eczema.

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Forecast

The prognosis for the course of the disease may depend on many factors. First of all, it is worth considering the specifics of the victim's condition. This concerns his nervous system and immune functions. The duration of the disease, the frequency of relapses, and the working conditions of the victim play a huge role.

The acute form of the pathology has a more favorable prognosis. Thus, it is much easier to eliminate microbial and seborrheic eczema. These two types respond well to therapy and can be completely eliminated. Idiopathic and priuriginous forms of the pathology are difficult to cure. But, nevertheless, the probability of recovery is high.

The prognosis is significantly worse if the pathology develops in small children, as well as elderly people. After all, it mainly occurs against the background of violations of the protective functions of the body. In general, the prognosis depends entirely on how quickly a person seeks help. Naturally, his condition plays a big role, as well as the prescribed treatment. It is impossible to eliminate the chronic form of eczema, exacerbations will manifest themselves often. The pathology lasts for years, the prognosis is unfavorable.

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