Introduction
Breast eczema can be a damaging condition that can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental well-being. This condition is often not talked about as much as it should be, which results in a lack of knowledge among the general public about this condition.
Revival Research Institute carries out multiple clinical trials in the arena of dermatology. We advise anyone facing eczema/atopic dermatitis or, more precisely, breast eczema to have a look at what we have to offer. Your participation may prove fruitful in transforming the lives of those who battle this condition on a daily basis.
What is Breast Eczema?
Breast eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a condition in which your skin becomes itchy, dry, discolored, and bumpy. It can show up in the dark regions surrounding your nipples (areolas), between your breasts, under your breasts, on the sides of your breasts, or anywhere else on your chest.
Eczema impairs the skin barrier function (the “glue” that holds your skin together). As a result, your skin becomes more sensitive, susceptible to infection, and dry.
Also read about breast eczema is a common cause for itchy breasts.
What is Eczema?
Since breast eczema is a type of eczema that appears on the breasts, it is a good idea to know a little about the all-encompassing condition i.e., eczema. It is a type of skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections with itchiness being the most common of them.
More than 31 million Americans suffer from eczema in one form or another. Eczema usually begins in early childhood and can progress well into adulthood. Most cases of eczema during childhood typically resolve on their own. Conversely, eczema appearing during adulthood is usually very stubborn and causes a lot of problems.
Eczema usually occurs as flare-ups which can sometimes be so severe that they last for several weeks. It is a hard-to-distinguish condition as it is often confused with psoriasis or other dermatological conditions.
Who does Breast Eczema Affect?
Breast eczema can affect anyone; however, its prevalence is higher in individuals with:
- A personal or family history of eczema
- Asthma
- Environmental allergies
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
How Common is Breast Eczema?
Since eczema is so common, one can expect it to develop on any part of the body, including your breasts. Approximately 15% to 30% of children and 2% to 10% of adults have eczema.
What does Eczema on the Breast Look Like?
Breast eczema symptoms are:
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Discolored rashes
- Bumps on your skin
- Leathery patches of skin
- Crusty skin
- Swelling
Breast eczema may not hurt as such but if you scratch your skin, you may break it.
Mental And Physical Signs of Stress That Can Cause Breast Eczema
Stress-related mental/emotional symptoms that might cause breast eczema include:
- Depression
- Difficulty relaxing
- Usage of alcohol, cigarettes, or recreational drugs to relax
- A negative opinion of yourself (low self-esteem)
- Anxiety (constant worry)
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, mood swings, or a short temper
The following are some physical indications of stress that might lead to breast eczema:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Not wanting to have sex
- Sleeping too much
- Sleeping too little
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Muscle tension
- Aches and pains
Treatment
If a person has moderate breast eczema, simply avoiding triggers may be sufficient to manage this skin condition. However, this does not always work, and medical intervention may be needed in a lot of situations. These medications may include:
- Topical Corticosteroids
- Nonsteroidal Topicals
- Phototherapy
- Oral Steroids
- Oral Immunosuppressant Drugs
- Biologics
- Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Doctors may also prescribe sedatives to people who find it difficult to sleep due to breast eczema.
Management
Home remedies and adjustments in your daily life can be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of breast eczema. Here are some measures that can help reduce these symptoms:
- Stress Reduction: Lowering stress levels can have a positive impact on managing breast eczema.
- Moderate Water Temperature: Opt for warm water instead of hot when bathing or showering to avoid skin irritation.
- Avoiding Irritating Cosmetics: Refrain from using cosmetics and toiletries containing high levels of alcohol or fragrances, as they can irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get sufficient quality sleep, as it can contribute to symptom improvement.
- Frequent Moisturizing: Keep your skin well-hydrated by regularly applying an emollient.
- Prevent Scratching: Resist the urge to scratch the affected area, as it can worsen the condition.
- Consider Wet Wrapping: Wet wrapping and the use of paste bandages may also be beneficial techniques to explore in managing breast eczema.
Prevention
Preventing eczema completely is a challenge without a proven method, but individuals can take steps to reduce the risk of flare-ups. A key strategy is avoiding known triggers that can exacerbate the condition.
Eczema triggers encompass various factors:
- Temperature: Sudden temperature shifts, whether indoors to cold outdoors or vice versa, can aggravate eczema. Central heating and air conditioning systems can also contribute to worsening symptoms.
- Dietary Factors: Some individuals claim that specific foods can worsen their eczema, although clinical evidence supporting this is limited.
- Cosmetic and Toiletry Products: Certain cosmetic and toiletry items have been known to trigger eczema in some individuals. It’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing new products and conduct patch tests before full application.
- Clothing Materials: The choice of fabrics can play a role in skin irritation. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help minimize flare-ups and manage the condition during episodes.
Diagnosis
Before identifying a person with breast eczema, healthcare providers will try to rule out any other underlying illnesses. They may order a range of tests in order to get an appropriate diagnosis.
These can include:
- Patch tests
- Mycological examination: It is when a healthcare professional looks at a sample of the skin under a microscope
- Culture swabs to check for secondary issues
- Skin biopsy to rule out Paget’s disease
Healthcare professionals will want to rule out the following:
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Paget’s Disease of the breast
- Psoriasis or other inflammatory skin diseases
- Skin cancer
The Takeaway
While breast eczema can be a daunting condition there are various ways to manage this condition, as discussed in this blog. However, there is still a need to improve healthcare treatment for those who have this condition.
Revival Research Institute is a leading clinical research organization that aims to improve people’s lives and provide them with an alternative to manage their atopic dermatitis (eczema) through atopic dermatitis clinical trials. We are on a mission to advance medicine and transform people’s lives through clinical trials, and we invite you to take part in this journey of discovery and help others to possibly live an eczema-free life.
