Differential Diagnosis for Itchy Nipple
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Eczema/Dermatitis: This is often the most common cause of itchy nipples, resulting from skin irritation or allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or other substances.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Breast thrush (candidiasis): A yeast infection that can cause itching, redness, and discomfort around the nipple, especially in breastfeeding women.
- Paget's disease of the breast: A rare form of breast cancer that can present with eczema-like changes and itching of the nipple.
- Nipple psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect the nipple area, leading to itching, redness, and scaly skin.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction to substances like nickel in jewelry or certain ingredients in soaps or lotions.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause itching, redness, and swelling of the breast.
- Breast cancer with nipple involvement: Any form of breast cancer that involves the nipple can cause itching, among other symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Nipple adenoma: A rare, benign tumor of the nipple that can cause itching and discomfort.
- Sarcoidosis of the breast: A rare condition where granulomas form in the breast tissue, potentially causing itching and other symptoms.
- Neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as notalgia paresthetica, can cause itching sensations in the nipple area due to nerve irritation.