Answer:

Nipple scaling, characterized by thick, hyperpigmented layers of skin, can occur on the areola. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased progesterone production and blood flow, can contribute to this. Nipples may become dry, leading to increased skin cell death and flaking. Breast enlargement during pregnancy causes milk ducts and glands to grow, stretching the skin, which can result in dryness, cracking, scaling, and peeling. Additionally, pregnant women experience changes in their immune systems, often becoming more sensitive to allergens.

Nipple peeling can also be a sign of eczema, accompanied by redness, heat, itching, pain, dryness, and scaling. Yeast infections, caused by fungi naturally present on the skin, can enter breast tissue through small cracks in the nipple, leading to scaling and peeling. Wearing tight clothing or ill-fitting bras made of rough materials can also cause nipple friction, resulting in scratches, cracks, scaling, and even bleeding.

Doctor Tan advises a patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

These symptoms can also indicate Paget's disease of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer. Paget's disease symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, including scaling, peeling, nipple discharge, hardened nipple skin, itching, and burning. If you experience unusual nipple scaling or peeling, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge, or pain, consult a breast surgeon for diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Master, Doctor Huynh Ba Tan

Breast and Head and Neck Surgery Department

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM