Symptoms of breast eczema include a dry, itchy rash. They can improve with home remedies and medical treatments. However, symptoms can resemble those of a rare type of breast cancer called Paget disease.

Breast eczema refers to when this condition occurs on or around the breasts. It can occur independently or as part of a more widespread condition.

Read on to learn the symptoms of breast eczema and Paget disease of the breast, how to tell them apart, and what the treatment options are for breast eczema.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition that usually begins in childhood, though it can start at any age. It is not contagious, so people with eczema cannot pass it on to others.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema on the breast or nipple. Breast eczema is where the symptoms of eczema appear on the breast or around the nipples.

The people most likely to experience nipple eczema are teenage girls, but it can also affect infants, children, and older adults.

View the slideshow below for photos of breast eczema.

Symptoms of breast eczema can vary from person to person and may also vary in severity. Some possible symptoms may include:

  • itchy, painful skin
  • bumpy areas of skin
  • dry skin
  • red or discolored patches of skin
  • thickened patches of skin
  • scaly skin
  • scratch marks
  • bleeding

Symptoms may develop on the nipple or areolae (the pigmented area around the nipple), on the breast itself, or under or in between the breasts.

Paget disease of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer with symptoms that may be similar to those of eczema of the breast.

Symptoms of Paget disease can include:

  • itchy skin
  • pain and sensitivity around the nipple
  • thickened patches of skin
  • scaly skin
  • flattening of the nipple
  • discharge from the nipple that may be yellow or bloody

People may also experience a tingling or a burning sensation around the nipple. These symptoms will not respond to eczema treatments.

It is unclear why or how Paget disease of the breast occurs. The condition can develop over months or years.

It is important to contact a doctor if symptoms develop on or around the breast. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments for Paget disease, breast eczema, or another cause of the symptoms.

To diagnose breast eczema accurately and rule out other possible causes, doctors may begin by performing a breast exam.

They may then order tests, which can include:

  • patch tests
  • mycology, which is where healthcare professionals look at a sample of skin under a microscope
  • culture swabs to check for secondary issues
  • a skin biopsy to rule out Paget disease

Conditions that a healthcare professional will want to rule out may include:

If a person experiences mild breast eczema, avoiding triggers can help prevent a flare-up or prevent existing symptoms from worsening. Triggers can be different for each person but may include:

  • harsh soaps and shower gels
  • biological washing powders and fabric softeners
  • some fabrics
  • extreme temperatures
  • stress
  • scratching the area, which can worsen it

Some individuals may require medical intervention. Examples of medical treatments a doctor may recommend include:

  • topical or oral corticosteroids
  • topical calcineurin inhibitors
  • topical antibiotics if an infection develops

There is currently no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage symptoms.

If people can identify and try to avoid triggers, they may be able to minimize the severity of their breast eczema and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Home remedies and medical treatment can help people manage their symptoms, but some may require regular treatment to do this.

Even if a person’s eczema seems to disappear, it can come back at any time. According to the National Eczema Society, those who experience eczema at an early age may still have sensitive skin throughout their life regardless of whether the eczema returns.

If a person develops symptoms that resemble breast eczema, it is important to contact a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.

People with breast eczema need to contact a doctor or another healthcare professional if home remedies do not improve their symptoms or if their symptoms worsen.

Breast eczema can cause dry, itchy skin on the breast or nipple as well as in between or under the breast.

There is no cure for the condition, but strategies can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include avoiding triggers, applying topicals, and taking oral medications.

Breast eczema can often look like other conditions, so it is important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any other underlying problems.