Atopic dermatitis of the nipple and areola

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis of the nipple and areola is a minor manifestation of atopic dermatitis. We present a case of a 20-year-old Moroccan woman presented to the gynecology ward for a non-pruritic rash on her nipples. She is single with a history of atopy and asthma since her childhood. One year ago, she had scabies disease treated successfully. The nipple lesions began one month earlier as a small patch. She had no breast discharge. Physical exam revealed bilateral pruritic, erythematous, scaly, lichenified plaques of the nipples and the areolas. The lesions didn´t extends beyond the areola. There were no palpable breast masses or other similar skin plaques. The diagnosis of nipple eczema was made. The patient had dermocorticoid for two weeks. The follow up was marked by a regression of the lesions at the third day with a total healing at one month. The eczema of the nipple and areola is an atopic dermatitis that can be treated with several regimes and preventive measures. The breast and nipple skin are thin and the use of topical steroids should be limited because of the risk of atrophy.