Nipple Dermatitis (निप्पल डर्माटाइटिस) एक skin condition है जिसमें nipple और surrounding areola की त्वचा में सूजन, खुजली और लालिमा होती है।
- यह condition पुरुषों और महिलाओं दोनों में हो सकती है।
- Commonly eczema, allergic reactions, fungal infections या irritants के कारण होती है।
- Breastfeeding महिलाओं में nipple dermatitis painful nursing और secondary infection का कारण बन सकती है।
Nipple Dermatitis क्या है (What is Nipple Dermatitis)
- Inflammatory skin disorder affecting nipple and areola
- Characterized by redness, scaling, itching, and sometimes cracking or oozing
- Can be acute or chronic
- Often associated with eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, or psoriasis
Nipple Dermatitis कारण (Causes of Nipple Dermatitis)
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- Soaps, detergents, harsh fabrics, perfumes
- Frequent washing or friction
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Allergy to lotions, creams, breast pads, metals (piercings)
3. Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
- Chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin
4. Infectious Causes
- Fungal infections (Candida / Yeast)
- Bacterial infections (Staphylococcus aureus)
5. Breastfeeding-related
- Prolonged wetness from milk
- Improper latch causing friction
6. Other Causes
- Psoriasis, Paget’s disease of the breast (rare but serious)
Nipple Dermatitis लक्षण (Symptoms of Nipple Dermatitis)
- Redness and inflammation of nipple/areola
- Itching or burning sensation
- Dry, flaky, or cracked skin
- Painful nipples, especially during breastfeeding
- Rarely: oozing or bleeding
- Chronic cases: thickened, lichenified skin
Early recognition helps prevent secondary infections।
Nipple Dermatitis कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Nipple Dermatitis)
- Physical Examination – redness, scaling, cracking, discharge
- History Taking – exposure to irritants, allergies, breastfeeding
- Skin Swab / Culture – if fungal or bacterial infection suspected
- Patch Testing – for allergic contact dermatitis
- Biopsy (rare) – if persistent, non-healing lesions to rule out Paget’s disease
Accurate diagnosis important for targeted treatment।
Nipple Dermatitis इलाज (Treatment of Nipple Dermatitis)
1. Topical Medications
- Emollients / Moisturizers – hydrate skin and prevent cracking
- Mild Corticosteroid Creams – reduce inflammation
- Antifungal Creams – if fungal infection confirmed
- Antibiotic Ointments – if secondary bacterial infection
2. Lifestyle & Home Care
- Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
- Wear soft, breathable cotton bras
- Keep nipples clean and dry
- For breastfeeding mothers: apply expressed milk or lanolin-based creams
3. Avoid Triggers
- Perfumed lotions, detergents, irritant fabrics
- Friction from tight clothing
4. Medical Follow-up
- Chronic or non-healing lesions require dermatologist evaluation
- Rule out Paget’s disease or underlying malignancy
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Use mild soaps and moisturizers
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics
- Maintain nipple hygiene, especially in breastfeeding
- Avoid prolonged wetness from milk or sweat
- Treat infections promptly
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Do not scratch excessively to avoid secondary infection
- Follow prescribed treatment schedule
- Monitor for persistent pain, bleeding, or unilateral lesions
- Seek medical advice if lesions do not heal in 2–3 weeks
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Nipple dermatitis contagious है?
नहीं, केवल अगर fungal या bacterial infection present हो तो localized spread possible है।
Q2. Breastfeeding कर सकते हैं?
हाँ, लेकिन proper latch और nipple care जरूरी है; cream safe for breastfeeding use करें।
Q3. क्या यह cancer का संकेत हो सकता है?
Rarely, persistent, unilateral lesion, bleeding, or crusting may indicate Paget’s disease, doctor evaluation जरूरी।
Q4. कितने समय में ठीक होता है?
Mild cases में 1–2 weeks, infection-associated cases में 2–4 weeks with treatment।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Nipple Dermatitis (निप्पल डर्माटाइटिस) एक common inflammatory skin condition है।
Proper hygiene, avoidance of irritants, topical treatment और monitoring से यह condition effectively manage की जा सकती है।
Persistent, painful, या non-healing lesions में dermatologist या physician consultation जरूरी है ताकि गंभीर conditions ruled out हो सकें।