Dry Spots on My Breasts - What Do I Do?
TeenHealthFX would suggest that first you make sure that this not a result of some kind of discharge from the nipple area. Sometimes there can be a cyst by a duct in the nipple area which can cause discharge to leak through the nipple. If there is any kind of discharge, FX recommends you schedule an appointment with your doctor.
The dry spots could also be caused by irritation from a bra, perspiration that results in sports bra irritation, or contact dermatitis from a detergent. If this is the case, then it would be helpful to figure out the exact cause. Consider the following:
- Check to see if your bra is fitting properly. If it is not, buy a bra that does fit properly.
- Hold off on any soaps, lotions or creams you may be putting on your breasts to see if perhaps you were having a reaction to some kind of product you have been using.
- Make sure you dry your breast area really well after a bath or shower.
- Shower after workouts, or dry off your chest area if you can’t shower right away, to prevent perspiration from remaining on your skin for long periods of time.
If none of this helps, then FX recommends scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or with a dermatologist so you can find out what is causing the dry spots and receive treatment recommendations. It could be something like a fungal infection, which would require a visit to the doctor.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
