Inverted, Creased, or Scaly Nipples – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Common causes of inverted, creased, or scaly nipples include:

• Normal development: Inverted nipples are a normal variant of breast development. They can be present from birth or develop during puberty. Inverted nipples do not affect the ability to breastfeed.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the nipples may become more prominent and less inverted. This is due to hormonal changes and the increased blood flow to the breasts.
• Weight loss: Sudden weight loss can cause the breasts to shrink and the nipples to become more inverted.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause the nipples to become inverted.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the skin of the nipples and cause them to become inverted.
• Trauma: Injury to the nipples, such as from a piercing or surgery, can cause them to become inverted.
• Breast cancer: Inverted nipples can be a sign of breast cancer, but they are more likely to be caused by one of the benign conditions listed above.

Related conditions that may cause inverted, creased, or scaly nipples include:

• Eczema: Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and red. It can affect any part of the body, including the nipples.
• Paget’s disease of the breast: Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the skin of the nipple and areola. It can cause a variety of changes to the nipple, including redness, crusting, and scaling.
• Nipple dermatitis: Nipple dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin of the nipples. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergies.

If you notice any changes in your nipples, such as inversion, creasing, or scaling, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, if the changes are caused by eczema, treatment may include topical medications or corticosteroids. If the changes are caused by Paget’s disease of the breast, treatment will involve surgery to remove the affected breast tissue.

Here are some tips for detecting changes in your nipples:

• Perform regular breast self-exams.
• Be aware of any changes in the appearance or feel of your nipples.
• See a doctor for any changes that you are concerned about.

Early detection of breast cancer is important for the best possible outcome. If you have any concerns about changes in your nipples, please see a doctor right away.

Emirates Hospitals offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. Our team of highly skilled and experienced breast cancer specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.