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white/yellowish stuff in crack of nipple?

So I'm 19 now and I've had this for a couple years more or less but it's only in my left nipple - it's especially noticeable after I shower/swim. It's kind of white at first, and almost feels like skin when it's wet, like I can kind of rub some of it off, and when it dries it's more of a yellowish color that is crusty. I had it checked out last year (physical exam, blood test - came back normal - and ultrasound that also was normal) and was told they didn't really know what it was, but not to worry. The other day I kind of flaked a piece off and noticed kind of like a crack where the piece used to be?? It's only really noticeable when I stretch the skin of my nipple, but looks red inside, no blood. It is a bit itchy, which it has been on and off from the start, but nothing too prominent. I'm really worried about the crack especially now, and the feeling that the discharge or skin or whatever the white stuff is is increasing (not sure that it is - could be paranoia) I'm scared to go to the doctor again especially during the pandemic but I wanted to see if anyone had any idea of what it could be??? cause I'm worried that it could paget's disease of the nipple. I have no other symptoms really and other than my areola/nipple looks pretty much the same as the other one not affected.
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973741 tn?1342342773
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi,  I'm really glad you visited your doctor about this.  Their lack of concern can be both reassuring and frustrating if you are not consoled by that.  But remember, they do take an oath for your care.  So, try not to worry.  I understand though wanting to get to the bottom of this.  One thing to ask them about is a papilloma.  I'm going to provide a link that talks about these.  One breast can have them and they are BENIGN, non cancerous, harmless!  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/intraductal-papillomas.html  It's a little tiny tumor in your milk duct (again, not cancer) and it causes discharge and that can crust up on the nipple.  They do x rays of the nipples called 'ductograms' which sounds kind of fun, probably isn't.  But also not that big of a deal.  If you have this and that is ALL that is going on, it does not raise your chances of breast cancer!  Important to know that.  They do often surgically remove it but again, that is up to you and your doctor if this becomes the case.  

The other possibility is something going on with your pituitary gland.

I had discharge in both nipples and it was a hormone imbalance.  You've had blood work so that is unlikely in your case.  

So, talk to your doctor and let us know.  I hope you get to the bottom of it soon!
Helpful - 0
134578 tn?1693250592
COMMUNITY LEADER
Regarding the kind that is in the cracks of the nipples and is dry, I think it's skin salts and fats and maybe a little sweat or other discharge from the nipple, that has dried. (In other words, totally normal.) If you cut off the end of a Q-tip leaving the cardboard stick, and use the soft cardboard stick to take it out of the crack, you'll find that it leaves your nipple feeling less blocked or itchy. There are lots of pores on the nipple and lots of outlets for breast milk, it wouldn't be surprising for fats and oils and sweat to accumulate there. My opinion is, remove it if it itches or pains you and don't worry about it.
Helpful - 0
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