Boulder Teen Clinic

My nipples have gotten really itchy and dry and they peel in large flakes. I asked my mother and she says it is probably just dry skin, but the itchiness is very intense and it often keeps me up at night…

…I’ve tried moisturizing lotions and almost anything I can think of, but it won’t go away and keeps peeling and itching.  What do you think it could be, and what should I do to try and stop it?

Any change in breast tissue should be evaluated by a physician. It’s possible it’s just dry skin; it’s also possible you have a fungal infection. Call your primary care physician or see a dermatologist.  Your physician will look for particular types of abnormal skin.  She/he may also compare your breasts to one another.  Ask your mom to help you get an appointment as soon as you can—it’s better to know for sure!

I did a self breast exam and noticed a large lump in both of them…

…I have a history of breast cancer in my family, I am only 16 and I don’t know what to do. Should I go see a doctor? Or is it nothing to worry about, something that is normal?

If you think something has changed with your breast tissue, you should definitely see your health care provider.  The tissue you are feeling may be completely normal but your health care provider will evaluate your breasts and teach you how to do an exam.  If there is a family history of breast cancer in your family usually you should start breast screening with mammograms ten years before the diagnosis of the family member who was diagnosed.  For example if your mother was diagnosed at with breast cancer at age 50, your screenings should start at age 40. To schedule an appointment at Teen Clinic, click here or call 303.442.5160.