Quick Answer
There are a few potential causes for white, dry stuff on the nipples when not pregnant:
– Dead skin buildup
– Eczema
– Psoriasis
– Fungal infection
– Clogged milk ducts
Seeing a doctor can help diagnose the specific cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition but may include medicated creams/ointments, anti-fungal medications, gentle cleansing of the area, moisturizing, and avoiding irritants.
What Causes White, Dry Buildup on Nipples When Not Pregnant?
Here are some common causes of white, dry nipple buildup in non-pregnant women:
Dead Skin Buildup
Dead skin cells naturally shed from the nipple skin over time. However, the skin cells can sometimes stick together and accumulate into dry, white flakes or patches. This is essentially dandruff of the nipples.
Excess friction from clothing rubbing against the nipples can worsen the buildup. The breasts may also produce more oil during hormonal changes leading up to menstruation, allowing more dead cells to stick together into dry patches.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, dry, and irritated skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the nipples. Eczema on the nipples may look like small white bumps or dry, flaky patches.
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by skin irritants like laundry detergents, body washes, lotions, and fragrances. Cold, dry weather can also aggravate eczema. Stress and hormonal changes may play a role as well.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes buildup of skin cells that leads to red, flaky, scaly patches. It most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, hands, and feet, but can occasionally affect the nipples as well.
On the nipples, psoriasis appears as dry, white scales with defined borders. Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress, skin injuries, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
Fungal Infection
Candida yeast naturally occurs on the skin but can overgrow into an infection. Candida infections may cause itchy, red, cracked nipples with white patches or dots.
Warm, moist environments allow candida to thrive. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, antibiotic use, corticosteroid use, and immunodeficiency disorders. Candida infection of the nipples is also more common during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts can occur in breastfeeding women. However, sometimes non-breastfeeding women experience clogged milk ducts as well. This may happen spontaneously or be triggered by irritation, injury to the breast, or hormonal changes.
A clogged milk duct looks like a small, hard, swollen lump or knob in the breast. As milk collects and backs up behind the clog, the skin over the lump may appear white or yellowish. Clogged ducts are not necessarily a sign of an underlying breast disease.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if:
– The nipple skin doesn’t improve with over-the-counter creams
– Symptoms are severe or painful
– There are signs of infection like warmth, redness, swelling, fever
– Nipple discharge is bloody or appears yellow, green, or black (may indicate underlying breast cancer)
– You have a family history of breast cancer
– Lumps or changes in surrounding breast tissue
Your doctor can examine your breasts and nipples and determine if testing is needed to identify the cause. Based on the diagnosis, they will recommend appropriate treatment to clear up the white, dry nipple skin.
Medical Diagnosis
To determine the cause of white, dry nipple skin, the doctor may:
– Ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking
– Examine your breasts and nipples
– Order lab tests like a skin or nipple discharge culture to check for fungal overgrowth or infection
– Perform a skin biopsy to check for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
– Order breast imaging tests like mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI if concerned about underlying breast cancer
Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic, then using a scalpel or punch tool to collect a small sample of the affected skin. The skin sample is sent to a lab for examination under a microscope to diagnose skin conditions.
Nipple Discharge Culture
If you have nipple discharge, some of the fluid may be collected with a swab and sent for lab culture to check for yeast like candida or bacteria like staphylococcus. This helps identify if an infection is present.
Breast Imaging
If there are concerns about breast cancer, the doctor may order breast imaging tests:
– Mammogram: Breast x-ray to detect tumors
– Breast ultrasound: Uses sound waves to examine breast lumps or abnormalities
– Breast MRI: Uses magnets to generate detailed breast tissue images
These tools help visualize the breast tissue and rule out or confirm breast cancer.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause:
Dead Skin Buildup
– Gently cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water
– Apply moisturizer after bathing to hydrate the skin
– Use an exfoliating cloth or loofah to help slough off excess flaky skin
– Avoid scented lotions, soaps, detergents that may irritate
Eczema
– Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
– Prescription steroid creams or ointments to control flare-ups
– Oral antihistamines like Benadryl to manage itchy symptoms
– Moisturize daily with thick creams or ointments
– Avoid scratching, harsh soaps, skin irritants
Psoriasis
– Over-the-counter corticosteroid cream
– Prescription vitamin D creams
– Light therapy
– Medications that suppress the immune system
– Biologic drugs like adalimumab (Humira) injected to inhibit inflammatory proteins
Fungal Infection
– Over-the-counter antifungal creams with miconazole, clotrimazole or similar
– Prescription oral antifungal medication like fluconazole
– Keep skin clean and dry
Clogged Milk Ducts
– Apply warm compresses to the breast before showering
– Massage the area gently in the shower using a wide tooth comb
– Wear a well-fitting bra without underwire or tight bands
– Avoid sleeping on the stomach which causes nipple compression
– Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
– See a doctor if duct doesn’t unclog within a few days
Prevention
To help prevent dry, irritated nipples:
– Moisturize daily with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing cream or oil
– Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, skin products
– Wear breathable cotton fabrics rather than synthetics
– Treat skin conditions like eczema to avoid flare-ups
– Practice good hygiene to avoid fungal or yeast overgrowth
– Get checked for any suspicious lumps, discharge or changes
When to Seek Medical Care
You should see a doctor if:
– Nipple skin doesn’t clear with over-the-counter remedies
– Symptoms are severe or painful
– Signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, fever
– You have nipple discharge
– You feel any new lumps in the breast
It’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away if you notice any unusual nipple/breast changes that do not go away. Though most causes of dry nipple skin are benign, some may indicate an underlying condition like eczema, infection, or rarely, breast cancer that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Takeaway
White, dry skin on the nipples may result from common conditions like dead skin buildup, eczema, psoriasis, yeast, or clogged milk ducts. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you are concerned or symptoms persist. Treatment typically includes medicated ointments/creams, antifungal medications if infected, moisturizing, gentle cleansing and avoiding irritants. With proper treatment, the nipple skin can heal and regain a normal appearance.