When should you see a doctor about breast skin changes?

Irritation, eczema, a blocked duct, or mastitis can alter the skin around the breast or nipple. Infection may cause warmth, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Breast cancer can present with dimpling or a change in breast shape, while inflammatory breast cancer can cause rapid redness, swelling, and a peau d'orange texture. Paget disease of the breast may affect the nipple with persistent scaling or crusting.

Compare both breasts in good light and note when the change began, whether it is spreading, and whether there is pain, fever, discharge, or a lump. Avoid new creams or fragranced products on irritated skin until you have advice. Tell the clinician about breastfeeding, recent injury, nipple piercing, medicines, and any previous breast condition.

Seek prompt medical review for rapidly developing redness or swelling, fever, severe tenderness, a new fixed area, bloody discharge, or skin that looks dimpled or thickened. A persistent rash on the nipple or areola also needs assessment, especially if it does not improve with simple skin care. Emergency help is needed if you feel severely unwell or faint.

Ask whether the appearance suggests infection, irritation, or a breast condition, and whether you need examination or imaging. Ask how long to try any treatment and which changes should trigger an earlier review.