Skin Diseases of the Breast and Nipple Part 2: Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases

Abstract Certain dermatologic conditions are unique to the breast and nipple, whereas others may incidentally involve these structures. All require a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment due to the functional, sexual and aesthetic importance of this area. The lactating patient requires special management since certain treatment options are contraindicated. All dermatologic conditions involving the breast and nipple require careful evaluation since breast malignancy can be mistaken for a benign condition or may trigger the development of certain dermatologic conditions. This article reviews common and uncommon inflammatory and infectious conditions of the breast and nipple and provides insight into diagnosis and treatment of this heterogeneous group of diseases. For the purposes of this article, these conditions are divided into 4 distinct categories: 1) Dermatitis; 2) Radiation-induced Changes; 3) Mastitis; and 4) miscellaneous dermatologic conditions of the breast and nipple.