For the last 5-6 weeks I've been suffering with itchy, dry, flaky skin on my areolas, and in the last few days, localised pain in one breast when pressure is applied.
For context, I have breastfed my baby from Jan 2025. At Christmas I weaned her off slowly as I was returning to work, but continued to breastfeed first thing in the morning and at bedtime. Initially I thought the itchiness/soreness was to do with her latch. At the end of Jan I weaned her off the morning feeds, and by mid-Feb I had weaned her off bedtime feeds too, but the soreness is persisting. I have a history of eczema but have never had it on my breasts before. I have used a gentle moisturiser (aveeno) and an emollient cream to try to help the skin recover, but it isn't having any impact. (I also haven't used any new products e.g. laundry or shower either).
In the last day or 2 I have also noticed pain/tenderness behind my right nipple and at the bottom right quarter of my right breast when pressure is applied.
I've rang my GP but am struggling to get an appointment, so I wondered if this might be a good place for advice in the meantime?
