What Causes Pus-like Discharge, Redness And Swelling On Nipple?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 9 year old son has had a rash for a few days but he told me the other day his nipple was red and a little sore. While his rash is going away, I noticed his nipple is still red and swollen but now there is a little pus in the center of the nipple. Anything to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
contact dermatitis, apply calamine lotion with alovera

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing here.

I have gone through your query,

The symptom can be related to contact dermatitis, it might be due to allergy to cloth, or sometimes unknowingly he might have come in contact with some object, that has resulted in the present symptom. I would presently suggest not to worry, apply calamine lotion with alovera to affected area only and that will be sufficient.

But if the discharge persists or increases than, first we have to confirm it is pus. A pathologist can examine a drop of the discharge. He may also advice a culture test to see whether there are any microbes needing antibiotics. A surgeon will be able to drain it.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj