Nipple Discharge in Men: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Fluid leaking from one or both nipples is called nipple discharge. Discharge from a man's breast is not normal and should always be checked by a doctor. Nipple discharge may be a symptom of an infection, a side effect of a medicine, or maybe a symptom of breast cancer.
Treatment depends on what is causing the nipple discharge. You may need more tests to find out the cause.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Be safe with medicines. If your doctor gave you medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at your breast tissue or area around the nipple until you have your follow-up appointment.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of a breast infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a breast.
- Red streaks extending from the breast.
- Pus draining from a breast.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have:
- A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
- A change in the size or shape of your breast.
- A change in the shape of a nipple (the nipple may look like it is being pulled into the breast).
- Skin changes, such as a dimple or pucker.
- A change in the color or feel of the skin of your breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).
- Not gotten better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: August 2, 2022