Why does areolar eczema become thick and hard?

In general, thickening and hardening of areolar eczema may be caused by factors such as aging, pregnancy-related changes, chronic irritation, contact dermatitis, or endocrine disorders. Management under a doctor's guidance may include general care measures and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

As people age, collagen and elastic fibers in the skin gradually decrease, causing the skin to lose elasticity and become dry and rough. The skin in the areolar eczema area undergoes the same process and may thicken and harden. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, wear properly fitting bras for adequate support, and use mild, non-irritating skincare products.

2. Pregnancy-related Changes

During pregnancy, hormone levels—such as estrogen and progesterone—rise significantly, stimulating breast tissue growth and skin thickening in preparation for breastfeeding. As a result, the skin around the areola may become thicker and feel firmer. Regular skin care is recommended, including using antioxidant-rich skincare products, maintaining adequate skin hydration, and performing gentle skin massage.

3. Chronic Irritation

Prolonged chronic irritation to the areolar area—such as from friction, scratching, or wearing ill-fitting underwear—can also lead to thickening and hardening of eczema lesions. Avoid tight-fitting or rough-textured undergarments, minimize friction and scratching, and keep the areolar area clean and dry.

4. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction triggered by skin exposure to external substances. Long-term contact with certain irritants or allergens—such as detergents or cosmetics—may cause the areolar eczema to thicken and harden, often accompanied by symptoms like redness, itching, and flaking. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as loratadine tablets, compound chlorphenamine tablets, or hydrocortisone tablets.

5. Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine disorders refer to imbalances in hormone secretion within the body. Abnormal estrogen levels or other hormonal imbalances can affect the health of the areolar skin, leading to thickening and hardening of areolar eczema. These changes may be accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and mood swings. Under a doctor’s supervision, patients may be treated with medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, or tanshinone injection.

Women are advised to maintain a healthy diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and engage in regular exercise to strengthen their immune system.