Which condition predominately affects the areolar region?

Nipple eczema predominantly affects the areolar region because it is characterized by inflammation of the skin, usually resulting in symptoms such as redness, scaling, and itching specifically around the nipple and surrounding areola. The condition is essentially a form of dermatitis that manifests in this localized area. It can be triggered by various factors, including irritants, allergies, or friction.

In contrast, Paget's disease of the nipple and invasive ductal carcinoma are conditions that also involve the nipple area but have distinct pathophysiologies. Paget's disease typically presents with changes in the skin of the nipple and areola along with underlying malignancy, and while it does affect the areolar region, its presentation is often more systemic and related to breast cancer rather than being strictly a dermatologic condition like nipple eczema.

Invasive ductal carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that may involve the areola region but is not primarily characterized by skin changes. Instead, it usually presents as a lump or mass rather than localized eczema-like symptoms.

Invasive lobular carcinoma, on the other hand, is also a form of breast cancer but is less likely to predominate in the areolar region compared to nipple eczema as it often does not present with surface symptoms localized to the