Red scaly/pealy/itchy/patchy area on areola?

[Amber Lion]

There is absolutely no pain in my breast or when feeding, but I've got this strange patch on one breast. It itches badly on and off throughout the day and is unsightly. It's gotten bigger over the past few weeks and there is nothing going on in my DD's mouth (to indicate thrush). Any ideas? My friend suggested treating with gentian violet even though it doesn't seem to be thrush to kill anything that it might be.

[dnr3301]

staph would also most likely respond to gentian violet, but honestly, it sounds more like excema or something.