There are several reasons why nipples hurt, with causes ranging from benign to serious.
Nipple pain may ache, tingle, throb, burn, or feel tender.
It may or may not be connected with more generalbreast pain.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Most causes of nipple pain resolve with at-home treatment.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Clothing Irritation
Clothing that rubs on nipples can cause irritation.
Sometimes called jogger’s nipple, friction burns can occur from clothing rubbing on the nipples.
Clothing irritation on the nipples is common in runners, especially new runners.Typically, both nipples are involved.
Sweating also may contribute to the condition.
The irritation can get pretty raw.
In the worst cases, the nipples can even bleed.
If you give it time, it will heal.
For females, the right sports bra will often help avoid future nipple irritation.
With the right clothing, you might likely prevent jogger’s nipples from returning.
Moisturizer and giving the burn time to heal will also help.
One way is to use a lubricant to act as a barrier between clothes and nipples.
Consider trying anti-chafing products like Body Glide or other petroleum-based ointments.
Some people also use special tape or bandages.
To lessen chafing, try synthetic material made for runners instead of cotton.
Also, try different undergarments, even if you’re not a runner, to prevent nipple irritation.
Infections
Mastitisis an infection of themammary ducts.
It can cause nipple pain or general breast pain.
Individuals with mastitis may experience additional symptoms such as a fever or general malaise.
Additionally, individuals can get folliculitis on their nipples, too.
Infection Treatment
Infections are common in people who are chestfeeding.
A provider may recommend consultation with a lactation specialist to review feeding techniques.
Nipple thrush typically involves a prescription cream applied to the nipple per your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Folliculitis often resolves on its own.
Other hormonal causes of nipple pain include:
Hormonal Changes Treatment
Hormonal nipple pain is normal.
Sexual Activity
Nipple play during sex can lead to irritation and nipple pain.
This also can happen due to hormonal changes.
Usually, this problem only lasts for a short while and goes away with a little time to heal.
Still, some 41% of people in one study said their breast pain interfered with sex.
Sexual Activity Treatment
Moisturizer is helpful during the healing process when breasts are sore after sex.
More comprehensive approaches can include nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
The proper technique can help avoid irritation and ensure that milk production is best managed.
Lactation consultants are medical professionals who can help assess a baby’s latch and provide guidance on pumping.
Your healthcare professional or baby’s provider can refer you to a lactation consultant for help.
If needed, you’ve got the option to uselanolinor other nipple ointment to ease soreness.
It can happen to one or both nipples.
Eczema can be difficult to treat.Topical corticosteroidsorcalcineurin inhibitorsare first-line drugs that are safe to use during lactation, too.
Avoiding eczema triggers such as friction or allergen exposure can help minimize occurrences.
Nipples are often among the first body parts to become irritated by new allergies, resulting in nipple pain.
Allergic Reaction Treatment
To limit allergic reactions, avoid perfumed lotions and detergents.
Even pollen and pet dander can lead to allergic responses that affect the nipples.
Try soft, loose-fitting clothes, too.
Sunburns
Sunburnscan happen, especially for nipples that don’t often see the light of day.
Sunburn can occur when going topless or when wearing mesh clothing that breathes.
It is a common condition among runners.
When the nipple is involved, it’s considered mammary Paget’s disease (MPD).
It is highly associated with cancer.
Paget’s disease can cause flaky, crusty skin that looks similar to eczema but involves the nipple.
It typically only affects one side of the body.
Crusty skin and discharge are symptoms of each condition.
EAN Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor usually leads to a good prognosis.
Nipple Vasospasm
Nipple vasospasm happens when blood flow is restricted to the nipple.
Cold weather can reduce blood flow, which is one cause.
However, the most common cause is chestfeeding.
Individuals may notice their nipples changing colors from their typical hue to white to red.
Nipple Vasospasm Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause.
However, this can be challenging if the trigger is an everyday situation, like opening a freezer door.
A lactation consultant can help with the child’s latch or pump function if an individual is chestfeeding.
Several home remedies and prescription medication options are available for those with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Home remedies can include avoiding or limiting caffeine and reducing stress.
Some causes of nipple pain are less common and require an appropriate diagnosis.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Nipple pain often resolves on its own.
If you experience nipple pain with nursing or pumping, contact your healthcare provider.
You may have a condition like mastitis or thrush that requires treatment.
Or, if there is pain with chestfeeding, a lactation consultant can often help provide guidance.
Sometimes, additional diagnostics are necessary to determine the cause of nipple pain and rule out serious causes.
Imaging tests and biopsies are two types of tests a provider might order for nipple pain.
Imaging tests can includemammogramsor ultrasounds.
This can prevent the baby from latching onto the nipple properly when breastfeeding.
Most nipple pain is treatable at home.
It could be due to an allergic reaction, eczema, hormonal changes, sexual activity, or sunburn.
In rare cases, nipple irritation may require evaluation from your healthcare provider.
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