Nipple Itching: Meaning
The cause of an itchy nipple is moderate to severe irritation of the breasts. Bacteria, fungi, and other things are some of the factors that might worsen it or lead to nipple itching. This is very annoying and can happen to anyone. On top of this, it becomes even more frustrating because the area is always hidden and inconvenient to scratch in public places. Thus, out of all kinds of itching, this one ranks among the most distressing.
That’s why this problem can be so disturbing because it has no quick fix for it. One may feel embarrassed when they have to scratch their nipples while out in public places. In this blog, let’s consider everything about nipple itching.
Symptoms of Nipple Itching
These are some of them:
- Around the areola, there is redness.
- Breast tissue is tender.
- One breast may look more extensive compared to the other.
- Nipples unusually discharge something.
- The nipple skin gets crusty or scaly.
- Welts that appear as if they are raised and shiny around the nipples, which become rashes.
- Cracked bleeding nipples
- A burning, tingling pain occurs deep within her breasts after she feeds/pumps milk from her breasts.
Itchy Nipples Causes: 7 Things You Must Know
Many factors can cause itchiness on your nipples. Below are some possible causes that result in itchy nipples.
Dry Weather
It gets freezing, and dry weather can make your skin itch, even on your nipples. The raw or chafed appearance of the nipples is possible. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to keep your baths or showers short, as this could worsen the dryness of the skin. Gently pat your skin after cleaning it, and apply a thick moisturizer.
Eczema
Your nipples may develop a crusty rash from eczema, particularly if you have already experienced it. To heal your skin, use a thick moisturizer with ceramides. You may need topical steroid cream for swelling as well as itching. Seek medical attention if you have been discharged from the nipple or if they are tender.
Source: Freepik
Soap
New soaps or some different lotion cause nipples to itch. The chemicals in cleansing products can result in contact dermatitis, leading to red patches that itch. Switching to hypoallergenic, unscented, and dye-free products may solve this issue.
Undergarments
Redness and itching resulting from synthetic dyes in your bra/lingerie causes a reaction. The introduction of new bras can revert to previous ones by eliminating itching.
Friction
When you exercise or when wearing tight bras, nipples chafe against the material, causing pain and sometimes an itch. During workouts, make sure that you use petroleum jelly before exercising besides.
Pregnancy
Because of hormonal changes during pregnancy and stretching of the skin around them, one might feel itchy on their nipples. Add cocoa butter, lanolin ointment, and coconut oil to ease this discomfort.
Breastfeeding
Itchy, sore nipples may occur due to milk residue in them. Continue pumping or nursing it and keep that area clean and dry. Relieve pain by applying lanolin ointment and cooled silicone gel pads.
Thus, understanding these causes can help answer why my nipples are itchy and guide you to the proper treatment.
Diagnosing Nipple Itching
The doctor may make a diagnosis by finding out how severe it is and what leads to it. For instance, the physician might prescribe imaging and blood testing. Imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays determine whether a condition is life-threatening. Subsequent tests may also help in diagnosis:
Mammography
It helps identify cysts under the nipples that could cause itchiness.
Source: Freepik
Breast Ultrasound
It helps doctors detect small cysts that trigger itchiness.
Nevertheless, in cases of mild itching patients often ask their physician about symptoms. You could contact your doctor and ask him to treat this condition as soon as possible. Understanding these potential causes for itchy nipples can help you find the proper treatment and relief.
Itchy Nipples Treatment
The physician will suggest the best course of action depending on the severity of the cause you are experiencing. Below are some of the treatments based on the causes of nipple itching:
- Doctors often treat mastitis with antibiotics by prescribing an entire medication course. This can help one achieve the best results and reduce re-infection chances.
- Observe your physician’s guidance when using topical steroids and antiseptic creams.
- A doctor may recommend oral medicine or antifungal cream to treat breast yeast infections.
- An antibacterial cream application can cure the condition with the name of a jogger’s nipple.
- Surgeries can remove these cysts in severe cases like cyst formation, causing itchiness in the nipples.
For an itchy nipples home remedy, one should seek professional assistance to implement a plan.
To Sum It Up
Nonetheless, medical specialists should always diagnose itchy nipples so they can oversee the proper treatment.
References
Sashin, D. (2024, March 19). Why Are My Nipples Itchy? 12 Possible Causes. WebMD.
CARE Hospitals (n.d.). Nipple Itching: Symptom, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment.
