|
Why Are My Nipples Itchy? 12 Possible
Causes
1/14
What’s Making You Scratch?
Lots of things can make
your nipples itchy. They’re sensitive in general. They also stick out, and they
can get irritated from friction, eczema, breastfeeding, or pregnancy. Rarely,
itchy nipples can be a sign of a more serious condition. Even if your urge to
scratch is great, the problem is usually easy to treat. If you’ve been using
over-the-counter products for a couple of weeks and the itch isn’t gone, check
with your doctor.
1/14
Dry Weather
Cold, dry weather can
lead to major itching all over your body, including on the breasts and nipples.
If that’s the cause, your nipples may look raw or chafed. Keep baths and
showers to under 10 minutes. Use lukewarm water, since hot water washes away
essential oils and dries out your skin even more. Gently pat your skin with a
towel until it’s almost dry, and moisturize with a thick cream or ointment. Run
a humidifier to add moisture.
1/14
Eczema
It can cause a crusty
rash on your nipples and the flat part around it, especially if you’ve had
eczema before. Use a thick moisturizer with ceramides, a waxy ingredient that
helps heal the skin. A topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone can help with
swelling and itching. Your doctor can prescribe stronger prescription
ointments. See them right away if you notice any oozing or tenderness, which
could be a sign of infection.
1/14
Soap
Your new soap, lotion,
or laundry detergent could be behind your itchy nipples. The chemicals in many
cleansing products can cause a rash called contact dermatitis. It can show up
as itchy red patches on your body. Switch to soaps and cleansers that are
hypoallergenic, unscented, and free of dyes, and you’ll know if that’s the
problem.
1/14
Undergarments
Your breasts and nipples
may be reacting to the elastic or dye used to make your bra or lingerie.
Contact dermatitis can cause redness and itching on the areas of the skin that
touch the fabric, like your nipples. If you’ve recently started wearing a new
bra, go back to your old one for a while and see if the itch goes away.
1/14
Friction
Your nipples can chafe
when they rub against clothing while you exercise or because your bra is too
tight. It’s usually more painful than itchy, but some women say the friction
can feel like itching or burning. Apply petroleum jelly to the area before workouts
to protect it from irritation, and make sure your bra fits well.
1/14
Pregnancy
Weight gain, morning
sickness, hormone swings, and ... itchy nipples? Yep, add that to the list of
symptoms of pregnancy. Blame it on hormone changes and skin stretching as your
breasts and nipples expand to get ready for a nursing baby. Cocoa butter,
coconut oil, or a lanolin ointment rubbed on the nipples can help lessen the
itch.
1/14
Breastfeeding
Milk residue, plugged
milk ducts, and problems with your baby latching on during feedings all can
make nipples itchy and sore. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry and
to continue to pump or nurse. Lanolin ointment and silicone gel pads cooled in
the refrigerator can help ease your discomfort.
1/14
Thrush
If you’re breastfeeding,
and if your nipples and surrounding area are not only itchy but shiny or flaky,
and you feel sharp pain while nursing, see your doctor. Those are signs of
thrush, a fungal infection. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream to
put on your nipples and breasts, as well as a mild antifungal medication you
take by mouth.
1/14
Menopause
This stage of your life
can make your skin thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. Blame it on your
hormones going up and down and on lower levels of estrogen. Your body makes
less oil, so it’s harder for your skin to retain moisture. The itch can strike
just about anywhere on the body, including the vagina and nipples. Fight the
dryness by using mild cleansers, moisturizing often, and taking fewer hot
showers.
1/14
Radiation
Treatment for breast
cancer can lead to severe itching in the breasts and nipples, even long after
it ends. Radiation kills skin cells and causes dryness, burning, and itching as
the skin peels off. Massage the area with an ice cube, wear soft, loose-fitting
clothes, and drink plenty of fluids. Oral antihistamines can help. Your doctor
also can prescribe a corticosteroid to rub on the skin.
1/14
Paget's Disease
This rare form of breast
cancer starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and nearby area. It
can look a lot like eczema, with crusted, scaly, and itchy skin. But it often
affects just one nipple, and you may also see blood or yellow discharge. If the
rash doesn’t respond to eczema treatments, you may need a biopsy of a tissue
sample to be sure. Paget's disease usually is treated with surgery, followed by
radiation.
1/14
Benign Tumor
Sometimes, a
noncancerous tumor in the breast duct can cause an itchy, crusted nipple. You
may feel a small lump or notice a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. To
make the diagnosis, your doctor may X-ray your breast duct or order an
ultrasound, mammogram, or biopsy. The treatment is usually surgery.
This tool does not provide medical advice.
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন