Home DiseasesGynecology and Obstetrics What Causes Nipple Itching? Causes, Treatment, How It Goes

What Causes Nipple Itching? Causes, Treatment, How It Goes

by Josephine Andrews
Published: Last Updated on 542 views

Nipple itching is a complaint that occurs in both men and women. It usually occurs under the influence of simple environmental conditions . Some breast diseases can also cause nipple itching.

In this text; causes itchy nipple , nipple itching What are the reasons, you should go to the doctor when and how the nipple itch treatment you can find a comprehensive answer to the question.

What Causes Nipple Itching?

Women and men will experience nipple itching at some point in their lives . There are many factors that can lead to this condition , and most are not cause for concern.

Nipple itching is a common complaint in women. What you should know about itchy nipples:

  • It is often caused by a simple condition.
  • The underlying cause is often benign, meaning it is not cancer.
  • It is usually short-term and temporary.
  • The complaint of itching in the breast can sometimes be caused by a more serious disease.
  • If you have additional symptoms, it would be helpful to see a doctor.

The complaint of itching at the nipple is usually short-lived and goes away on its own. In this case, there is nothing to worry about.

In some women, breast itching may last longer. These people may express their current complaints in different ways. Expressions can be:

  • Nipple itching
  • Nipple itching
  • Itching on the nipple
  • itchy nipple
  • Itching in one breast, itching in both breasts
  • nipple itching
  • Itching of the nipples

Any of these terms can be used to describe the itching of the nipples . Your doctor will perform the necessary examination and try to determine the underlying cause.

The underlying cause may be an environmental factor, or it may be a short-term breast disease . The treatment plan will be determined by your doctor according to the underlying cause.

In the subsections of our article , you can find explanations of the causes of nipple itching , diagnosis and treatment approach.

What Are The Causes Of Nipple Itching?

There are many different conditions that can cause nipple itching. The most common cause of itching is environmental conditions and occurs due to external factors.

The causes and explanations for itchy nipples are as follows:

 Dry or Cold Weather 

Cold, dry air can cause itching in many parts of your body , including the breasts and nipples .

To reduce the impact of weather conditions, you can consider the following suggestions:

  • Keep your bath time less than 10 minutes.
  • Wash with lukewarm water. Hot water reduces the oil content of the skin and dries the skin even more.
  • Dry thoroughly after showering.
  • Moisturize your body with suitable lotions or ointments.

 Friction 

The most common cause of itching on human skin is often friction. Nipple itching may occur in women and men due to friction .

Those at highest risk of itching due to rubbing are:

  • wearing cotton shirts
  • Wearing cotton clothes
  • Not using a bra
  • wearing warm or cold clothes

Nipple itching due to friction may be seen more frequently in people who are involved in some sports . These sports:

  • Running
  • Surfing
  • Halter
  • Boxing

Depending on the level of friction, some additional symptoms may occur. The following symptoms may occur as a result of prolonged exposure of the breast to friction:

  • Breast irritation
  • Redness in the breast
  • cracking of the nipple
  • Nipple itching
  • Dryness at or around the nipple
  • Cracking at or around the nipple

You should pay attention to the characteristics of your clothes that come into contact with the breast . You should not use products that have a high friction level and make you uncomfortable.

 Eczema 

Another important reason that can cause itching in and around the nipple is dermatitis. Dermatitis is skin lesions with itching.

The most common causes of dermatitis in the breast are eczema and allergic dermatitis . Itching of the breast is common due to eczema.

Here’s what you should know about breast eczema :

  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is common in women who are breastfeeding.
  • It is a common condition in people who have previously had atopic dermatitis.
  • It can affect different parts of the body along with the breast.
  • To some types of eczema; irritation from running, hard clothing, water, soap, and some detergents.
  • Some types of eczema may be the result of an allergic response.
  • Lotions, creams or perfumes used can cause atopic dermatitis.

The following symptoms may occur due to eczema in the nipple and the surrounding area called the areola :

  • Itching
  • Combustion
  • pain
  • Undercover
  • crusting
  • cracking and bleeding

Dermatitis in the breast can be diagnosed and treated thanks to other symptoms that occur along with itching.

If you have itchy nipples and other symptoms, you should see a doctor soon and seek medical advice.

 Pregnancy 

With the onset of pregnancy, certain changes occur in the body of pregnant women . These:

  • Changes in hormone levels
  • Enlargement and enlargement of the breast
  • Increased blood flow to the breast

As a result of this and a number of other reasons, itchy nipples may occur due to pregnancy . Pregnant women may notice these changes in their breasts:

  • Mild pain in and around the nipple
  • Tingling in the breast
  • Increase in breast tenderness
  • Feeling of heaviness in the breast
  • Nipple itching

Questions such as whether nipple itching is a sign of pregnancy may come to mind. Nipple itching is not a direct symptom of pregnancy, but itching may occur in some women due to pregnancy.

 Breast Mushroom 

Some women may have a yeast infection called breast fungus or breast thrush . This infection is caused by a fungus called c.albicans .

Fungal formation on the nipple is not common. It can occur after breastfeeding, carrying vaginal thrush, or taking antibiotics.

Nipple fungus can rarely affect men. Fungus on the nipple can damage the nipple itself and the tip.

Nipple fungus can cause symptoms such as:

  • Pain and stinging in the nipple or breast
  • Tenderness or burning in the nipple
  • Itching in the nipples
  • nipple redness
  • Drying and flaking of the areola area
  • White rash on and around the nipple
  • Cracking in the nipples
  • Burning sensation after breastfeeding

If you see a white coating in your baby’s mouth , a rash on the tongue, or red lesions in the mouth while breastfeeding, this may indicate oral thrush. Babies with oral thrush should be treated with their mothers .

 Cleaning products 

Various products you use for body cleansing can cause itching on the nipple . The products you use while bathing can cause itchy nipples.

The soaps , shampoos and other cleaning products you use can cause an allergic effect on your body and cause a condition called contact dermatitis .

The main features of itching due to cleaning products are:

  • Itching occurs at the points where it comes into contact with the body.
  • Redness and rashes may be seen along with itching.
  • Symptoms will subside if the cleaning product is not reused.

Your doctor will ask you to find the possible allergenic product. He or she will recommend using hypoallergenic , odorless , chemical- free and dye-free cleaners.

 Underwear 

Nipple itching that leads to one of the important factors that you use good athlete , bras and other lingerie is. Your body may be reacting to the dye or texture of the underwear.

In fact, this is a form of contact dermatitis. Redness and itching may occur in areas of the body that come into contact with your underwear or bra .

If you have recently bought a new bra or underwear, try on your old bra for a while and see if the itchiness disappears.

 Breast-feeding 

Some mothers may feel itchy nipples while breastfeeding or after breastfeeding . Itching associated with breastfeeding may be linked to:

  • Milk residue after breastfeeding
  • Clogged milk ducts
  • baby sucking nipples
  • Baby biting nipples

These reasons can cause the nipples to become itchy and sore during or after breastfeeding .

The following suggestions should take into consideration:

  • After breastfeeding, clean the nipples and their surroundings from milk residues.
  • Keep nipples and surrounding areas clean.
  • Use the breast pump properly.
  • You can protect the nipples with silicone gel pads after breastfeeding.

 Menopause 

Along with menopause, great changes occur in the hormone levels in the female body . A thinner, drier and more easily irritated skin structure is formed. It is an important cause of nipple itching.

With the decrease in estrogen hormone levels, there is less oil in the skin and it becomes more difficult for the skin to retain moisture. As a result, itching may occur on the skin, vagina and nipples.

 Radiation 

Women who have received radiation therapy for breast cancer may experience severe itching in the breasts and nipples long after the treatment ends.

With the effect of radiation, skin cells die and this causes dryness , burning and itching on the skin . After radiotherapy, you can:

  • Massage your breasts with ice cubes.
  • Wear soft and loose clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Use the topical medications your doctor has prescribed.

 Paget’s Disease of the Breast 

It is a rare form of breast cancer. It starts in the breast canals and spreads to the nipple and its surroundings. The external appearance of the breast becomes different.

Paget’s disease of the breast is similar to eczema . There are crusty, scaly and itchy skin lesions. It usually affects one nipple. There may be a bloody or yellowish discharge from the breast .

Lesions that do not respond to eczema treatment should be examined by biopsy. Paget’s disease of the breast is treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy.

When Should You Go To The Doctor?

Nipple itching is usually due to simple causes and is often not a concern. The clothes you wear and the cleaning products you use can cause nipple itching.

If the nipple itching continues for a long time and there are other symptoms along with itching, it would be beneficial to see a doctor soon.

Along with itchy nipples , you may notice these symptoms on the breast:

  • pain
  • burning sensation
  • redness
  • Kabarma
  • skin peeling
  • Hardness
  • Bloody, yellowish or brown discharge
  • Skin changes similar to orange peel
  • thickening of breast tissue

If you have one or more of these symptoms along with itchy nipples , you should see a doctor soon and seek medical advice.

Do not forget that the complaint of itching in the nipple is usually caused by short-term and simple reasons . If you have long-standing and progressive complaints, seek medical advice.

How To Treat Nipple Itching?

Treatment for nipple itching or nipple itching depends on the underlying cause. The underlying cause is usually due to simple conditions. The most common causes are:

  • dry and cold weather
  • Friction
  • Cleaning products
  • underwear
These are the most common causes of nipple itching. You should review the underwear and cleaning products you use . You should keep your breasts away from friction.Nipple itching can be resolved by washing the skin with a mild soap and warm water . Skin care routines of the breast area can also help in treatment.

A fragrance- or dye-free skin cream may relieve your symptoms. Prescription medications your doctor will give you can also help with treatment.

Nipple itching may be caused by a breast infection (mastitis) . The following methods can be used for the treatment of mastitis:

  • Prescription antibiotics
  • pain relievers
  • Abundant fluid consumption

The following treatment methods can be used for Paget’s disease of the breast :

  • Surgical removal of part of the breast
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy

Other causes of itching in the nipple and the treatment steps for these causes can be:

 Friction Treatment 

Friction is the most common cause of nipple itching . The clothes you use, the tank tops or bras, the linens you use, etc. they can cause friction.

You can prevent and treat nipple itching caused by rubbing with the following methods:

  • You should stop the activity that caused this condition until the nipple heals.
  • You should not use products that cause friction and itching until the nipple heals.
  • Using ointments or creams recommended by your doctor
  • Covering the nipples with a waterproof adhesive bandage before exercising
  • Using casual and sports clothes that fit your body
  • Using soft bras

 Eczema Treatment 

There are many different causes that lead to the formation of eczema . Your doctor may order some tests to determine the underlying cause.

The following methods can be used for the treatment of eczema on and around the nipple :

  • Getting away from the factors that cause the reaction
  • Follow the treatment plan to prevent further deterioration of the condition and infection.
  • Keeping the breast moist with the help of various moisturizers
  • Using prescription medications your doctor will give you
  • Using topical steroids and antihistamines in appropriate doses and times

If there is an infection along with eczema, your doctor may add antibiotics to the treatment plan.

 Treatment in Pregnancy 

Nipple itching during pregnancy can be treated with the following methods:

  • Moisturizing the breast and skin with non-chemical lotions
  • Using chemical-free lotions such as vitamin E, cocoa butter, or lanolin
  • Moisturizing the nipples with lotion after showering, especially in the morning and evening
  • Using mild and unscented detergents that do not contain harsh chemicals
  • Using bras that allow airflow to the breasts
  • Using bras that are not too tight and fit the breast size

 Breast Fungus Treatment 

Breast or nipple fungus treatment may include:

  • Antifungal creams or oral antifungal medications
  • keeping the nipple dry
  • Changing breast pads regularly during the day
  • washing clothes, towels, bras and other clothing with hot water and soap
  • Complete drying of the washed products

 Atopic Dermatitis Treatment 

The human body is sensitive to many environmental factors . You may experience itching on the skin due to the clothes or cleaning products you use.

The cause of nipple itching may be such environmental factors. Treatment for atopic dermatitis may include:

  • Avoid products that cause a reaction.
  • Keep your breast moist with the help of various moisturizers.
  • Use the prescription drugs your doctor will give you.
  • Use topical steroids and antihistamines in appropriate dosage and duration.

The main treatment for atopic dermatitis is to avoid the environmental factor that caused the reaction . This product can be your new bra or your new shampoo.

How To Prevent Nipple Itching?

Nipple itching is often caused by simple environmental conditions . By eliminating these environmental conditions, nipple itching can be prevented.

Preventive steps for nipple itch may include:

  • Careful and correct skin care should be done.
  • The cause of atopic dermatitis should be avoided.
  • Try to empty all the milk from the breast while breastfeeding.
  • You should not use products that cause friction and itching until the nipple heals.
  • You should use soft bras.
  • Keep your breast moist with the help of various moisturizers.
  • After showering, you should dry enough.
  • After washing your clothes, you should dry them properly.

You should recognize the environmental conditions that cause breast itching and stay away from these conditions. You should observe the changes experienced after using a new cleaning product or underwear.

Nipple itching is usually caused by simple causes and is short- lived. If your complaints are long-lasting and gradually increasing, it would be beneficial to see a doctor.

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