Why nipples itch and how to get rid of itching

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you notice that the nipples have also changed shape, contact your doctor immediately.

Mild short-term itching in the chest is most often a safe and easily eliminated phenomenon. But exceptions are possible.

Here are the most common reasons for Why Are My Nipples Itchy? 12 Possible Causes / WebMD, which cause itchy nipples in both women and men.

1. Air dryness

Itching and irritation are the first signs that the skin is lacking moisture. The skin on the nipples is thinner than on most other areas of the body, so it reacts to dehydration earlier.

What to do about it

• Monitor the humidity in the room where you are spending time.
• Remember to use moisturizers and gels after you shower.
• Drink plenty of water.

2. Atopic dermatitis

Or eczema. This skin inflammation sometimes occurs with Nipple Dermatitis or Eczema / Sydney Breast Clinic on the nipple or areola - the flat pink area around it. The causes of dermatitis can not always be established: it can be associated with allergies, hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Eczema can be recognized by a mild, sometimes itchy rash on the nipple and areola. These pimples can be dry or wet.

What to do about it

The best option is to seek the advice of a therapist or dermatologist. As a rule, moisturizing creams with ceramides (also called ceramides), a waxy substance that is part of the stratum corneum and can help restore it, help with eczema on the nipples. Sometimes hydrocortisone ointments and creams are used to reduce itching and swelling. You may also need heavy artillery - drugs that are sold in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription.

3. Unsuitable detergent

Soap, shower gel, or the powder you used to wash your t-shirt or dress - the chemical compounds in them can sometimes cause contact dermatitis. It usually presents with itchy, reddened patches all over the body or in sensitive areas of the skin. The nipples are those areas.

What to do about it

If your nipples itch for no reason at first glance, remember if you have used a new shower gel or laundry detergent. Give it up for a while and monitor your condition. If the itching goes away, then your skin just doesn't like the particular product. Try not to use it.

4. Unsuitable underwear

Dermatitis can also appear due to contact with tissue. Often this is the fault of woolen and synthetic fibers, microfiber, fabrics with the addition of bright dyes and a high content of elastane.

What to do about it

Remember in what situations your nipples itch and whether this is due to the fact that you are wearing this or that bra or T-shirt. If the reason seems likely to you, give up suspicious underwear for a while and observe your condition.

5. Friction

A tight bra, tight T-shirt, or tank top can chafe your nipples. They are irritated and itchy in response.

What to do about it

Revisit your wardrobe for softer, more relaxed underwear. For a sports bra that needs to fit snugly, use nipple protectors or apply petroleum jelly to your skin before exercising to help reduce friction.

6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During these periods, the breast increases in size, the skin stretches, and in the thinnest areas - on the nipples and areola - it sometimes begins to itch. Unpleasant sensations intensify hormonal changes in the body.

What to do about it

You can lubricate the nipples with natural cocoa butter, coconut or lanolin ointment. But it is better to consult a gynecologist or therapist.

7. Excess weight

The same as during pregnancy: an increase in breast volume leads to itching and irritation. In addition, excess body fat affects the hormonal background, which makes its own five cents.

What to do about it

The strategically correct option is to get rid of excess weight. To reduce itching here and now, use a moisturizer, coconut or cocoa butter, and if the discomfort is severe, then use a pharmacy hydrocortisone ointment.

8. Fungal and bacterial infections

They are more often encountered by women who are breastfeeding. But men can also pick up an infection: harmful microbes and fungi enter the body through injured skin. If this happens, itching will be the lesser of the problem - with such an infection, the nipples also hurt.

What to do about it

Be sure to consult a doctor - therapist, mammologist, gynecologist. The specialist will figure out what kind of infection we are talking about, and will prescribe the necessary medications for you.

9. Menopause in women

With menopause, the skin becomes thinner, dry, irritated. And the nipples are the first to react.

What to do about it

To retain moisture, avoid hot showers or baths, use mild cleansers, and moisturize your skin more often.

10. Tumors

Itching can be one of the first symptoms of their development. Moreover, both benign and malignant. Other signs:

• change in the shape of the nipple;
• rashes or crusting on the nipple;
• discharge from the nipples;
• pits and irregularities in the skin of the chest.

What to do about it

Go to the doctor - therapist or mammologist as soon as possible. The sooner a tumor is detected, the higher the chances of recovery.