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Sore nipples and breast tenderness are classic early pregnancy signs. But…are there other reasons why your nipples are hurting, even if you’re note expecting? Turns out, a bunch.
Experts in This Article
board-certified OB/GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group
Nipple sensitivity can happen for lots of reasons, and only some of them have to do with hormone fluctuations, explains Suzy Lipinski, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Sunrise, FL. And don’t worry: The other causes are rarely serious.
So, let’s talk about what might be going on. Here are seven reasons why your nipples feel sensitive or painful, and what you can do to finally get some relief.
Menstruation
If your nipple or breast sensitivity tends to hit around the same time every month and is accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, breakouts, mood changes, fatigue, or headaches, chances are you’re dealing with PMS, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The culprit: Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which shift in the days leading up to your period, Dr. Lipinski explains.
How to treat it
Doubling down on your healthy habits before your period (think: balanced foods, plenty of sleep, and some daily exercise) can help combat PMS symptoms overall, while magnesium supplements might help specifically with breast tenderness, the ACOG notes. Reach for your comfiest (read: not too tight), most supportive bra too, Dr. Lipinski recommends. It’ll keep things from jostling around too much.
Hormonal birth control
The hormones in birth control pills can make your breasts or nipples more sensitive too, not to mention make your boobs a little swollen–usually right before your period, per the Mayo Clinic. It’s not anything to worry about, but you should let your healthcare provider know if the pill’s side effects are bothering you. Together you can talk about seeing whether another birth control option might cause fewer side effects.
How to treat it
The comfort measures that help with PMS can help you manage birth-control-related tenderness too. Self-care and a good bra can do the trick. The American Pregnancy Association also recommends using a moist and heated cloth to gently pat your breasts if you’re experiencing sore nipples.
Breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or pumping
It’s pretty common for your nipples to be sore or uncomfortable during the first couple weeks of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and pumping as your skin gets used to all that action. If your baby is struggling to latch, that can make the problem worse, Dr. Lipinski says. You might feel a pinching every time they nurse or start to get cracked nipples, per Nemours.
How to treat it
Mild soreness should ease up on its own within a few weeks as your body adjusts to breastfeeding. In the meantime, you can make yourself more comfortable by applying a soothing ointment like Aquaphor ($12) to your nipples, wearing a supportive bra, and feeding your baby or pumping regularly to avoid engorgement, Dr. Lipinski says. Reach out to a lactation consultant if the pain is severe. They can take a look at your baby’s latch and show you how to help them improve it.
Friction from clothing
Nipple skin is thin and delicate, so it can be prone to chafing or even bleeding if it’s repeatedly rubbing against your shirt or bra—such as if you’re running or doing another physical activity. This phenomenon is known as “nipple chafing” and is especially common with cotton bras or t-shirts, which can hang onto sweat and irritate your skin, according to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.
How to treat it
Switching to a sports bra or top made of moisture-wicking material and slicking on an anti-chafing balm should do the trick. Try A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment and Skin Protectant ($14) or BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafing Balm ($9).
Breast infection
An infection can definitely make your nipple or breast hurt. The culprit is often mastitis, a breast infection that can happen when one of your milk ducts gets clogged. “It will start as a red, swollen area on the breast, and then [cause you to] develop a fever and body aches or chills. You will feel like you have the flu,” Dr. Lipinski says.
You can also get thrush, aka a yeast infection, on your nipples from breast or chestfeeding. (FYI, this is because the infection starts in your baby’s mouth and gets passed onto you.) “[Thrush] don’t typically cause flu-like symptoms but can cause stabbing, needle-like pain during breastfeeding,” says Dr. Lipinski.
Breastfeeding aside, it’s also possible to get folliculitis around your nipple, which is an infection that happens when a hair follicle in the area gets clogged with bacteria. The affected area might be red, painful, or tender and look similar to the appearance of acne or a pus-filled blister, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
How to treat it
Contact your healthcare if you think you have mastitis, folliculitis, or a yeast infection. Antibiotics are a must for mastitis, Dr. Lipinski says. Depending on the severity of the yeast infection, your provider might recommend a topical antifungal cream or an oral med. Folliculitis, however, can often be managed at home with warm compresses and an antibiotic ointment like Baciguent (bacitracin), per the Mayo Clinic.
Allergic reaction or skin rash
It’s completely possible for a certain fabric or an ingredient in a personal care product or laundry detergent to irritate your nipples. “Skin is a very sensitive organ and can develop allergic reactions to chemicals at any time,” Dr. Lipinski says. If that’s the case, you’ll probably notice some redness, itching, swelling, or even burning, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How to treat it
First and foremost, try to ID your allergen and steer clear of whatever’s making your skin itch. The National Eczema Association says that in itself should make a big difference, though it can take a couple of days or longer to see noticeable results. In the meantime, applying a cool compress or a moisturizing ointment like petroleum jelly can help you feel more comfortable. However, avoid using corticosteroids or other anti-itch creams on your nipples without your provider’s approval.
Breast cancer
Any type of long-term sensitivity or skin changes around your breasts should raise a red flag. That’s because there’s a possibility your symptoms are an underlying sign of breast cancer, notes the Centers for Disease Control or Prevention (CDC). One rare form of breast cancer in particular, called Paget’s disease of the breast, is marked by nipple symptoms that include itching, redness, tingling, flaking, crusting, oozing, or unusual discharge, according to the National Cancer Institute.
How to treat it
Contact your healthcare if you’re experiencing symptoms that you think could be related to breast cancer. Letting them know about your symptoms in a timely manner is of great importance, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Once you go in fora. visit, your provider can conduct tests to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment options, if needed.
How to heal sore nipples
The solution for nipple soreness really hinges on what’s causing it. Several treatments are available, but the most common remedies include one or more of the following options:
- Cold compresses: A washcloth dipped in cool water often provides relief if you’re dealing with chafing or any kind of allergy-related skin irritation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: “Tylenol or Motrin are excellent for breast pain. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) creams can also be used safely,” Dr. Lipinski says. Both of these medications are safe to use if you’re breastfeeding, per the Mayo Clinic, but you’ll probably want to steer clear of any NSAID creams, so your baby doesn’t ingest them while feeding.
- Ointments: Petroleum jelly or lanolin can soothe cracked, irritated, or flaking skin. Both are safe for breastfeeding, but some people are sensitive to lanolin, Dr. Lipinski notes. If the ointment makes your skin worse or irritates your baby, switch to petroleum jelly.
- Supportive bra and loose-fitting clothes: Reach for a bra that holds your breasts in place but isn’t too tight. Pick a loose top if you’re going braless. Anything constricting can make your soreness or irritation worse.
- Antibiotics: Your healthcare provider might prescribe these medications if you have an infection like mastitis or a yeast infection.
When to see a healthcare provider
In some cases, nipple soreness or tenderness may not go away with home remedies. When this happens, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. According to Dr. Lipinski, you should see your provider if you have:
- Nipple pain or discomfort that’s not easing up after a week or two
- Severe pain that’s interfering with your daily activities or making it harder to breastfeed
- Any signs of an infection, like oozing, fever, chills, or body aches
- Breasts that appear swollen, look dimpled, or have an orange-peel-like texture
In most cases, nipple pain or soreness isn’t a cause for concern, and many people experience this tenderness from time to time. However, if you don’t see an improvement in your symptoms, talking to your provider and getting tested for underlying conditions is a good way to be informed about your health and feel better.
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