Overview

Sore nipples, a common discomfort, can affect females, primarily during breastfeeding. This condition often results from friction, improper latch, or skin dryness. Proper care, hydration, and ensuring a correct breastfeeding technique can help alleviate soreness and prevent complications. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for persistent or severe nipple pain.

Various other factors can also cause painful or uncomfortable nipples. Itching, redness, or changes in the skin's texture surrounding your nipple can occur in addition to discomfort or sensitivity. Most often, friction from clothes, allergies, or hormonal changes from menstruation or pregnancy result in painful nipples. Rarely, it may indicate a dangerous illness such as breast cancer. Your healthcare professional should assess any discomfort from lumps or discharge as quickly as possible.

Causes of Sore Nipples

- Friction. Most often, nipple soreness is caused by friction. Running, surfing, or basketball are athletic activities that might cause friction if the nipples brush against a shirt or an ill-fitting bra. This is called the "jogger's nipple."
- Infection. An increased risk of infection exists in breasts that are already bleeding, damaged, or subjected to friction injuries or allergic reactions. Another factor that might raise the risk of infection is lactation and nursing.
- Allergy or atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic reactions may indicate pain and irritation coupled with flaky, crusty, or blistering skin. Many common home items have the potential to aggravate pre-existing skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis or cause flare-ups of other skin irritations.
- Sexual contact. Another reason for nipple discomfort is sexual activity. Pain in the nipples may result from sexual activity or body friction. Usually, only allowing the nipples some time to heal can relieve this pain, which is only momentary.
- Hormonal changes. Breast and nipple discomfort can also be brought on by the regular hormonal fluctuations associated with a woman's menstrual cycle. These symptoms often appear in the days leading up to the start of her menstrual cycle, when elevated levels of progesterone and oestrogen attract more fluid to the breasts, making them feel bloated.
- Pregnancy-related nipple pain. Pregnancy may cause tenderness or pain in the breasts. The breasts might enlarge and hurt. Small lumps may appear around the nipples, and the areola and nipples may darken and hurt.
- Breastfeeding. An obvious reason for nipple pain is breastfeeding. The baby's latching method is primarily to blame for this. A newborn's nipple may contact the gums and hard palate with insufficient breast tissue in its mouth. At the rear of the throat, the nipple of a baby should latch deeply onto the breast.

Symptoms of Sore Nipples

The following symptoms of nipple discomfort might vary from person to person and be described in different ways:

- Painful nipples
- Delicate nipples
- Acute nipple pain
- A burning sensation in the nipples
- Nipple ache
- The feeling of tingling in the breasts
- Nipple discomfort that throbs

Treatment Options for Sore Nipples

Depending on what caused it, the treatment can be decided. Occasionally, nipples just require a little time to recover. Your healthcare practitioner could suggest drugs or lotions to expedite the healing process.

- Medicines. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage discomfort brought on by the hormonal changes associated with menstruation. Within a day or two, most people get alleviation.
- Soft Garments. You can change the fabric or buy new garments to relieve the soreness in your breasts that is caused by ill-fitting blouses or bras. Your nipples won't chafe or rub if you cover them with a bandage or petroleum-based ointment.
- A Visit to the Lactation Consultant. Seeing a lactation consultant might be helpful if you're breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. They may ensure your breast pump fits properly and assist with your baby's latch or feeding postures. Cold compresses and lanolin ointment are more remedies for nipple discomfort while nursing. Antibiotics are prescribed if an infection such as thrush or mastitis is the source of the discomfort.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gynecology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Numerous factors might contribute to the typical occurrence of breast tenderness or pain. It normally doesn't create problems and is safe. Over-the-counter medications or ointments can control it or usually go away independently. If you experience any other symptoms, such as breast lumps or nipple discharge, in addition to nipple discomfort, contact your doctor.

FAQs About Sore Nipples

Q. Do nipples get uncomfortable during ovulation? A. Because ovulation triggers hormonal changes that happen during your menstrual cycle, it might result in painful nipples. But pain in the nipples is more prevalent in the days preceding your menstruation.

Q. When I'm not pregnant, why are my nipples so painful to touch? A. Your nipples may be sensitive to touch for a variety of reasons besides pregnancy. Other causes, if you're not pregnant, might include infections, trauma, or hormonal changes brought on by birth control or menstruation.

Q. Does coconut oil heal painful nipples? A. The results of a study showed that tea tree oil and coconut oil might lessen the development of nipple cracks and the pain associated with them. You can also consult a health practitioner and take recommended medicines or creams to treat the problem.

Q. Which is better for hurting nipples, heat or cold? A. After nursing, cool compresses can help relieve painful nipples by minimising swelling. A cold compress can be applied beneath your armpit, breast, and nipple.

Q. Are painful breasts typical? A. Sore nipples can range from being extremely severe to just somewhat annoying, which is a typical issue for many women. Sore nipples are not much to worry about as long as the skin is not injured and there is no unusual discharge.

References

- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320436
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23164-sore-nipples