What Is Nipple Pain?
An aching, throbbing, tender, tingling, or burning sensation on the nipple is referred to as nipple pain. It can happen to both men and women. In some people, pain may occur in the areola (the ring of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), depending on the cause. Nipple pain has many different causes, but most are not dangerous.
What Are the Different Types of Nipple Pain?
Nipple pain can occur for various reasons, and understanding its type helps identify the cause and choose the appropriate care.
The different types are:
Mild Soreness or Tenderness:
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A gentle, aching discomfort often caused by rubbing from tight clothing or a new outfit.
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If the baby does not latch properly during breastfeeding, soreness can occur.
Nipple Tear:
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It mainly occurs when the baby does not latch properly and the proper breastfeeding technique is not followed.
Burning or Stinging Feeling:
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This can happen during or after breastfeeding.
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Mostly linked to fungal infections.
Sharp or Shooting Pain:
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Sudden, intense pain that can spread into the breast.
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Clogged milk ducts, blood vessel spasms, or nerve irritation can cause sharp pain.
Itching or Tingling:
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The nipple might feel itchy or tingly if the skin is dry or irritated.
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Sometimes, redness, flakes, or eczema can exacerbate the condition.
Chronic or Recurrent Pain:
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This type of pain does not go away quickly; it lasts for weeks or keeps coming back.
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Infections, hormonal changes, or skin issues could cause it.
Pain With Discharge:
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If the nipples hurt and there is yellow, green, or blood-tinted discharge, it may indicate an infection of a blocked milk duct.
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Sometimes, it can be a sign of something more serious, so it’s important to see a doctor.
Vasospasm or Pain Triggered by Cold:
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The nipple changes color suddenly, followed by sharp pain.
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Often triggered by cold exposure or breastfeeding, it is commonly seen in Raynaud’s phenomenon.
What Are the Causes of Nipple Pain?
Nipple pain is often not life-threatening. It can occur due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. Traumatic pain can be easily treated.
The most common causes of nipple pain are as follows:
Jogger’s Nipple:
Jogger's nipple happens due to the friction burn from clothes rubbing on the nipples. It is commonly observed in runners and can affect both men and women. Often, both nipples are involved. It can cause severe irritation, and bleeding from the nipple can also occur in the worst cases. Nipple pain can happen even when there is no running. They are mostly due to ill-fitting clothing during jogging.
The treatment involves allowing time for healing and keeping the nipples moist and covered. Wearing the right sports bra will help avoid further injuries. Wearing surgical tape on the nipples during exercise can also be helpful for people who are sensitive to friction. Apply moisturizer and give time for it to heal.
Infections:
Nipples injured by an allergic reaction, friction, breastfeeding, or bleeding have a higher risk of infection. Yeast infection of the nipples is common and is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This can be due to the use of antibiotics, damage to the surrounding tissue, or a person's history of fungal infection. It causes a burning, stinging pain; the nipples may be inflamed, and the areola may appear flaky or reddish. In breastfeeding women, sharp pain can be experienced soon after breastfeeding, and signs of infection may occur in the baby, too.
Mastitis is an infection of the milk ducts that occurs when milk becomes trapped in one of the ducts. The bacteria grow in the duct and spread, causing nipple or generalized breast pain. This breast and nipple will be sore, warm to the touch, and red. Antibiotics are the treatment for mastitis, and if left untreated, an abscess can occur.
Hormonal Changes:
Nipple pain and breast soreness are common during pregnancy or before the monthly cycle. These are caused by hormonal changes that shift fluid around the mammary ducts, causing swelling and pain. Nipple pain caused by hormonal changes is completely normal. The pain subsides when the period starts. If the pain persists for more than a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Breastfeeding:
This is due to the baby's latching method. Normally, latching should be deep on the breast, and the nipple should be positioned at the back of the throat. If this latching method is improper, the nipple will be up against the hard palate and the gums, causing pain and sometimes bleeding. Even a breast pump can cause nipple pain if the nipple shield does not fit correctly or if there is too much suction. Adjusting the breast pump to a mother's comfort may help reduce the pain.
Sexual Activity:
Similar to breastfeeding and friction, sexual activity that involves nipples can lead to irritation and nipple pain. Usually, this pain only lasts for a short duration and subsides with time to heal. Using a moisturizer is helpful during the healing process.
Allergic Reaction:
Some people are allergic to soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, shaving cream, perfume, body lotion, or conditioners that can cause pain and irritation of the nipple, accompanied by flaky, blistering, or crusty skin conditions called atopic dermatitis. A topical anti-inflammatory cream can be used for minor cases, but it is important to consult a doctor if the rash or redness spreads and does not respond to over-the-counter treatment.
Paget's Disease:
Nipple pain due to cancer is very rare. However, nipple pain that comes with a lesion on the nipple, areola, or an inverted nipple can signify Paget's disease. Nipple pain caused by breast cancer will often affect one breast and nipple. Women with breast cancer and Paget's disease may experience other symptoms, including:
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Itching or tingling sensations.
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Bloody or yellowish discharge from the nipple.
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Inverted nipple or flattened nipple.
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Reddish, crusty, scaly, or flaky skin around the nipple and areola.
Paget's disease is diagnosed by biopsy and inspection of the affected cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Nipple Pain?
Common symptoms of nipple pain are:
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Aching.
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Tenderness.
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Burning.
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Throbbing sensations leading to redness.
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Itching.
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Dry or flaky skin.
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Cracks.
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Scabs.
How Is Nipple Pain Diagnosed?
If the apparent cause of nipple pain, like a period or an ill-fitting bra, cannot be found and the pain does not go away, then consulting a doctor is very important. The doctor will take a proper history and examine the breasts and nipples.
If the doctor suspects the chance of cancer, then they will ask to take any of the following tests:
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Mammogram: This test uses X-rays to screen for breast cancer.
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Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to check for changes in the breast. This test can help determine whether the lump is solid (a potential sign of cancer) or fluid-filled.
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Biopsy: During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the breast and examined in a laboratory to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
What Is the Treatment for Nipple Pain?
The treatment for nipple pain will depend on its cause. If the pain is caused by friction, wearing a better-fitting bra and using protective products, such as nipple shields and rash guards, may provide relief. Dermatitis and allergies are treated with steroid creams and lotions, which will calm down inflammation. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to get proper guidance from the lactation consultant to establish good feeding habits for their babies. Nipple pain and breast soreness caused by hormonal changes in pregnancy or menstruation may require hot compression and pain relievers.
When to Consult a Doctor for Nipple Pain?
Nipple pain often does not require consultation, but if the pain is very severe and does not go away even after 72 hours, then consulting a doctor is necessary. If nipple pain is accompanied by discharge, growth, an inverted nipple, or warmth over the skin of the breast, it is a clear sign to seek medical attention. The nipple pain experienced by breastfeeding mothers can be solved by talking with a pediatrician or lactation consultant.
How to Prevent Nipple Pain?
We can prevent nipple care by taking extra care, and those include:
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Following proper breastfeeding latch technique and position to get the areola into the baby’s mouth.
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Runners can use moisture-wicking breast pads and breathable cotton bras that help them to stay dry.
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If soreness is not due to breastfeeding, it is essential to avoid caffeine and limit salt intake. Consult a doctor if you experience persistent or severe pain.
Conclusion
Nipple pain is common and experienced by most women during pregnancy and menstruation. Often, the nipple pain is not life-threatening and will go away without any specific treatment. But if nipple pain occurs with some discharge, growth, inverted nipple, or warmth to the touch, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Key Takeaway From iCliniq:
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Nipple pain or a sore nipple can have many causes, like pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection, or an allergic reaction.
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Persistent, severe, or unusual pain, especially accompanied by discharge, bleeding, or lumps, requires a medical evaluation to rule out infection or other underlying issues.
If you have nipple pain or know someone who has it, you can always ask our iCliniq obstetrician and gynecologist, who can treat your problems.
