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Nipple Pain - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Nipple pain is common, and almost all women experience it during some part of their life. Read this article to know more about nipple pain.

Written by

Dr. Asha. C

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Richa Agarwal

Published At November 22, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 22, 2022

Introduction -

Nipple pain or sore nipple can have many causes, like pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection, or allergic reaction. In rare cases, it can also occur as a sign of cancer. Depending on the cause of nipple pain, treatment is carried out. This article will discuss in detail the causes of nipple pain and treatment.

What Is Nipple Pain?

An aching, throbbing, tenderness, tingling, or burning sensation on the nipple is referred to as nipple pain. It can happen both in men and women. In some people, there will be a pain in the areola (ring of pigmented skin around the nipple), depending on the cause. Nipple pain has many different causes, but most are not serious.

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 causes can be treated easily. The most common causes of nipple pain are as follows:

1) Jogger's Nipple - Jogger's nipple happens due to the friction burn from clothes rubbing on the nipples. It is commonly seen in runners and can affect both women and men. 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 is to give time for healing and keep 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 the burn to heal.

2) 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 Candida Albicans. This can be due to the use of antibiotics, damage to the surrounding tissue, or when a person has a fungal infection history. 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 appear in the baby too.

Mastitis is an infection of the milk ducts, which occurs when the milk becomes trapped in any of the milk 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.

3) Hormonal Changes - Nipple pain and breast soreness are common during pregnancy or before the monthly cycle. This is caused by the hormonal changes that shift fluid around the mammary ducts causing swelling and pain. The nipple pain occurring due to hormonal changes is completely normal. The pain subsides when the period starts. If the pain continues even after a week, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

4) Breastfeeding - This is due to the latching method of the baby. 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.

5) Sexual Activity - Similar to breastfeeding and friction, sexual activity that involves nipples can lead to irritation and nipple pain. Normally, this pain only lasts for a short duration and goes away with a little time to heal. Using a moisturizer is helpful during the healing process.

6) 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.

7) 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:

  • Itching or tingling sensations.
  • Bloody or yellowish discharge from the nipple.
  • Inverted nipple or flattened nipple.
  • Reddish, crusty, scaly, or flaky skin around the nipple and areola.

Paget's disease is diagnosed by biopsy and inspecting the affected cells. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

How Is Nipple Pain Diagnosed?

If the apparent cause of nipple pain, like 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:

  • Mammogram - This test uses X-rays to check for cancer in the breast.
  • Ultrasound - This test uses sound waves to check for changes in the breast. This test can identify whether the lump is solid (a sign of cancer) or fluid-filled.
  • Biopsy - During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the breast and examined in a laboratory to check if it is cancerous.

What Is the Treatment for Nipple Pain?

The treatment for nipple pain will depend on its cause. If the pain is due to friction, wearing a better-fitting bra and using protective products, such as nipple shields and rash guards, may help. 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 get 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. Breast cancer is treated with surgery to remove the lump or nipple, chemotherapy, and radiation.

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 the nipple pain is accompanied by discharge, growth, inverted nipple, or warmth over the skin of the breast, then they are obvious signs to seek medical attention. The nipple pain experienced by breastfeeding mothers can be solved by talking with a pediatrician or lactation consultant.

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 touch, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

When Should I Worry About Nipple Pain?

Most women experience nipple or breast pain that will go away without treatment or medications. However, if nipple pain is linked with any of  the following symptoms, consulting a doctor would be a wise discussion:
- Fever.
- Nipple discharge.
- Discoloration of the nipple or breast skin.
- Severe nipple pain and changes in the pain pattern. 
- Experiencing a painful lump or mass.
- Pain that is not linked with the menstrual cycle.

2.

What Is the Cause of the Jogger’s Nipples?

Friction causes jogger's nipples mainly caused due to the friction between the nipple and the fabric. The skin on the nipple is very sensitive and thin. Other factors contributing to nipple pain are increased running volume, weather, type of clothing, and hormones.

3.

What Is the Healing Period of the Jogger’s Nipple?

Jogger's nipple, also called runner's nipple or nipple chafing, is a common injury for joggers. The healing period of the nipple depends on the severity of the injury. It usually takes about 5 to 7 days to heal completely. However, due to the extreme pain caused by it, many people find it hard to keep running.

4.

What Is the Treatment for a Jogger’s Nipple?

The treatment for the jogger's nipples includes cleaning the injured nipples with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoiding using soap with chemicals that can irritate the injury. Dry the area and apply any antiseptic ointments (steroid cream if necessary). To protect the area from further injury, place breathable gauze on the affected area and tape it with athletic tape.

5.

Is Jogger's Nipple Painful?

A jogger's nipple is a common injury, especially for joggers on longer runs. It can feel uncomfortable and cause a burning, stinging sensation and pain. In some cases, bleeding can also occur. It can happen at any time of the year, but very common in winter as the nipple erects during winter and contributes to injury.

6.

What Do Joggers’ Nipples Look Like?

Jogger's nipple looks red, inflamed, and scabbed skin on or around the nipple. It can also lead to cracking or flaking of the skin surrounding the nipple. This occurs due to the friction caused by certain materials rubbing against the skin. It can be prevented by using skin-friendly materials.

7.

How to Heal Sore Nipples Fastly?

To heal nipple soreness, applying freshly expressed breastmilk over the injured area is proven to be an effective and fast-acting method. Other home remedies are applying warm compresses, salt water rinses, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and ointments like Lanolin.

8.

Can Sexual Activity Cause Nipple Pain?

Sexual activity can also cause nipple pain. This pain occurs due to sexual activity, is usually temporary, and heals over time without treatment. It can happen due to natural changes in the nipples during sexual arose as there is a release of oxytocin leading to contraction of the ducts, causing nipple pain.

9.

Can Vaseline Reduce Nipple Soreness?

Nipple soreness can be reduced with the help of applying moisturizers. Products like Vaseline can help with cracked or dry nipples. However, there is no evidence to show the effectiveness of Vaseline on the sore.

10.

What Is the Cause of Unspecified Nipple Pain?

A sore or tender nipple is common in many women. It can occur due to various causes, including
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Trauma during sex or nipple piercing.
- Infections like thrush, mastitis, etc.
- Friction against fabric.
- Allergic reaction.
- Cancer.
Dr. Richa Agarwal
Dr. Richa Agarwal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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