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Nipple pain

10 July
2021

By KAREN CHAHWAN

Blogs

Nipple pain



Pain in the human body.

There are several causes for nipple pain, some are as simple as an allergy to detergents or bras that are not of the right size. Nipple pain is a common pain during pregnancy, breast feeding and menstruating.

Overview

Sometimes nipple pain can be serious and urges a visit to the doctor, because it might be a sign of infections or cancer. Seeing a doctor to have a diagnosis is very essential. Nipple pain differs from one person to another depending on the symptoms that the person is having. Some people might feel soreness and tenderness in their nipples, when others can have a sharp pain accompanied with itching.

Nipples are sensitive, and can hurt for several reasons. Tight clothes or bra, infections, skin rashes call all irritate the skin around the nipple. For women, sore nipples usually happen during periods, breast feeding and pregnancy. Any pain in the nipple can make women wonder if they have breast cancer. It is rare for the main symptoms to be cancer, but is essential to see a doctor to check for the causes of the nipple and finding ways to make it go away.

Causes

Friction

This is one of the most common reasons for nipple pain, making it become sore. This can occur when the nipple is rubbing against a poorly fitting bra during sports workout such as, surfing, basketball and running. Friction on the nipple can cause soreness and a stinging pain making the skin become dry and chapped. Therefore, long periods of exercise means the periods of friction is extended. People who are sensitive to friction might take more precautions, like wearing a surgical tape on the nipples when exercising. (Nall, 2017)

Sexual Contact

Sexual activity is another cause for nipple pain causing soreness in the nipples. This pain is temporary and can be treated by giving the nipples time heal by themselves. Using body lotions and moisturizers can help in keeping the friction to minimum while preventing those symptoms from getting worse.

Hormonal Changes

The hormonal changes that happen in a woman’s monthly cycle trigger nipple and breast soreness, the symptoms are mostly felt when the period starts. When the level of estrogen and progesterone increase, the levels of liquid increase as well causing the nipples to feel swollen. This pain is linked with the hormonal changes that subside when the period starts. If the pain lasts after the days when the period is over, the woman is advised to see a doctor.

Cancer and Paget’s disease

Some severe nipple pain can be signs of cancer, although the tumors don’t cause pain because nipple pain that is caused by cancer will affect one breast and one nipple. While paget’s disease is a rare kind of cancer that involve alongside tumors in the same breast. People suffering from Paget’s disease and breast cancer might experience symptoms such as:

  • Red, flaky, scaly or crusty skin around the areola and the nipple.

  • Flattened or inverted nipple shape.

  • Yellow or bloody discharge from the nipples.

  • Itching or tingling sensations.

Nipple pain

Any pain in the women’s breast will make her worry about having breast cancer. (Watson, Why Do My Nipples Hurt?, 2020) Although, nipple pain can be a sign of other conditions, making it rarely the main symptoms. It is possible to have a lump in the breast without it being painful. Other symptoms of breast cancer can also include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes under the arm.

  • Nipple turning inward.

  • Discharge that is not milk.

  • Redness of the skin over the breast or nipple.

It is critical to call a doctor if a woman notices these changes in her nipples. Men should also be careful because they can also get breast cancer.

Breast cancer treatment can include:

  • Immunotherapy

  • Surgery

  • Targeted therapy

  • Chemotherapy drugs

  • Hormone therapy

  • Radiation

Infection

Nipples that have been injured due to an allergic reaction or got cracked because of bleeding are of a higher risk of infection. Lactation and breast feeding can also increase the risk of nipple infection. It is possible that yeast infection can cause Candida Albicans which can be damaging to the surrounding tissues when using antibiotics or when a person has a history of fungal infections. Yeast infection, which is also known as thrush, is felt as a stinging and burning pain that doesn’t go away when reducing the friction towards the nipple. The nipples might be bright pink and areola can be reddish and flaky. Some breast feeding woman describe this pain as sharp, hot and is usually felt right after feeding making the signs of infection appear on the baby.

Mastitis is also possible during pregnancy when the milk is trapped in one of the milk ducts making bacteria grow in the duct and spread. This type of infection causes swollen, sore and red nipples. This infection should be treated with antibiotics because if it wasn’t treated, abscess can form. Anyone experiencing one of the following symptoms should also see a doctor:

  • Abnormal breast swelling.

  • Fever and chills.

  • Skin redness on the nipple.

  • Breast feeling becomes too warm and sensitive to touch.

Allergy or dermatitis

Nipple pain that is followed with blistering, crusty or flaky skin can be a sign of an allergic reaction or eczema. There are several home products that can irritate the nipple or trigger flare ups of the existing skin. These might include:

  • Fabrics

  • Body lotion.

  • Perfume

  • Soap

  • Fabric softener

  • Shaving cream

Other signs of allergic reactions can include red and chapped skin around the nipple and continuous itchiness causing a skin rash to happen in many cases. Using an anti-inflammatory cream can treat minor cases, but a person must talk with a doctor when the allergy turns into a rash or the redness increases, spreads and doesn’t interact with the over the counter treatments. (Watson, Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes, Treatment, and More, 2019)

Breast-feeding

Breast feeding is a major cause for nipple soreness. This is due to the latching technique of the baby. If the baby is not having the needed amount of milk, the nipple will go up in the gums and the hard palate. Babies should latch deep on the breast with the nipple pushed to the back of the throat. Therefore, breast pumps can also cause pain. This kind of pain can be caused by too much suction or using a nipple shield that doesn’t fit properly. When adjusting the breast pump into a more correct and comfortable setting and making it fit properly into the nipple shields helping to reduce the discomfort.

On the other hand, an infant that is starting to teeth is also another cause of pain, because infants change the way they latch in and they might also bite the nipple. A breast feeding woman can encourage her infant to take more of the breast to take into their mouth, so they don’t bite on the nipple. Also, if a baby presses on the nipple too hard between the gums and the roof of their mouth, it might restrict the blood flow to the nipple, resulting in what is called vasospasm, which is painful and can cause the nipple to turn white, red and purple in fast succession.

Nipple Pain during Pregnancy

Nipple pain is very common during pregnancy because the breasts become larger in size causing a feeling of soreness. The nipples might also darken and small bumps might pop up around the nipples. Wearing a well fitted bra can help reduce the friction and ease the soreness. Some pregnant women might find it helpful to wear a supportive bra overnight. Sleep bras are also helpful in reducing nipple pain after the baby is born. Cooling gel packs are also used to soothe inflamed and painful nipples.


Diagnosis

If you are unable to trace the nipple soreness to obvious causes, like periods or a bad fitting bra, and the pain doesn’t go away, the person should visit a doctor. The doctor will ask about the symptoms and what triggers the soreness. For instance, the doctor might have to examine the breasts and nipples. If the patient suspects pregnancy, the doctor will have to ask for a blood test to confirm it.

Treatment

Nipple pain that is caused by friction can be prevented by wearing a properly sports bra or buying protective products, such as rash guards and nipple shields. Some creams can also help reduce the friction. Breast feeding mothers are also encouraged to seek assessment and care of lactation to help their baby establish better feeding habits. Many health insurance plans cover this health need. On the other hand, nipple soreness that is caused by hormonal changes in menstruation or pregnancy can be reduced by taking pain killers, such as Advil.


References:

Nall, R. (2017, September 27). "Eight causes of nipple pain". Retrieved from
Derived from: Medical News Today

Watson, S. (2019, March 7). Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes, Treatment, and More.
Retrieved from : healthline.com

Watson, S. (2020, October 16). Why Do My Nipples Hurt?
Retrieved from : https://www.webmd.com/women/why-do-nipples-hurt

If you or anyone you know is suffering from pain, call us today on (469) 562 4188 to book an appointment with our expert doctors.

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