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Everything you need to know about itchy nipples
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At some point in their lives, most men and women will experience itchy nipples. Many factors that can cause the condition, most of which are not cause for concern.
However, some symptoms should not be ignored. Itching nipples can be a sign that something more serious is going on.
This article discusses some of the more common causes, treatment, and prevention of itchy nipples, and when you should see a doctor.
Fast facts on itchy nipples:
- Most causes are benign (non-cancerous) in nature.
- Usually, treatment involves home remedies or prescription medication.
- Nipple itching can be a sign of a rare and serious form of cancer called Paget’s disease of the breast.
There are many causes, including the following:
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes, breast expansion, and increased blood flow may cause a woman to experience itchy nipples during pregnancy. A woman may also experience nipple soreness, tingling, sensitivity, and breast-heaviness.
Commonly, women can treat pregnancy-related nipple itching themselves with:
- A chemical-free lotion like vitamin E, cocoa butter or lanolin: Using additional petroleum jelly throughout the day may also be helpful in keeping moisture within the skin. Apply lotion or petroleum jelly to the nipples after showering, especially in the morning and evening.
- Mild, fragrance-free detergents: Using these kinds of products prevents harsh chemicals reaching the skin.
- Suitable bras: Wearing a good-fitting maternity bra that allows for air-flow to the breasts and that is not too tight can help reduce itching.
There is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews if you want to buy cocoa butter or lanolin.
Dermatitis
There are several causes of nipple or areola dermatitis. These include eczema and irritation or allergic dermatitis. Certain types of dermatitis can also cause eczema.
Eczema is a common condition in breast-feeding women, especially those who have previously been affected by atopic dermatitis.
Eczema is a skin condition that can affect any part of the body, including the breast.
Some types of eczema may be caused by irritation from friction as a result of running, harsh clothing, water, soaps, and certain detergents.
Some forms of eczema result from an allergic response or contact with products such as non-purified lanolin, chamomile ointment, and perfumes.
Symptoms of areola or nipple eczema may include:
- itching, burning, and pain
- pimples
- lesions that weep or leak fluid
- crusting or scaling skin, or plaque formation
Treatment of nipple or areola eczema includes:
- avoiding things that cause or worsen the reaction
- avoiding scratching as this can further aggravate the condition and lead to infection
- keeping the skin hydrated with moisturizers
- using topical steroids and other prescription medications as recommended
- using antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, as directed
Treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if an infection develops. People must ensure they take the medication as directed.
Yeast
At times, women may experience a fungal infection of the breast called breast yeast or thrush, which is commonly caused by the fungus, Candida albicans. However, thrush can develop from other unknown causes. It can occur during breastfeeding, in women with vaginal thrush, and during antibiotic use. Thrush can also damage the nipple itself.
Although uncommon, men can experience breast yeast. Symptoms of nipple yeast may include:
- breast or nipple pain that is commonly described as stabbing, shooting, or a deep aching sensation
- women may experience a burning sensation, often after breast-feeding
- nipple tenderness, burning, itching, or stinging
- pink-reddened nipple and areola
- dry, flaking areola
- a white rash
- cracked nipples that are slow to heal
During breast-feeding, an infant may develop thrush, experiencing symptoms such as a white coating in their mouth, tongue rash, or a red diaper rash.
Infants who develop thrush may require treatment at the same time as their mother.
Treatment for breast or nipple thrush may include:
- using antifungal creams and oral medications
- avoiding nipple moisture by keeping the nipples dry
- changing breast pads regularly throughout the day is recommended
- using hot and soapy water to wash clothing, towels, bras, nursing pads and other garments; where possible, air dry these items outside
- sterilizing all pumping equipment and pacifiers in boiling water for 5 minutes or as directed; ideally, replace these items on a weekly basis.
Jogger’s nipple (chafing)
Also referred to as runner’s nipple, jogger’s nipple results from the irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the nipple during activities such as running, surfing, or weightlifting.
Other activities that cause chafing in men and women can also cause jogger’s nipple.
Those at the highest risk for developing jogger’s nipple include those who:
- wear cotton shirts
- run without a bra
- perform activities in the winter months when the nipple is hard due to the cold temperatures
Symptoms of jogger’s nipple include:
- skin irritation and redness
- sore and dry nipples
- nipple-cracking with or without bleeding
Treatment for jogger’s nipple and prevention methods may include:
- avoiding further nipple-chafing by stopping the activity that is causing the condition until the nipple has healed
- using antiseptic creams
- avoiding the use of loose-fitting shirts, wearing a soft bra without a seam line or a binding sports bra, wearing a compression vest or Shimmel, or wearing a soft-fabric shirt
- covering the nipples with a waterproof adhesive bandage before activity
- applying a topical barrier ointment, such as an anti-chafing balm or petroleum jelly, before activity
Paget’s disease is a type of cancer found in the skin’s outer layer, which is called the epidermis. However, other breast tumors may also be present in the affected breast. Although Paget’s disease is more common in women, it can affect men.
Those with Paget’s disease may have symptoms other than nipple itching, including:
- tingling nipple or areola, redness, flaking or crusting skin
- thick skin on the nipple or areola
- flat nipple
- yellowish bloody nipple discharge
Depending on the extent of disease present and other factors, those with Paget’s disease may require surgery to remove the nipple, areola, or full breast.
Also, lymph nodes may be removed to see if the cancer has spread. Treatment for Paget’s disease may also consist of chemotherapy or certain hormonal therapies.
It is important to remember that anyone who experiences abnormal symptoms should visit their doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. It is important to do this because if doctors discover a more serious condition, the person can receive treatment immediately.
Last medically reviewed on September 26, 2017
- Dermatology
- Pregnancy / Obstetrics
How we reviewed this article:
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Breast and nipple thrush. (n.d.)
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/breast-and-nipple-thrush/ - Eczema of the nipples and areolae. (2017, February). Consultant , 57(2), 129-131
http://www.consultant360.com/articles/eczema-nipples-and-areolae - Itchy nipples during pregnancy. (n.d.)
http://www.newkidscenter.com/Itchy-Nipples-During-Pregnancy.html - Jogger’s Nipple. (n.d.)
http://www.ultrarunningltd.co.uk/training-schedule/injuries/runners-nipple-symptoms-treatment-prevention - National Cancer Institute: Paget disease of the breast. (2012,April 10)
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/paget-breast-fact-sheet
Why Do My Nipples Itch?
Itchy nipples are sheer misery. Not only are they awkward to scratch during the daytime, but at nighttime, they make sleeping nearly impossible. If you’re clawing at your chest at 3 a.m. and wondering what in the world is going on with your nipples, the good news is that, in most cases, it’s nothing serious. In rare cases, itchy nipples is a sign of something more serious – and we’ll get to that – but like I said, it’s rare. So first let’s talk about what’s more likely to be going on.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is the most common cause of itchy nipples. With this condition, itching is almost always present and can be severe. The itching may start even before you’re able to see a rash. The rash can include small blisters with oozing or crusting. If you keep scratching, you could open the skin to infections or create thickened areas from constant inflammation and irritation.
Atopic dermatitis can appear in women and men of all ages. Since it’s thought to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction, you may be more prone to develop it if you have a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
Environmental triggers that can prompt atopic dermatitis to flare up can include:
- Dry skin
- Prolonged contact with water
- Dyes or scents added to skin products
- Cleaning products
- Stress
Doctors usually diagnose atopic dermatitis by doing a physical exam and asking about your health history. If needed, they can also do a skin biopsy to rule out other causes.
The majority of atopic dermatitis remedies are treatments that you apply directly to the skin, like steroid creams or ointments. It is important to use an ointment and not lotion in this area, as lotions can sometimes contain drying agents that might make the symptoms worse.
Topical ointments that might help include:
When your itching is severe or there is a known allergic trigger, antihistamine pills can help. Hydrocortisone cream is also an option.
There are also self-care and preventative strategies that can ease your symptoms. Your best strategy for getting rid of atopic dermatitis is to avoid triggers, but you should also do what you can to keep moisture in your skin. For instance, don’t use drying soaps, and don’t take long, hot baths. Once out of the bath or shower, apply an ointment to the area.
As I mentioned, there is a more serious cause of itchy nipples, and it’s important to know the signs:
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease is a rare form of breast cancer that can involve both the nipple and the areola (the colored area that encircles the raised nipple). One of the first symptoms of Paget’s disease can be an itching or burning sensation of the nipple or areola.
In Paget’s disease, the itching is often accompanied by a crusty rash. The scaly rash does not get better with topical creams. More advanced cancers will form open sores and might have nipple discharge. Paget’s is most often found in just one breast and is typically found in women between the ages of 50 and 60.
Doctors diagnose Paget’s disease with a breast exam and a mammogram. They might also do a biopsy of the nipple. Any breast lumps would be biopsied as well. The treatment for Paget’s disease is breast surgery, either removing the whole breast (known as mastectomy) or removing just the diseased part of the breast.
If you have any of the symptoms of Paget’s, contact your doctor for an evaluation.
In general, though, itchy nipples are also not something you need to run to the ER for at the first twinge of discomfort. Try the topical ointments and antihistamines mentioned above, and if the symptoms don’t get better or a rash develops, then follow up with your doctor to get things thoroughly checked out.
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Blog Topics:
- Breast Health
About the Author
Heather Rupe, DO, is a board-certified OB/GYN in private practice in Franklin, TN, and serves as the vice chief of staff at Williamson Medical Center. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey through Baby’s First Year.
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