Itches around the nipple.  The main reasons why nipples and breasts itch.

Itches around the nipple. The main reasons why nipples and breasts itch.

The mammary glands are not only a sign of femininity, but also a kind of indicator of the general condition of a woman. Many women of different ages - from very young girls to ladies with grandchildren - often experience itchy nipples. Sometimes this may be normal, and in some cases you will need to see a doctor to find out exactly why your nipples are itching and whether it signals a serious illness.

Let's look at the various reasons why a woman's nipple itches.

Quite often, nipples itch due to hormonal changes that occur in the female body. Hormonal changes also explain why a girl’s papilla itches. During puberty, the breasts begin to grow, which causes tissue stretching and, as a result, itching.

Period

It is not uncommon for nipples to itch before menstruation. An increase in progesterone before menstruation causes pain in the mammary glands and increased dryness of the skin of the nipples and areola. This is what causes itchy nipples. After the onset of menstruation, the discomfort usually disappears.

The skin of the nipples is especially sensitive during the cold season. Therefore, during this period it is recommended to drink more fluids and, if necessary, moisturize the areola and nipples with creams or lotions.

Pregnancy

Breast enlargement, stretching of the skin of the areolas and nipples during pregnancy lead to the appearance of microcracks, which cause itching. This is why nipples itch during pregnancy.

Special cosmetics that can be used from the first days of the “interesting situation” will help relieve itching of the nipples during pregnancy and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It is very important not to scratch your breasts to avoid damaging the skin and causing infection.


Lactation

If your nipples itch during feeding, the reasons may be that the baby is not latching onto the breast correctly. In this case, peeling and cracking may occur. This is fraught with the occurrence of mastitis, which develops due to microbes entering the milk ducts through cracks.

To avoid this, a nursing mother must follow the technique of attaching the baby to the breast and carefully monitor personal hygiene.


Diseases

Some diseases can also cause itchy nipples in women.

Dermatitis, eczema

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine or nervous system can lead to various skin diseases, which are accompanied by hyperemia, swelling, rashes and itching.

Infections

Mammary cancer

With breast cancer, upon palpation, a lump is detected in the breast, skin changes (orange peel) are possible, the nipples are retracted and very itchy, and sometimes bloody discharge is observed.


Paget's cancer

The first signs of this disease, as a rule, do not cause alarm. Paget's cancer initially manifests itself as mild redness, mild irritation and peeling of the skin of the nipple and areola. These symptoms may disappear without any treatment, but then appear in a more severe form - the nipple is very itchy, there is retraction and serous discharge.


Other reasons

Sometimes nipples itch due to external factors.

Allergy

Very often the nipple becomes red and itchy due to allergies.

Allergies can be caused by:

  • washing powders and various detergents;
  • various cosmetics: soap, shower gels, creams, lotions, etc.;
  • Food;
  • medicines;
  • insect bites.


To understand why women's nipples itch, it is necessary to understand what could have caused the irritation. If you cannot independently identify the cause of the allergy and get rid of it, you should consult a doctor.

Underwear

You should pay attention to the fabric from which the bra is made. Artificial fabrics do not allow the skin to breathe, which sometimes causes irritation and itchy nipples. When choosing a bra, give preference to products made from natural fabric, with high-quality flat seams.


The bra must be selected correctly so that it fits the size, otherwise when moving, especially when playing sports, the underwear can rub the delicate skin and cause irritation.

A tan

Under the influence of sunlight, the skin loses moisture, becomes dry, hyperemia occurs and, as a result, itching. Before tanning, you must use sunscreen, protect your breasts from direct sunlight and do not sunbathe topless.


Nervous itch

Nervous tension, stress and depression can cause itching. In this case, sedatives will help, which should be selected by a doctor.

How to get rid of the problem?

Itching itself is not a disease, but only a symptom. Therefore, you should first determine the cause of the itching. Often no treatment is required, it is enough to simply eliminate its cause.

If irritation is caused by an incorrectly selected bra, it is enough to replace it with a suitable size made from natural fabric. If itching is caused by cosmetics or detergents, then it is worth choosing hypoallergenic analogues.

If your skin is prone to dryness, you should use moisturizers, especially after showering. Chamomile decoction also has a beneficial effect on the skin of the breasts and nipples; it is enough to wipe the bust with this remedy once a day.


It is easy to get rid of nervous itching with the help of sedatives, and antihistamines will help relieve allergic manifestations. But don’t rush to self-medicate.

All medications should be taken under the supervision of a physician, especially for pregnant, lactating women and women with any chronic diseases.

Folk signs

Among the folk signs, there are several related to nipples.

So, why do nipples itch:

  • right - for the upcoming meeting with lovers;
  • the left one signals that someone is very homesick for you and is looking forward to meeting you.

However, there are also less pleasant signs, which claim that if a girl’s right nipple itches, this indicates that her chosen one is looking to the side, and if it’s a married woman, then her husband has probably gone on a spree.

It is also believed that itching in the right nipple appears when the soul is restless, something oppresses or torments the conscience.


Whether to believe the signs or not, everyone decides for themselves. But keep in mind that if the itching does not go away within a few days, you should definitely consult a doctor to exclude the possibility of developing a serious illness.

Video

From our video you will learn interesting folk signs- why your breasts and nipples itch.

What does nipple discharge indicate when pressed: a review of causes and treatment methods Why does it hurt mammary glands: overview of all possible causes

Why do my nipples itch? This is a fairly common question for both women and men. Usually, the manifestation of any unpleasant symptoms is associated with the course of a serious illness that must be treated urgently. But not always, if the nipple itches, one can say that the person has a serious illness. With the normal functioning of the human body, such symptoms are a natural process in men and women.

Nipples can itch for a variety of reasons. In order to be completely sure that your health is not in any danger, you need to be as informed as possible about why nipples itch in women and men.

The occurrence of itching in women

Most often it is women who experience this phenomenon. The physiology of their body is such that with any hormonal changes, the body reacts in a completely unpredictable way. This is why, in contrast to various situations, women’s nipples can begin to itch at any age. The reasons for this may be the following facts:



Reasons you have to deal with every day



Changes in hormone production



In what cases does itching occur in men?

Unpleasant sensations that can appear in men's chest and nipples are not such a rare occurrence. Usually, severe pain, itching and inflammation of the mammary glands and nipples indicate a serious illness. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help if alarming symptoms occur. After all, quite often it is itching in the nipples in men that becomes the first sign of a deterioration in health.

Diseases that may occur with frequent pain and itching in the breasts and nipples

Most often, men's nipples begin to itch precisely with the development of pathological processes in the body. First of all, such symptoms may occur when diagnosing the following diseases:

Each disease poses a serious threat to men's health. If you do not pay attention to alarming symptoms in a timely manner, the disease can result in infertility and disruption of the functioning of internal organs.

Malignant neoplasms

For both females and males, chest pain and itching in the nipples may indicate the presence of a tumor in the mammary gland. There is no point in saying for sure that you have cancer. After all, a correct diagnosis in this situation can only be made after clinical studies and laboratory tests!

Interesting facts from the past

To the surprise of many, there is a description for every part of the human body. a large number of various fascinating stories and legends. History has not spared male and female breasts.


So, for example, when a girl’s right nipple begins to itch, this indicates an imminent meeting with her loved one. When itching affects the left nipple, this indicates that your significant other is very homesick for you and thinks a lot. Therefore, when you notice that your left nipple is itching, be sure to let your loved one know about it!

As for the stronger part of the population, folk legend says that if a man’s nipples acquire a slight pink tint, then we can assume that he has not yet become a father. And when the nipples turn brown, this indicates an imminent addition to the family or about children already born. Therefore, if you want to know all the secrets of your beloved, take a close look at his intimate parts of the body.

Of course, such manifestations of unpleasant sensations in the nipple area should never be joked about. If you are not completely sure that you know the reason why your nipples are itching, then it is best to seek medical help. After all, only an experienced specialist will be able to establish the true cause of the symptoms that appear and prescribe effective treatment, which will stop the progressive disease.

What can cause an itchy papilla in women?

Women's health requires a lot of attention, if only because their reproductive system is much more complex. Women can have quite a lot of problems, and there will be even more of them if it turns out that itching suddenly appears in the nipples of the breasts. What to do if a woman’s papilla itches, how to respond to the problem that arises? First of all, a woman should listen to her body, because it always signals the causes of problems. Having carefully identified all the symptoms, you can cope with the itching yourself or go to the doctor.

Causes of itchy nipples

The following factors can cause itching:

  • allergy;
  • stress;
  • failure to comply with hygiene requirements;
  • pathological deviations;
  • hormonal manifestations.

The causes of itching are different; if the papilla itches, then this may be a symptom of a disease, simply discomfort experienced by the chest and the body in general.

Allergy

Nipples often itch after exposure to substances that can cause allergies:

  1. Detergents and cosmetics are the most common causes of allergic manifestations. Some ingredients of cosmetics and detergents cause individual intolerance, manifested primarily in itching. When changing shampoo or washing powder, you should familiarize yourself with their composition to avoid consequences.
  2. Medicines. Taking medications also sometimes causes rejection by the body, manifested in allergies and the desire to scratch the papilla. If this happens, you should immediately go to the doctor.
  3. Food allergies are another culprit for itching. Even if a woman has not previously had allergic reactions to any food, eating unfamiliar and unusual food on vacation or while traveling can provoke them.

Stress

Itchy nipples due to increased temperament, irritability caused by nervous overstrain. If your nipples itch due to stress, you should visit a doctor to prescribe sedatives. Sometimes a good rest, a trip to a cultural and entertainment center relieves nervous tension, and the itching disappears.

Failure to comply with hygiene requirements

Failure to comply with hygiene rules is often the culprit for an itchy nipple; among the main reasons are the following aspects:

  1. Incorrectly chosen bra. Bras made with lace or low-quality synthetics cause irritation of the skin of the nipples, which results in itching. A tight bra compresses the breasts, rubs the mammary glands, and itching in this case is the most minimal manifestation of discomfort that can exist.
  2. Lack of personal hygiene. All women need to take care of their breasts, but especially pregnant and lactating women. Even minor negligence can cause the growth of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms and the development of pathologies, since during the period of bearing and feeding a baby the female body is very vulnerable.
  3. Formation of cracks in the nipples, especially common in nursing mothers. In this case, you should wash your breasts thoroughly and use healing ointments.

Pathological deviations

Itching in women can be a symptom of a developing disease, including:

  • Breast cancer, the main symptoms are lumps and spotting.
  • Urticaria, which is characterized by unpleasant red blisters. The disease is quite common and requires immediate medical attention, as complications are possible.
  • Candidiasis, better known as thrush. The fungi that cause the disease live happily in the microflora of the mouth, vagina, and intestines, but the increased growth of their colonies provokes the development of the disease. The nipples become covered with scales, blisters, and are very painful.
  • Impaired liver and thyroid functions.
  • Dermatitis, accompanied by swelling, rash, redness, and later blisters and cracks.
  • Eczema. A non-contagious disease characterized by burning, rashes, and itching.
  • Mastitis, scabies, psoriasis, acne, and a number of other diseases.

Hormonal manifestations

The cause of itchy nipples may be hormonal disorders:

  • Menstruation, during which hormonal balance changes as testosterone levels increase. Most often this happens in winter and autumn, that is, during cold periods.
  • Puberty. During this period, the mammary glands form, the skin around the papillae stretches, begins to itch, and the girl experiences discomfort.
  • Menopause, during which the breasts may itch due to changes in hormonal levels.
  • Pregnancy. The mammary gland prepares for feeding, increases in volume, stretches the delicate skin around the nipples, which begins to itch because of this. Another cause of itching during pregnancy is excessive dry skin caused by an increase in progesterone levels in the blood. It is recommended to use special moisturizing creams to prevent this.


Often itching is a sign of healing after breast surgery, especially plastic surgery, as well as trauma. Itching may be a consequence of too much exposure to the scorching rays of the sun or as a result of visiting a solarium. There are many reasons why women's papillae itch; they can be of different nature.

Itching of the mammary glands is not a disease itself; it is only one of the signs of discomfort or pathological abnormalities. It is sometimes difficult to find out why a woman’s papilla suddenly itches, since there may be several factors.

Women should be more attentive to their body, immediately respond to signals of any problems, identify the causes and eliminate them.



It happens that such an uncomfortable situation arises in life when your chest itches, and you immediately want to understand why your nipples itch. It is also not entirely clear what it could mean if the area around the nipples itches or if the nipple itself itches.

What reasons can lead to delicate itching?

Of course, nipples, like any other area of ​​the skin, can itch for the usual reasons. But if the desire to scratch your nipples arises constantly, this is a reason to consult a specialist for advice.
Causes of itching may be:

  • An allergic reaction may have occurred, for example to components of the underwear fabric or to the powder. with which it was washed. You also need to remember what medications, vitamins, and antibiotics you have used recently. To get a detailed answer, it is better to visit a doctor.
  • Another reason is dermatitis. This disease is associated with inflammatory processes in the skin. In this case, in addition to itching, redness of the skin or the appearance of a rash may occur. Often with dermatitis, the nipples also peel.
  • Eczema is closely related to dermatitis and can appear simultaneously with it. Has similar symptoms. At the same time, nipples can also change their color and sometimes size.

Features of itching in women

Gender greatly influences the causes of itchy nipples. In addition to the general reasons associated with allergies, skin rashes and other factors, the phenomenon

May be caused by diseases female breast, as well as against the background of hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation.

  1. Thrush. Itching of the nipples and the skin around them is one of the symptoms of this disease, along with others (foreign odor, pain when urinating, and others).
  2. The menstrual cycle is a fairly common occurrence for many girls. It is explained by the fact that before the cycle there is a significant release of hormones, including male testosterones. If the itching goes away immediately after the end of menstruation, then there is nothing wrong with it.
  3. During pregnancy, your nipples can itch quite often. The fact is that the mammary gland, in preparation for feeding the child, is strongly influenced by prolactin. In this case, there is also no reason to worry.
  4. Also, why nipples itch can also be explained by various situations associated with the mother feeding her child. Perhaps she feeds him too often or allows him to bite the nipple hard. This can lead to the formation of microcracks in the tissue, which also causes itching.

Itching in the stronger sex

Such a delicate situation can also arise in. It is extremely rare that they turn to doctors, and indeed in most cases there is no reason for this. However, sometimes itchy nipples can be a manifestation of certain pathological processes in the body. In this case, the reasons may be:

  1. Hormonal imbalance – a decrease in male and an increase in female hormones in the blood.
  2. Excessive use of steroid drugs by athletes can also have a negative effect on hormonal levels.
  3. In rare cases, the phenomenon may be associated with abnormalities in the thyroid gland and liver.

With systematic repetition of symptoms of itching, as well as the appearance aching pain You should consult a doctor without delay - it is always easier to treat any disease in the earliest stages of detection.

If the skin around your nipples itches

In cases where the nipples themselves do not itch, and itching is felt only in the area around them, most likely, some kind of skin problem has arisen. If blisters and redness appear, then eczema or dermatitis is present. Allergies can also lead to this phenomenon.

Peeling nipples

Another variant of deviation is peeling of the skin of the nipples. At the same time, they may also itch, or may peel off without other symptoms.
Here the reasons are also related to hormonal changes in the body. But this phenomenon can also be caused by improper nutrition, when the skin does not receive enough nutrients and begins to die prematurely.

  1. During the menstrual cycle, peeling of the nipples is sometimes observed; the reasons for this phenomenon are purely hormonal, but if it recurs regularly, it is better to seek advice from a doctor.
  2. Injury to the nipple resulting from any mechanical impact (for a nursing woman, often after prolonged feeding). It is necessary to position the baby's head correctly, and it is better to lubricate the nipple itself and the skin around it with creams.
  3. In girls during adolescence, this phenomenon is natural - the reasons are internal restructuring of the body, strong breast growth. However, if these processes are accompanied by constant pain, then it is better to consult a doctor who can prescribe a special course of hormonal medications.

When itching or peeling occurs, it is best to immediately pay attention to this phenomenon. You should not take any medications on your own for safety reasons. You can change your underwear (choose a bra made from purely natural ingredients), take hygienic baths more often and lubricate your nipples with cream. If the pain recurs systematically, you should definitely go to the hospital to find out why your nipples are itching.

Video

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Do you know any folk signs about itchy nipples? Itching of the right nipple means a meeting with your loved one, itching of the left nipple indicates that your loved one is bored. Signs are signs, but there is no time for jokes when itchy nipples remind you of themselves regularly and cause serious discomfort.

Itchy nipples occur for no obvious reason and do not always indicate serious problems and the need for treatment. This is a common occurrence and is even present in the international classification of diseases (ICD-10). Usually itching is provoked by the most banal reasons.

Causes of itchy nipples

Itchy nipples are a frequent companion to natural changes in the body, but there is a good chance that these are manifestations of a skin or systemic disease. What causes itching?

  • Pregnancy. If itchy nipples occur during pregnancy, there is no need to worry. This is all due to the natural processes occurring in the body and preparing a woman for the birth of a baby and breastfeeding. The fact is that nervous tissue does not keep pace with the growth of mammary gland tissue. As a result, there is a burning sensation, pain and itching in the nipple.
  • Lactation period. During breastfeeding, the breasts constantly change in size. Unpleasant sensations appear due to the fact that the skin either stretches or contracts. The problem will disappear with completion breastfeeding: the size of the glands is normalized, the itching will go away.
  • Puberty. Breast development in girls begins at the age of 10-11 and lasts for several more years. Before menstruation begins, the glands often become denser. Minor pain and itching sometimes persist until the formation of the mammary glands is complete.
  • Fungal infection. The culprit of itchy nipples is often the candida fungus (Candida), which actively multiplies in warm, humid and dark environments. Young mothers who are breastfeeding especially often experience nipple thrush.
  • Eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that develops against the background of exposure to irritating factors. The disease also has other signs: redness, swelling, increased temperature of the affected area. Not only the nipple itself may be affected: redness and itching around the nipple may also occur. To avoid complications, it is not recommended to treat dermatitis on your own; it is better to consult a specialist.
  • Allergy. Synthetic materials provoke irritation of the delicate skin of the breast. Perhaps, by changing the synthetic bra to a cotton bra, the itching of the nipples will stop bothering you. Allergies can occur even if the bra is made from natural fabrics due to the powder. The powders contain substances that are excellent at washing, but irritate the skin. Then it is recommended to use hypoallergenic laundry detergents: there is a large selection in stores. Itchy nipples can appear from soap, shower gel and other care products.
  • In rare cases, itching may indicate nipple cancer (Paget's disease). The pathogenesis of the disease is similar to the signs of dermatitis: itching and peeling of the nipple, rashes, and in some cases bleeding. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe additional tests and studies. The best cancer prevention is a timely visit to a specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis. After confirmation of the diagnosis, modern medicine provides for surgical treatment to remove the tumor. In the early stages, cancer is easily treatable and has a favorable prognosis.
  • Medicines. Itching is found in the list side effects accompanying the use of many medications. If improvements are noticeable when stopping medications for a day, it is necessary to replace the drug if possible.
  • Sports loads. People involved in active sports experience itchy nipples due to constant contact with clothing.

Unpleasant symptoms worry not only women. Itchy nipples in men can be caused by some of the following reasons. If the itching continues to bother you, and its cause cannot be identified on your own, you should consult a doctor who will conduct a differential diagnosis and, if necessary, instrumental studies.

Treatment for itchy nipples

You can try to get rid of itchy nipples using herbs. For this purpose, plants that have anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects are used. These same plant ingredients help improve metabolism. If itching of the nipples has developed against the background of systemic diseases, only an antipruritic agent is not enough: you need to start with treating the underlying disease.

In folk medicine, complex measures work more effectively. For example, they drink a composition made from nettle, and locally make lotions from an infusion of celandine. In addition, ointments with herbs are applied (licorice root, strawberry leaves, tricolor violet). To avoid negative consequences, you should be careful when choosing herbs for oral administration: some herbs, for example, celandine or string, are poisonous.

Homeopathy in the treatment of itchy nipples

Homeopathic remedies are most often presented in the form of drops and granules. However, the components can be used in ointments. Ointments Aesculus, Psoriaten, Calendula, LedumIricar, Propolis have an antipruritic effect. They are absolutely harmless and are sold without a prescription. To choose the appropriate ointment for a particular case, it is better to consult a homeopath.

Treatment of itchy nipples in traditional medicine

As first aid at home for itchy nipples, traditional medicine recommends using lanolin-based moisturizers. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist can recommend anti-itching ointments, or the doctor can prescribe mild hormonal creams. When choosing cosmetics, give preference to products based on beeswax, jojoba, canola, coconut or shea oil. If the cause of itchy nipples is an infection, an antiseptic or antifungal cream will be effective.

Be attentive to your health. Do not put off visiting the doctor until later if your nipples itch for more than a couple of days, but you could not cope with the itching at home. It is better to be confident in your health and play it safe than to be at a loss as to why nipple itching does not go away.