Why Do My Nipples Itch Like Crazy?

Of all the places where the skin can itch, your breasts and nipples are quite the stars. Of course, you can’t simply put calamine lotion all over your titties or try to reach down your shirt to scratch those awfully itchy nipples – yes, that would probably be a pretty embarrassing moment. But don’t worry, you’re not alone here! Both men and women have it! But why do our nipples itch sometimes? There’s a whole lot of reasons why your breasts may itch like crazy, and most of them are entirely harmless. Let’s check them out!

Allergies

Remember that clothing contains dyes or other chemical compounds that can cause a reaction in the skin of the nipples, which is more sensitive, especially if the clothes are new and not washed yet. If your breasts itch in the vast majority of cases, it has to do with wearing a very tight bra or made with a type of fabric that causes skin allergies. According to the National Institute of Health in the United States, these clothing materials cause skin irritations and don’t allow perspiration, causing sweat to build up. In severe cases, it can even be a factor in developing contact dermatitis, which also manifests itself as a reddish skin rash. So, choose to wear lingerie and bras made of fabrics like cotton that don’t fit too tightly. It is better to go to the doctor to clear up doubts!

Breasts Grow

During adolescence, the body undergoes a great hormonal alteration, so itching is a symptom that the breasts are growing.

You Didn’t Rinse Properly

If you left soap or shampoo residue on your nipples, this could cause itching afterward. Obviously, washing that area well is the solution. You can also apply some cream later to moisturize them.

Dry Skin

Your skin is crying out for you to keep it hydrated. Yes, lack of hydration in the skin can be one reason you are suffering from these symptoms. After bathing, you’ll probably put cream on most of your body, but it’s likely to leave your nipples sore, causing dryness in the area and encouraging itching. So, with delicate movements, apply a little cream on the nipple, preferably without intense aromas. The dryness of the skin can also be a consequence of infection by fungus or eczema, and in those cases, it is necessary to visit the doctor. In addition to taking care of the skin externally with a moisturizer, we recommend drinking plenty of water.

Eczema

Eczema can cause rashes on your nipples and around. To improve this condition, you will have to use a thick moisturizer with ceramides. A topical steroid cream will also be a good idea as it will help with swelling and itching. If you have any discharge, then see your doctor immediately because there could be an infection.

Hormonal Changes

It is common for your nipples and the entire breast to feel slightly itchy before and during your period, caused by changes in hormone levels. Pregnant women can also experience this discomfort, especially a few weeks after conception, as their breasts begin to grow, the skin stretches and itches. This symptom is usually accompanied by a slight pain produced by the increased blood flow in the area, especially in the nipples. Breastfeeding and menopause are other factors that can cause breastfeeding discomfort. 

Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life that is also characterized by many changes. Women’s skin at this stage becomes thinner, drier, and easily irritated. Hormones are also to blame, and the level of estrogen plummets. The woman’s body in this stage produces less oil, and it is more difficult for it to retain moisture naturally. Itching can affect any part of the body, including the vagina and nipples. It can be combated by using moisturizers daily.

Very Hot Water

Bathing in water that is too hot is one of the main factors for dry skin, including that on the nipples, so it is ideal to use only warm or lukewarm water. 

Symptoms of Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are also one of the most common symptoms when you suffer from breast pain. These are benign tumors that occur in women under 30 years of age and can affect both breasts. A fibroadenoma can be identified if: It is a firm mass, it is painless, it moves easily under the skin. 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

This one is not that common; however, it is accompanied by symptoms such as breast swelling, itching, pain, and redness, due to the breast filling with lymphatic fluid. A specialist can only give this diagnosis after interpreting all the tests you need to perform while relaxing and thinking that this discomfort may be due to other factors.

Radiation

Treatment for breast cancer can cause severe itching of the breasts and nipples, even if it has been long since treatment ended. The radiation kills skin cells and causes dryness, burning, and itching because the skin is peeled. It is necessary to slather the area with ice water, wear loose and soft clothing, and drink plenty of water. Oral antihistamines can help. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid to rub on the skin.

Even if your nipples are itchy as hell and you feel you absolutely need to scratch to relieve yourself, try not to rub too much as the problem is usually easy to treat. If you are using over-the-counter products for a couple of weeks and the itching has not gone away, then you should see your doctor to see what may be causing your discomfort.