Nipple pain is one of the common problems faced by women, but it is not caused by which one, there can be many reasons. From misfit bras to breastfeeding and allergies to skin infections, several reasons can be responsible for nipple pain. Pregnant women also have nipple pain. To deal with it, it is necessary to first find out the cause of pain, because only then can it be treated properly. Learn about the common causes and treatment of pain in the nipple in this article.
What are the reasons for Nipple Pain?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, incorrect feeding bras, or skin infections can be the cause of a nipple pen, but sometimes this pain is not common. That is, the cause of nipple pain can be due to a serious health problem like cancer or serious infection. So if you have a nipple pen problem for a long time, do not ignore it at all and consult a doctor immediately. After examining your condition the doctor will show the method of treatment.
Symptoms of Nipple pain
Not everyone has the same symptoms in a nipple pen. Some feel wound-like pain and sensitivity in the nipple, some experience intense pain, and itching. Along with pain in the nipple, there are some other symptoms in the breast and nipple which include-
- Bleeding from the nipple
- Breast lump
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in the appearance of breast skin
- Change in size, shape, and appearance of the breast
- Nipple discharge
- Rash, crack, or itching in the breast or nipple
- Reddening or swelling of the nipple or breast
- A change in the skin color of the breast
Other symptoms associated with nipple pain are related to other parts of the body, include
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Nipple pain symptoms that indicate a serious health condition
In many cases, there are other symptoms along with pain in the nipple which may indicate a serious illness. For example, breast abscess can cause complications of mastitis, if it is not treated in time, it can spread to the bloodstream causing sepsis. It is a fatal bacterial blood infection that can lead to organ failure. So if you or anyone around you has any symptoms of nipple pain, swelling or sepsis, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of sepsis include-
- Confusion or reduced consciousness for some time
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased urination.
Causes of Nipple Pain
Nipple pains can occur for many reasons. Possible reasons for this include-
Hormonal changes
Nipple pain is also felt due to hormonal changes during periods. Actually, during this time, the nipple hurts due to changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Breast and nipples become more tender or sensitive before periods, and this is quite normal, but even after periods, if there is prolonged nipple pain, a hormone test is required to be done on the advice of a doctor.
Pregnancy
Breast and nipple pain is common for women during pregnancy and there is nothing to worry about. Breast size increases during pregnancy and breast cells become more sensitive to hormones. In such a situation, when hormonal changes in pregnancy occur rapidly, the blood flow also increases, especially in the breast, which makes the breasts appear heavy and bloated. The color of the area around the nipple also becomes darker and the nipple and breast become more sensitive due to which the pain starts from touching or even a little rubbing. In such a situation, wear a bra that supports the right fit to avoid rubbing during pregnancy.
Friction
Repeated rubbing can also cause pain in the nipple. Like being rubbed with clothes, especially during a sports activity. This is a common cause of nipple pens caused by repeated rubbing of the nipple shirt / T-shirt or the wrong fitting bra. This happens especially during activities like running, surfing, and basketball. Nipple pain and wounds like wounds occur due to rubbing. Also, the skin there is dry and chapped. Apart from this, exacerbation can also be due to rubbing if someone is not wearing a sports bra with the right fit. Women whose breasts are susceptible need to be vigilant about rubbing and may use surgical tape on their nipples during exercise.
Breast-feeding
Nipple pain is normal not only during pregnancy but also during breastfeeding and it is more than pregnancy. Many times, the baby holds the nipple in such a way that the pain starts, then sometimes breastfeeding causes a cracked nipple in the nipple and causes pain. If the child is not able to hold the nipple properly, then he tries to press it with the gums, which causes nipple pain. To avoid this, it is very important to know the right position and method of breastfeeding.
Sexual contact
During sexual activity, too much pressure or rubbing on the breast or nipple can also cause pain, but this pain can be cured in no time. If the pain does not heal on its own and persists for several days, then it is not normal and in such a situation you need to consult a doctor, because the pain in the nipple while making sex is something that happens for some time but, not for long.
Infection
If the nipple is already injured due to rubbing, there is an increased risk of infection due to allergic reaction or crack or bleeding. Apart from this, breastfeeding also increases the risk of infection. Yeast infection may also be a cause of pain in the nipple, which is a fungal infection. This can be caused by damage to the tissue around the nipple, a recently used antibiotic, or to someone who has had fungal infections before.
Yeast infection, also known as thrush, causes burning and stinging pain in the nipple. And even after removing the causes of rubbing, it does not reduce. In this, the color of the nipples is pink and the color of the areola turns red.
Mastitis can occur during pregnancy, if milk gets trapped in one of the milk ducts, then bacteria start to grow and spread there. Such infections include swelling of the nipple or breast, redness, and pain. Mastitis treatment is necessary because if it is not treated, it can be a wound or an abscess. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
Cancer
Do not forget to consider pain in the nipple every time, because in some cases it can be a sign of cancer. However, this happens only when the pain is prolonged. By the way, there is nipple pain even when there is a tumor. Cancer usually causes pain in the breast or nipple of the same side.
Nipple pain treatment
Nipple pain caused by friction can be avoided by wearing a soft fabric and sports bra of the right fit. Apart from this, some protective products can also be used, such as rash guards and nipple shields. Some creams and ointments also help reduce bruising.
You can take pain relievers on the advice of a doctor to relieve pain in the nipple caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or periods, but do not eat any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Women who have breast or nipple pain due to breast cancer need to be treated immediately. It is usually treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Home remedies for nipple pain
If you have pain in the nipple, you can try some home remedies, although they have no scientific basis, some people believe that these methods provide relief from pain.
If you are experiencing pain due to breastfeeding, apply breast milk on top of the nipple before feeding and allow breast milk to dry even after breastfeeding. This will reduce the pain.
To get relief from nipple pain, apply a paste of basil leaves on the nipple and wash it after drying.
If you have nipple pain and a burning sensation, put a few pieces of ice in a cloth and foment the nipple, you will get relief.
Aloe vera is also helpful in relieving nipple pens. Apply aloe vera gel over the nipple and let it dry for some time, then wash it with lukewarm water. Pain is relieved by doing this several times a day.
Nipple pain is common due to increased nipple size, bruising, hormonal changes and feeding the baby, etc., but this does not mean that you ignore the pain. If the pain persists for a long time and you feel any change in the breast along with the pain, it is important to consult a doctor immediately, as it can also be a sign of a serious illness.