Sore nipple but not pregnant
Pain, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
Why are my nipples sore?
Many things can cause nipple soreness or painful nipples. Along with discomfort or sensitivity, you can also experience itching, redness or changes in the texture of your skin around your nipple.
In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies or friction from clothing. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious disease like breast cancer. Your healthcare provider should evaluate any pain that's accompanied by discharge or lumps as soon as possible.
Everyone experiences nipple soreness or tenderness differently. Some may describe their nipples as being:
- Very sensitive to touch.
- Throbbing or stabbing.
- Aching.
- Burning.
- Tender or sore.
- Red or swollen.
- Itchy.
Possible Causes
What are the most common causes of sore nipples?
Symptoms of nipple pain or tenderness vary from person to person depending on the cause.
Menstruation or other hormonal changes
The hormonal changes that occur as part of menstruation can cause breast tenderness and sore nipples. Most cases of breast or nipple tenderness occur just before menstruation begins (in the days just before your period). This is because estrogen and progesterone cause your breast tissue to swell.
Similarly, other life events like menopause or beginning puberty can also cause your hormones to shift, triggering side effects like nipple pain.
Hormonal birth control can also cause changes that lead to nipple soreness.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a common reason for many bodily changes, including changes to your breasts. Nipple and breast soreness may be an early sign of pregnancy due to the sharp increase in hormones. Your nipples may become larger, darker and more sensitive during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding (chestfeeding) or pumping breast milk
A bad latch causes most cases of nipple pain or soreness related to breastfeeding (nursing).
A latch is how your baby is positioned on your breast. A good latch involves your baby accepting your entire nipple and areola in their mouth. If your baby is sucking on just your nipple, it can make breastfeeding extremely painful. If your pain continues beyond the first few weeks, talk to your healthcare provider. Most breastfeeding pain resolves within the first month of breastfeeding.
If you’re pumping breast milk, you can experience nipple pain from using a breast shield (also called a breast pump flange) that’s the incorrect size. A breast shield is a plastic piece that fits over your areola and nipple. Strong suction makes a poor-fitting breast shield even worse.
Check with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if you believe nursing or your breast pump is causing your nipple pain.
Friction from clothing
Bras or shirts can rub against your nipples and cause soreness and pain. It’s especially common in runners (joggers nipple) and athletes. The friction from clothing or poor-fitting bras can cause your nipples to get dry, red or chapped.
Wearing a bandage over your nipple during exercise or applying a petroleum-based ointment can help prevent nipple chafing.
Trauma
Trauma to your nipple during sex or from nipple piercings can cause pain and irritation. If you have a piercing, check for signs of infection like swelling or pus-like discharge. If nipple soreness is caused by rough foreplay, it should improve over time.
Infection
Cracked and sore nipples are prone to infection because the open skin allows for bacteria to get in. Your nipples can become cracked for several reasons, such as during breastfeeding or from trauma. Common reasons are:
- Mastitis: Lactation and breastfeeding can increase your chances of developing mastitis, a painful breast infection. Other symptoms include fever and hard, red spots on your breast.
- Thrush: A yeast infection called thrush can also cause nipple pain, stinging or soreness. Your baby may also develop thrush on their tongue, cheeks or throat.
- Folliculitis: Clogged hair follicles around your nipples can also become infected and cause soreness.
Allergic reactions or skin rashes
Reactions to skin irritants like detergents, soaps, perfume or lotions are a common cause of nipple soreness or itching skin. If the pain is accompanied by blisters, scaly patches or redness on your nipple area, it could be a skin condition called dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is caused by products or irritants touching your skin. Atopic dermatitis (or eczema) is usually related to allergies or your immune system. Both can affect your nipples.
Disease or cancer
Paget’s disease of the breast or breast cancer can cause nipple pain. In addition to sharp pain or itching, you might also have nipple discharge, lumps on your breast or your nipple may change shape (turn inward or become inverted). Although nipple pain caused by cancer is rare, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
Does ovulation cause sore nipples?
Ovulation can cause sore nipples due to hormonal changes that occur during your menstrual cycle. However, it’s more common to experience nipple tenderness in the days just before your period.
Why are my nipples sore to touch when I’m not pregnant?
There can be several reasons your nipples are sensitive to touch other than pregnancy. If you're not pregnant, other causes could be hormonal shifts due to menstruation or birth control, trauma or infection. If you experience prolonged soreness that’s accompanied by a lump or nipple discharge, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Care and Treatment
How do doctors diagnose nipple pain?
In most cases, you can pinpoint the cause of your nipple soreness. If you can't, or the pain and soreness persist for several days, you may need to see your healthcare provider. Your provider may ask you questions about when the pain started or if the pain is related to your period, clothing or previous nipple trauma.
If the cause can’t be determined, your provider may order a mammogram or ultrasound to look at your breasts.
How are sore nipples treated?
It depends on the cause. Sometimes all your nipples need is some time to heal. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications or ointments to speed up the healing process.
Pain caused by hormonal changes associated with menstruation can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Most people feel relief after 24 or 48 hours.
Nipple pain caused by poor-fitting bras or shirts can be treated by changing fabrics or purchasing new clothes. Placing a bandage or petroleum-based ointment over your nipples can reduce chafing or rubbing.
If you’re nursing or pumping breast milk, visiting a lactation consultant may be beneficial. They can help with your baby's latch or feeding positions and ensure your breast pump fits correctly. Other solutions for nipple pain during breastfeeding include lanolin ointment and cold compresses.
Antibiotics are used if the pain is being caused by an infection like thrush or mastitis.
A topical anti-inflammatory cream may help with inflammation and pain caused by an allergic reaction. Similarly, an oral antihistamine can help reduce symptoms caused by allergies.
In the case of cancer or other breast diseases, treatment could involve radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a mastectomy (surgically removing your breasts). Sore nipples alone don’t mean you have cancer. Along with nipple pain, you might also have nipple discharge, lumps on your breast or your nipple may turn inward.
When to Call the Doctor
When should sore nipples be treated by a healthcare provider?
Sore nipples are usually not a cause for worry or a sign of cancer. However, you should contact your provider if:
- The pain is persistent or doesn’t go away.
- You notice a discharge from your nipple (that’s not breast milk).
- You feel lumps in your breast.
- The pain is accompanied by fever or a general unwell feeling.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Nipple soreness or pain is common and can be caused by many factors. It’s usually harmless and doesn’t cause complications. In most cases, it goes away on its own or can be managed with over-the-counter medication or ointments. Call your healthcare provider if you develop other symptoms and nipple pain, such as lumps in your breasts or discharge from your nipples.
Why do my nipples hurt? 8 causes of nipple pain
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There are many causes of nipple pain, some as simple as an allergy to laundry detergent or a bra that does not fit right. Nipple pain is also a common occurrence in menstruating, pregnant, or breast-feeding women.
There are more serious causes of nipple pain, such as infections and cancer, so seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment is important.
As a symptom, nipple pain differs from person to person. Some may feel their nipples are sore and tender, while others feel sharp pain or pain accompanied by itching.
In this article, we look at some of the possible causes of nipple pain:
1. Friction
Friction is the most common reason for the nipples to be sore. Friction can occur if the nipples rub against a shirt or poorly-fitting bra, during sports activities, such as running, surfing, or basketball.
Friction on the nipple can often cause soreness and a stinging pain. The skin may also become dry or chapped.
Furthermore, longer periods of exercise mean extended periods of friction, too. People who are sensitive to friction may choose to take extra precautions, such as wearing surgical tape on their nipples during exercise.
2. Infection
Nipples that have already been injured by friction, an allergic reaction, or are cracked or bleeding have a higher risk of infection. Lactation and breast-feeding may also increase the risk of infection.
It is possible to get a yeast infection of the nipples, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. This can be the result of damage to the surrounding tissue, recent antibiotic use, or when a person has a history of fungal infections.
A yeast infection, also known as thrush, at the nipples is often felt as a burning, stinging pain that does not go away by reducing sources of friction. The nipples may be bright pink and the areola may be reddish or flaky.
Many breast-feeding women describe thrush as sharp, hot pain immediately after the feed. Signs of the infection may also appear on their baby.
Mastitis is possible during pregnancy if milk becomes trapped in one of the milk ducts. Bacteria can start to grow in the duct and spread. This type of infection can cause a swollen, red, sore breast and nipple.
Mastitis needs to be treated with antibiotics. If it is left untreated, an abscess can form. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms as well as nipple and breast pain should see a doctor:
- fever or chills
- breast feeling warm to the touch
- skin redness on the breast and nipple
- irregular breast swelling
3.
Allergy or atopic dermatitisPain and irritation accompanied by flaky, crusty, or blistering skin may be a sign of an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis (eczema).
There are a variety of household products that can irritate the nipples or trigger flare-ups of existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. These include:
- body lotion
- laundry detergent
- soap
- shaving cream
- fabric softener
- perfume
- fabrics
Other signs of an allergic reaction include red or chapped skin around the nipple and areola, and persistent itchiness. In some cases, a rash may occur.
A topical anti-inflammatory cream can treat minor cases, but a person should speak to a doctor if the rash or redness increases, spreads, and does not respond to an over-the-counter treatment.
4. Sexual contact
Sexual activity can be another cause of nipple pain. Body friction or sexual activity that involves the nipples can cause soreness.
This pain is usually temporary and is often treated by simply giving the nipples time to heal.
Using moisturizers or nipple guards may help keep friction to a minimum and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
5. Hormonal changes
The normal hormonal changes in a woman’s monthly cycle can also trigger nipple and breast soreness. These symptoms are usually felt in the days just before her period starts, when increases in estrogen and progesterone levels draw more liquid to the breasts and cause them to feel swollen.
The pain associated with hormonal changes usually subsides when the period begins. If this pain continues for more than a few days, a woman may want to speak to her doctor.
6. Cancer and Paget’s disease
Some nipple pain and other symptoms can be a sign of issues such as cancer, although tumors do not usually cause pain. Nipple pain caused by cancer will often only affect one breast and nipple.
Paget’s disease is a rare type of cancer involving the nipple that commonly occurs alongside tumors in the same breast.
People with Paget’s disease and breast cancer may experience other symptoms, including:
- a flattened or inverted nipple
- yellowish or bloody discharge from the nipple
- itching or tingling sensations
- reddish, flaky, crusty, or scaly skin around the nipple and areola
Paget’s disease and breast cancer are diagnosed by inspecting the affected cells. While Paget’s disease is rare, anyone who is uncertain about their symptoms should see a doctor.
7. Nipple pain during pregnancy
Nipple pain is also common during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The breasts may become larger and feel sore. The nipples and areola may darken and ache, and small bumps may pop up around the nipples.
Well-fitting support bras may help reduce friction and ease soreness. Some pregnant women find it helpful to wear a supportive sleep bra overnight, such as the one shown here. Sleep bras are also helpful for reducing nipple and breast pain after the baby is born.
Cooling gel packs, such as these, can also soothe inflamed or painful nipples caused by breast-feeding.
8. Breast-feeding
Breast-feeding is a common cause of nipple soreness. This is mostly due to the latching technique of the baby. If the baby does not have enough of the breast in its mouth, the nipple will be up against the gum and hard palate. Babies should latch deep on the breast with the nipple at the back of the throat.
If a mother uses a breast pump, this can also cause nipple pain. The pain may be caused by too much suction or using a nipple shield that does not fit correctly. Adjusting the breast pump to a more comfortable setting and acquiring properly-fitting nipple shields may help reduce discomfort.
An infant starting to teeth is another potential cause of nipple pain, as they may change how they latch on and even bite the nipple. A breast-feeding woman can try to encourage the infant to take more of the breast into their mouth, so they do not bite down as easily.
If a baby presses the nipple too hard between their gums and the roof of their mouth, it can restrict blood flow to the nipple. This can result in what is called a vasospasm, which is painful and causes the nipple to turn white, then red, then purple in quick succession.
Nipple pain caused by friction may be prevented by wearing a properly-fitted sports bra, smooth synthetic fabrics, or by using protective products, such as rash guards and nipple shields. Some creams or ointments may also help reduce friction.
Breast-feeding mothers are encouraged to seek the assessment and care of a lactation consultant to help their baby establish good feeding habits. Many health insurance plans cover this health need.
If you want to buy nipple creams, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews.
Nipple soreness caused by hormonal changes in menstruation or pregnancy may respond well to warmth or pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Breast cancer is frequently treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Treatment of minor cases of Paget’s disease usually involves removing the nipple and using radiation therapy on the affected breast. Some cases may require the entire breast tissue to be removed.
In most cases, pain in the nipples is simple and will clear up once the cause is treated. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should see their doctor to discuss diagnosis and the correct treatment.
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causes of sore nipples, why pain appears
There are many reasons why the delicate skin of the nipples can hurt, ranging from an uncomfortable bra to much more serious complications.
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Women Health
Women's breasts
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Causes of pain
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Some women experience the problem that the breast area near the nipple can barely be touched.
Otherwise, when pressed, painful sensations arise. Mammologists hear such complaints not only when patients are carrying a child or during lactation. Sometimes the nipples hurt in a girl who does not plan to become a mother yet, it is important to figure out why.
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
The nature of the pain is different: from pulling, strong to aching and sharp. There are several pathologies that cause seals in the mammary glands, secretions and discomfort in the nipple area. In this matter, one cannot hope that everything will go away on its own, just as one should not self-medicate. The lack of timely qualified assistance can adversely affect women's health. In our material, we will consider several possible factors why nipples hurt on the chest.
Nipples are one of the most sensitive areas of the female body, to be more precise, they are in second place in this indicator.
Therefore, even their weak soreness causes discomfort. It is not worth enduring pain in the nipples, it is better to establish the causes of its occurrence.
Friction
This is the most common reason why nipples hurt while wearing underwear or clothing. Perhaps you are wearing a bra that does not fit, and hard cups irritate the delicate skin of this area. Or you neglect a sports bra and instead wear a regular one to workouts. If you also do not take it off after a workout, then a damp cloth can also cause friction.
Skin often dries and cracks due to contact with tight clothing. For some reason, many girls ignore extra precautions during intense workouts, which then make their nipples sore. Don't forget about them. If you feel that a sports bra is not enough for you and the sensations remain unpleasant, use nipple pads.
By the way, the same circumstance often explains why men's nipples hurt.
The constant irritating friction of tight-fitting sportswear on the chest injures this place. The factor is also called the "runner's nipple" syndrome.
Infection
Nipples already damaged by friction or allergies, cracked or bleeding, are a welcome target for infections. A particularly risky period is lactation.
For example, Candida albicans can cause sore nipples. Simply put, breast thrush. If you recently took antibiotics, injured your delicate skin, experienced stress or chronic fatigue, don't be surprised why your nipples started to hurt. All these factors provoke unpleasant symptoms.
If you find swelling on your nipples or notice scales, films or small bubbles, run to the doctor. Another cause of pain in the nipples is mastitis, which is especially dangerous for the female body. It occurs when milk gets stuck in the milk ducts. Bacteria grow there and begin to multiply.
Mastitis is treated with antibiotics.
Eczema of the nipples
If irritation is accompanied by dryness, cracked nipples and lesions, it is quite possible that eczema has appeared. Most often, it becomes the reason why the nipples hurt when feeding. The child could easily injure this delicate part of the mammary gland. Don't worry, it's usually easy to cure a mild form. The main thing is not to start.
Allergy
If itching and inflammation of the skin on the nipples suddenly appeared, remember, maybe you put on new underwear that you did not wear before? Or used some lotion for the first time? Perhaps your suffering is due to a banal allergy to a food product or a cosmetic product. If you decide that the causes of sore nipples are the action of an allergen, try to exclude it. Then the unexpected reaction will pass on its own. Your doctor may also prescribe antihistamines.
Hormonal changes
Many women often ask doctors why their nipples hurt before menstruation. They notice that the sensitivity of the skin in this place increases significantly. The fact is that during this period, the level of estrogen drops, which stimulate the sebaceous glands. As a result, dryness of the skin increases. Usually, when the period ends, the estrogen level starts to rise again and the irritation stops.
There is also an explanation for why nipples hurt during pregnancy. The number of milk ducts increases in the future mother, the body prepares for lactation, blood vessels grow, so natural itching during pregnancy is also not such a rare phenomenon.
In some cases, this is the reason why the nipples hurt after menstruation. Pregnancy could occur and the body is preparing for carrying the baby and the feeding period. If pregnancy is excluded, we can already talk about inflammatory processes in the mammary glands, fibrous formations.
Breast cancer
With breast cancer, the nipples often swell and hurt, become dense, and for some reason discharge appears. Also, women notice that one or both nipples suddenly become flat or drawn inward. These moments depend on the stage and form of the disease. The secret may be transparent, whitish or yellowish. Don't wind yourself up, breast cancer can be successfully treated, especially if detected early. Discharge from the nipples not during lactation should be a reason for you to see a doctor, do not delay your visit.
Dr. med. with special training in experimental and molecular pathology Melissa Konrad Stöppler notes that the causes of sore nipples can be divided into hormone-dependent and hormone-independent. Infections, injuries of any origin cause discomfort, sexual activity, tight or ill-fitting underwear.
Breasts in general, including nipples, may be sore or painful at certain times of the menstrual cycle (usually just before onset) or early in pregnancy.
Lactation can in some cases lead to chafing or cracking of the nipples, which become inflamed.
Breast cancer rarely causes pain in the nipples or breasts. It is rather characterized by redness, fever and swelling of the breast. The doctor who will prescribe tests and examinations should determine the cause of any symptoms.
Photo: Getty Images; Klaus Nielsen, Laura Tancredi: Pexels
6 common causes of chest pain
There are many causes of chest pain, some of them are quite natural, such as pain during menstruation or breastfeeding, while others are warning signs that indicate the development of the disease . Next, we look at some of the possible causes of breast pain.
Friction . Friction is a common cause of sore breasts and nipples. This is especially true for sports, for example, when using a regular bra instead of a sports bra, or if the size of the latter is not chosen correctly.
Friction can cause soreness and burning pain. The skin may also become dry or cracked.
Infection . Trauma to the nipples, for example, due to friction during sports or due to an allergic reaction and other factors, can lead to infection. Lactation and breastfeeding may also increase the risk of infection. Fairly common is infection with a fungus Candida albicans causing thrush. This may be the result of damage to adjacent tissues, recent use of antibiotics, or in people with a previous history of fungal infections. The infection presents with burning pain that does not go away when friction is removed, and the nipples may be bright pink and the areola may be reddish or scaly.
Breastfeeding mothers may develop mastitis, an inflammatory process associated with stagnation of milk in the ducts of the mammary glands and, as a result, the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria there. At the same time, the chest swells, becomes hard, red and painful.
If you suspect mastitis, you should immediately consult a doctor, as it is fraught with the development of an abscess.
Allergy . Another possible cause of sore breasts and nipples is allergies or atopic dermatitis. Pain and irritation, accompanied by peeling, blistering rash, may be a sign of an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis (eczema). There are various household products that can irritate the skin of the breast or aggravate existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. It can be body lotion, washing powder, soap, fabric softener, perfume, various fabrics.
Hormonal changes . Normal hormonal changes during a woman's monthly cycle can also cause breast tenderness. These symptoms are usually felt shortly before the onset of your period, when rising levels of estrogen and progesterone cause fluid to accumulate in your breasts, causing a feeling of swelling. Pain associated with hormonal changes usually disappears when menstruation begins.
Cancer and Paget's disease . In some cases, nipple pain and breast tenderness, along with other symptoms, can be a sign of oncopathology, although the development of a tumor usually does not cause pain. Breast pain caused by cancer often affects only one breast and/or nipple.
Paget's disease is a rare type of cancer affecting the nipple that is usually found along with a tumor in the same breast. Individuals with Paget's disease and breast cancer may have other symptoms, including: yellowish or bloody discharge from the nipple, itching and tingling, and reddish, scaly, or scaly skin around the nipple and areola.
Pain during pregnancy and lactation . Pain in the nipples is also common during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The breast may increase in size and pain is felt. The nipples and areola can also hurt. A supportive support bra can help reduce friction and soreness. Some pregnant women benefit from wearing a sleep bra.
