As if the soreness and tenderness in your breasts that come with your period weren’t bad enough, most women have had to deal with another uncomfortable sensation at some point in their lives: itchy nipples.
While you may not discuss much about your itching nipple problem, you should be aware that itchy nipples are a very common problem among women.
Itching isn’t often the only symptom, though.
Your itchy nipples may also feel tender or dry, have a burning or stinging feeling, appear pink or red, hurt, or appear cracked or crusted, depending on the cause.
Some home remedies for itchy nipples can really get the job done for you. Let’s discuss in detail the causes of itchy nipples and which home remedies you can try to get rid of itching nipples.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Get Itchy Nipples?
Dry Weather
Dry weather can cause itchiness all over including the breasts and nipples.
Eczema
Common during pregnancy, this skin condition usually involves dry and cracked patches of skin. Skin may appear red, darker than your skin tone, or inflamed.
Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis from soap, lotion, or laundry detergent can kick in itchy nipples. Reaction to the bra, its elastic or dye, or other components can also trigger it.
Jogger Nipple
Friction leading to chafing as the nipples rub against clothing while you exercise is known as jogger nipple. It also triggers itchy nipples because the bra is too tight or the clothing material is rough.
Pregnancy
Itchy nipples can be caused by hormonal changes, breast enlargement, and increased blood flow during pregnancy. Sore nipples, tingling, sensitivity, and breast heaviness are all possible side effects.
Breastfeeding
Surprise: your vagina isn’t the only site where you might have a yeast infection.
Candida albicans, a kind of pathogenic yeast, is usually kept in control by a healthy balance of microorganisms in your body. Candida can overgrow and cause an illness if your bacterial balance is off.
You can get an infection on your nipples or in your breast during breastfeeding since it thrives on milk and warm, moist regions. Flaky, cracked, or sore nipples, as well as achy breasts, may accompany itchy nipples.
Radiation
Radiation treatment for breast cancer can cause severe itching in breasts and nipples.
Studies show that paget’s disease which is a rare form of breast cancer or a benign tumor can cause itching of the nipples.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Itching Nipples
The good news is: you don’t have to worry as there are some very easy home remedies that you can use to get rid of itching nipples. Everything on the list is already in your kitchen.
Apply Butter
Applying butter directly to the nipples is an easy approach to relieve itchy nipples. After applying the butter, gently massage it into the skin with your fingertips in a circular manner. Wash them with cold water once done.
With moisturisation with butter, the itchiness of your nipples will be controlled to a great extent.
Add Vitamin C to Your Diet
Vitamin C consumption aids in the restoration of skin tissues. If you have itchy nipples, including fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C in your diet can help you minimize the itching.
Oranges, kiwis, papaya, tomato, and other citrus fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamin C.
Apply Honey
The best thing about honey is that it can be found in almost every home.
Honey applied to the nipples softens and smoothes them while also reducing irritation. You can apply honey to itchy nipples depending on the severity of the itching.
Apply honey four times a day if they itch more.
Make a Paste of Basil Leaves
Basil leaves have a number of medicinal benefits. Basil leaves aid in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions by hastening the healing process.
Making a paste out of basil leaves and applying it to itchy nipples and leaving it on for a while is the best approach to utilize it for itchy nipples. Then wash it off and do it again for a week.
Massage with Coconut Oil
While any oil massage might help relieve nipple itching, the finest effects come from massaging with coconut oil.
Coconut oil relieves itching while also curing the problem. Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils for dealing with nipple soreness in breastfeeding moms because it is safe to use.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel applied to the nipples can also assist to relieve itching.
Apply straight to the nipples and massage lightly in between for 10 minutes.
With the help of a damp washcloth, remove the aloe vera gel after 10 minutes. For a few days, do this every day.
You can get the finest results by using chilled aloe vera gel.
While aloe vera gel has cooling characteristics on its own, chillin it for about 30 minutes before applying it to irritated nipples might make it even more comforting.
Ice Cubes: A Quick Fix
For itchy nipples, ice is the most effective treatment.
Set aside an ice cube wrapped in a small towel. Wrap an ice cube around your nipple and apply.
Nipple irritation can be relieved rapidly with ice cubes, which have a numbing effect when applied.
If itching in the nipples arises during pregnancy, pregnant women can use ice cubes to relieve the itching.
Peppermint Tea
One of the most prevalent difficulties faced by breastfeeding mothers is nipple eczema, which causes the nipple to itch. Irritation and fissures in the nipples might develop as a result of a poor breastfeeding latch, causing pain and itching.
You can prevent this by putting lukewarm peppermint tea on the nipples.
Some General Tips to Prevent Itchy Nipples
- Wear cotton bras instead of ill-fitting, tight bras.
- To bed, wear loose clothing.
- After a shower, make sure your nipples are completely dry.
- Soaps with strong scents should be avoided.
- While nursing, don’t remove the nipple out of the baby’s mouth.
- Both breasts should be used to breastfeed.
- Avoid applying expanding creams or oils on your breasts.
- While exercising, wear sports bras.
- Moisturize your nipples with petroleum jelly.
Bottom Line!!
You may keep the nipple itching at bay by taking certain steps. It is critical to maintain adequate hygiene.
Avoid talcum powders and soaps with strong scents. Make it a point to wear cotton bras that are well-fitting.
While itchy nipples are common in women of all ages all over the world, there are some steps that may be taken to lessen the risk of acquiring itchy nipples. If you still have nipple itching despite following all measures, consult a well-known gynecologist anywhere near you in Pakistan.
