Sore nipples? Here are 7 possible causes

Various causes of sore nipples, from natural to dangerous

1. Friction with the bra

Wearing a bra that is narrow or oversized can cause friction between the fabric and the skin of the nipples during your activity. This then causes irritation and makes the nipples sore. In fact, the skin of the nipples can become dry and cracked.

So, make sure you use a bra that is the right size and made from soft, absorbing sweat. That includes your sports bra. To reduce the risk of nipple friction during exercise, you can apply surgical tape or surgical tape.

2. Allergic or atopic dermatitis

Both allergic skin reactions and symptoms of atopic eczema are usually characterized by a reddish skin rash, hives, and irritation blisters. If this affects your breast area, then the nipples can also feel sore.

There are various body care products that can trigger irritating reactions in the nipples, such as:

Body lotion
Detergent
Bath soap
Softener
Perfume
Fabric (for example wool)

For the treatment of this skin reaction, usually use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream. However, if the irritation is more widespread and the rash appears more and more after being given the drug, you should consult a doctor.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes during PMS can cause sore and swollen nipples in the days before your period starts. This is caused by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone which are more concentrated in the breast.

After your period starts, these complaints will usually subside. However, if it is up to a few days until menstruation is over that the nipples still hurt, you should consult your doctor.

4. Excessive sexual stimulation

Sometimes, excessive sexual stimulation of the breast area can cause sore nipples by becoming too sensitive. This is usually temporary and will go away on its own once the stimulation is stopped. We recommend that you reduce the first "focus" on the area of the nipple and move the stimulation to other areas.

In addition, to prevent sore nipples from returning, use a moisturizer that is suitable and does not cause irritation to your skin.

5. Infection

Sores that occur due to friction, scratching, allergic itching, even from irritated nipples due to breastfeeding can develop into infections if left unchecked. Apart from causing sore nipples, infection can also increase the risk of a skin yeast infection caused by Candida albicans.

Candidiasis infection causes stinging pain like burning, and does not go away even though it has reduced friction. Other symptoms include a bright pink nipple and a reddish areola. To prevent the infection from getting worse, you should consult your doctor.

6. Pregnant and breastfeeding

Sore nipples can also occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, again due to hormonal changes.

Especially if the breastfeeding technique or the position of the baby while feeding is not right, so the baby keeps biting the nipple instead of sucking. Breastfeeding a teething baby can also cause the same thing.

7. Breast cancer

Some cases of sore nipples can also be caused by Paget's mammary disease. Reported on the page of the National Cancer Institute, Mammary Paget's disease is a rare form of breast cancer, in which cancer cells all collect around the nipple.

Usually this cancer affects the ducts inside the nipple, then spreads to the surface of the nipple, and then spreads to the areola to cause dark circles around the nipple. Often times, this cancer will cause pain in one of the nipples depending on the part of the breast that is affected.

Apart from pain, there are other symptoms that follow, namely: