Itchy nipples are actually common and can be caused by a variety of things. However, this condition should not be taken lightly, especially if the itching that appears has interfered with daily activities.
Many things can make the nipples itchy. Although actually itching is a natural thing to happen, but itching in the nipples that occurs continuously can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Therefore, it is important for you to know the cause of itchy nipples.
Causes of Itchy Breast Nipples
There are several reasons why the nipples feel so itchy, including:
1. Mastitis
A common problem experienced by breastfeeding mothers is mastitis, which is inflammation of the breast tissue. This condition occurs due to blockage of the milk ducts or breast tissue that has been infected with bacteria.
Mastitis can make the nipples feel itchy, swollen, and red accompanied by pain or a stinging sensation, especially when breastfeeding.
2. Eczema
Eczema can make the skin dry, itchy, scaly, red, and cracked. As much as possible avoid scratching the skin too hard, because it can cause wounds and increase the risk of S . bacterial infectionStaphylococcus aureus.
Eczema can usually recur and come and go if not treated properly.
3. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman's body will increase. An increase in this hormone can cause changes in body shape, including an increase in breast size.
This increase in breast size can cause the skin in the area around the breast to stretch. This stretch can trigger itching and is sometimes accompanied by dry, peeling skin.
4. Irritation
Itching on the nipples can also occur due to friction with clothing. For example, for those of you who like sports, nipples can feel itchy due to sweat and friction with clothes. It is also known to trigger irritation.
In addition, irritation of the skin and nipples can also occur if you use a bra that is too tight. If left untreated, this can cause sores, cracked nipple skin, and even bleeding.
5. Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that generally occurs in women. Symptoms include redness in the breast area, lumps in the breast, nipples become flat or drawn in, discharge from the nipple, and changes in nipple or breast skin.
Sometimes, nipples that feel very itchy and painful can also be a symptom of breast cancer.
Itchy nipples will get worse if you are exposed to chemicals from body care products, such as perfumes and soaps. Not only that, clothing materials made of wool or artificial fibers can also aggravate itching in the nipples.
How to Overcome Itchy Nipples
How to deal with itching on the nipples depends on the cause. If the itching is caused by eczema, you are advised to keep the skin around the breast moist by using a moisturizer.
If itchy nipples are caused by irritation, try to avoid the cause of the irritation as much as possible. Avoid using soaps that contain fragrances or dyes. For treatment, this condition can be treated using ointments containing emollients and corticosteroids.
For those of you who like sports, you can protect your nipples from clothing friction by applying petroleum jelly to the nipple area. It is also recommended to use a bra that is comfortable and not too tight.
As for pregnant and lactating women, you can wear a bra made of cotton so that the air flow in the breasts is smooth and avoid using harsh soaps. In addition, you can also apply cold compresses to the nipple area to reduce itching.
You can consult a doctor to find out the cause of the itchy nipples experienced so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.
You are also advised to immediately consult a doctor if the itchy nipples do not improve or the condition worsens and is accompanied by fever, severe pain, bleeding or yellow discharge, and changes in skin texture in the nipple area.