Itchy nipples

Do you know folk signs about itchy nipples? Itchy right nipple means meeting your loved one, itchy left nipple means your loved one is bored. Signs are signs, but there is no time for jokes when itchy nipples remind you of themselves regularly and cause serious discomfort.

Nipple itching occurs without obvious reasons and does not always indicate serious disorders and the need for treatment. This is a common occurrence and is even included in the international classification of diseases (ICD-10). Usually, itching is caused by the most banal reasons.

Causes itchy nipples

Itchy nipples are a common part of natural changes in the body, but there is a good chance that they are a manifestation of a skin or systemic disease. What causes itching?

• Pregnancy. If itching of the nipples occurs during pregnancy, do not worry. The natural processes occurring in the body and preparing a woman for the birth of a baby and breastfeeding are to blame. The fact is that the nervous tissue does not keep up with the growth of the tissues of the mammary glands. As a result, burning, pain and itching in the nipple bother.
• Lactation period. During feeding, the breast constantly changes size. Unpleasant sensations appear because the skin is stretched and then tightened. The problem will disappear with the end of breastfeeding: the size of the glands will normalize, the itching will pass.
• Puberty. Breast development in girls begins at 10-11 years of age and continues for several more years. Before the onset of menstruation, the glands often become denser. Minor pain and itching sometimes persist until the formation of the mammary glands is complete.
• Fungal infection. Itchy nipples are often caused by the Candida fungus, which actively multiplies in a warm, moist and dark environment. Young mothers who breastfeed are especially likely to encounter nipple thrush.
• Eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that develops due to exposure to irritants. The disease has other symptoms: redness, swelling, increased temperature of the affected area. Not only the nipple itself can be affected: redness and itching around the nipple, among other things. To avoid complications, it is not recommended to treat dermatitis on your own, it is better to consult a specialist.
• Allergy. Synthetic materials irritate the delicate skin of the breast. Perhaps, with the change from a synthetic bra to a cotton one, the itching of the nipples will stop bothering. An allergy can appear even if the bra is made of natural fabrics because of the powder. Powders contain substances that are excellent at washing, but irritate the skin. Then it is recommended to use hypoallergenic detergents: there is a large selection in stores. Itching of the nipples can appear from soap, shower gel and other care products.
• In rare cases, itching may indicate nipple cancer (Paget's disease). The pathogenesis of the disease is similar to the signs of dermatitis: itching and peeling of the nipple, rashes, and in some cases, bleeding discharge. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe additional tests and studies. The best prevention of cancer is a timely visit to a specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis. After confirming the diagnosis, modern medicine provides for surgical treatment to remove the tumor. In the early stages, cancer is easily treatable and has a favorable prognosis.
• Medicines. Itching is a side effect of many medications. If you notice improvements after stopping the medication for a day, you should replace the medication if possible.
• Sports activities. People who engage in active sports may experience itchy nipples due to constant contact with clothing.

Unpleasant symptoms bother not only women. Itchy nipples in men can be caused by some of the listed reasons. If the itching continues to bother you and you have not been able to identify its cause on your own, you should consult a doctor who will conduct differential diagnostics and, if necessary, instrumental examinations.

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Diagnostics itchy nipples

Instrumental diagnostics for itchy nipples includes:

• Ultrasound of the mammary gland is a gentle and accessible examination that allows detecting mastopathy and neoplasms up to 1 cm in diameter;
• Sonoelastography will allow us to understand the nature of the neoplasm based on its degree of elasticity and flexibility;
• Radiography - allows you to examine the contours of tumors and determine their shape;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to identify the cause of changes in the mammary gland with high accuracy.

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Treatment itchy nipples

You can try to get rid of itchy nipples with herbs. For this, use plants that have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic effects. These same plant ingredients help to improve metabolism. If itchy nipples developed against the background of systemic diseases, only an antipruritic agent will not do: you need to start with treating the underlying disease.

In folk medicine, complex measures are more effective. For example, they drink a nettle composition, and locally make lotions from celandine infusion. In addition, ointments with herbs are applied (licorice root, strawberry leaves, wild pansy). To avoid negative consequences, you should be careful when choosing herbs for internal use: some herbs, such as celandine or succession, are poisonous.

Homeopathy in the treatment of itchy nipples

Homeopathic remedies are most often presented in the form of drops and granules. However, the components can be used in ointments. Ointments such as Aesculus, Psoriaten, Calendula, LedumIricar, and Propolis have antipruritic properties. They are absolutely harmless and are sold without a prescription. It is better to consult a homeopath to choose the right ointment for a particular case.

Treatment of itchy nipples in traditional medicine

As first aid at home for itchy nipples, traditional medicine recommends using lanolin-based moisturizers. At the pharmacy, a pharmacist can recommend anti-itch ointments, or a doctor can prescribe mild hormonal creams. When choosing cosmetics, give preference to products based on beeswax, jojoba oil, canola, coconut or shea butter. If the cause of itchy nipples is an infection, an antiseptic or antifungal cream will be effective.

Be attentive to your health. Do not put off a visit to the doctor if your nipples itch for more than a couple of days and you cannot cope with the itching at home. It is better to be confident in your health and play it safe than to be at a loss as to why your nipples are itching.