The nipples can become itchy in every woman at a point or the other in their lifetimes. Nipple itch usually occurs as a result of allergies or even irritations. The nipples and the entire skin around it become itchy to the extent that the affected person scratches it till it bleeds or becomes swollen. However, scratching the affected nipple can result in further spread of the affected part, especially when the cause of the itching is caused by fungi.
Nipple itch can be caused by various factors such as eczema, chemical irritants such as reactions to soap and creams, detergents, water, medicine contraindications, etc. The itchy nipple usually becomes swollen, painful, hard or unnecessarily tender, dry and crackly nipples, red, and sometimes discharges liquid from the breast.
Causes Of Itchy Nipples
Itchy nipples can be caused by many things which include:
1. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the hormones in the body change thereby causing breast enlargement, increased blood flow and this could result in itching.
2. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a condition of the skin that causes inflammation of the skin. The skin of the breast can become itchy and inflamed as a result of eczema, irritation as a result of clingy wear, harsh water, soap or detergent, and even water.
3. Yeast
Fungal infections can result in breast yeast or thrush and this can make the breast become itchy. Sometimes women can suffer from a fungal infection of the breast called breast yeast or thrush. Breast thrush can occur during breastfeeding, after an abortion session, miscarriage, etc.
4. Jogger Nipple (Rubbing)
Jogger nipple occurs as a result of friction which occurs during running, lifting, jogging, bending, etc. To prevent this, always wear the right size of bra, wear camisoles before putting on your shirts, and avoid being exposed to cold.
5. Chemical Irritants
Exposure to chemical irritants such as harsh detergents and soaps, water can result in the itching of the nipple.
Remedies To Itchy Nipple
It is highly advisable for you to pay your doctor a visit the moment you begin to experience breasts itching because this will salvage the situation. Breast itching can be a sign of an underlying health issue like cancer. So, an early visit to the doctor who will help in diagnosing the cause of the breast itching is very important; as this will help in the early treatment and cure of the itching.
1. Use Of Over-The-Counter Products
The intake of over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotics and non-steroid creams will help in healing the itching in the breasts.
2. Drinking Enough Quantity Of Water
Ensure you drink enough water to enable your body to become well moisturized and fresh.
3. Sufficient Fruits And Vegetables
The intake of fruits and vegetables will not only help in building your immune system, it will also enhance the rejuvenation of your entire body, especially the affected part of the nipple thereby making you enjoy your youthful glow.
4. Wearing Loosely-Fitted Clothing
To avoid friction, ensure you inculcate the habit of wearing loosely-fitted clothing to avoid friction which could further trigger itching in your nipple.
5. Use of Moisturizers
Ensure you apply moisturizers on the affected nipple and its areas in order to avoid it from being extremely itchy, cracking, and dry.
6. Avoid The Use of Harsh Detergents
Some detergents are prepared with high chemical contents which are harmful for the skin. They are usually relatively low cost and can be seen across pharmacies.
7. Wear The Right Sizes of Bra
Do not wear oversized or undersized brassieres. It is advisable that you wear bras that are perfectly fitting for you in order to avoid friction.
8. Do Not Scratch
To avoid a further spread in the itchy part of the breast, the nipple, the areola; ensure you do not scratch to avoid a serious spread of it especially if it is caused by a fungal infection.
9. Use Antihistamines
To avoid itching, use antihistamines to relieve the itching. Antihistamines are relatively okay and low in price and are available across pharmacies.
10. Use Antiseptic Soaps
Once you begin to experience itching in your nipple, simply switch from the use of random toilet soaps to the use of antiseptic soaps.
11. Use Waterproof Adhesive Bandage
Ensure you use a waterproof adhesive bandage; this will prevent friction from taking place and also soothe you of every pain emanating from the itching in your nipple.
Stay healthy!
Stay safe!
