• Pain

Why Do My Nipples Hurt? Understanding Sore Nipples

Nipple pain and breast soreness can be frustrating to deal with — especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. 

Ignoring the symptoms or hoping they’ll disappear can lead to bigger issues later. It’s vital to recognize the warning signs and know when to seek medical help.

In this article, we’ll address the most common questions about nipple pain and provide practical prevention tips and treatment recommendations to help you manage discomfort effectively.

What Do Sore Nipples Feel Like?

Everyone experiences pain differently, but when it comes to breast pain, many people report similar sensations. For some, it may feel heavy, tender, or swollen. 

Those with larger breasts often describe discomfort when not wearing a bra, especially due to excessive movement during activities like running or even turning over in bed. 

It's important to note that breast pain isn’t limited to women. Men can also experience it, particularly those who have conditions like breast cancer and gynecomastia — a condition involving enlarged breast tissue in men.

What are the Causes of Nipple Pain?

Nipple chafing and irritation

While not all women wear bras, for many, they are an essential part of their everyday wardrobe. 

Bras prevent the nipples from rubbing against clothing and causing friction. They are typically made from smooth, comfortable materials that minimize skin irritation. 

Nipple chafing, however, is more common in men, particularly among runners. The repetitive motion during running or jogging creates significant friction, often called “runner’s nipple”. 

Many runners push through the discomfort during marathons or long runs, which can lead to friction burns and even bleeding of the nipples.

Hormonal changes

At various stages in a woman's life, reproductive hormones fluctuate significantly. These times include before and during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. 

Progesterone levels increase during menstruation, while estrogen levels rise during pregnancy.

Just before and during menopause, reproductive hormone levels drop significantly. These hormonal changes and temporary imbalances often lead to common symptoms, such as premenstrual stress (PMS), with breast pain being one of the most common.

Breastfeeding and lactation-related pain

It's common to experience pain and sensitivity during the first few weeks of breastfeeding, but this typically subsides as your body adjusts. 

Lactation-related pain may be caused by issues like blocked milk ducts or engorged breasts, which are often accompanied by stretched or flattened nipples.

What are Some Medical Conditions That May Cause Nipple Pain?

Paget’s disease of the breast

Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare condition that affects the skin of the nipple and areola. It is often associated with underlying breast cancer behind the nipple. 

Common signs and symptoms include redness, irritation, itching, and nipple discharge.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Early detection can help you avoid the need for breast surgery or other medical interventions. 

Serious signs to watch for include:  

• Red, itchy nipples  

• Flaky skin around the nipples  

• Discoloration of the areola  

• Inversion of the nipple  

• Changes in breast shape  

Skin conditions

Skin conditions can often lead to discomfort, irritation, and even nipple pain. Here are a few common skin-related issues that may result in nipple pain:  

Contact dermatitis: Inflammation and irritation of the nipple and surrounding skin, which can cause flaking, itching, and sore nipples.  

Yeast infection/thrush: A fungal breast infection, typically entering through damaged or cracked nipples. It can be passed to a breastfeeding baby, leading to thrush in the baby's mouth.  

Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that develops in the skin cells, which can occur on the breast or any other area of the body covered by skin.  

Non cancerous breast diseases

Many conditions affect the breast, nipple, and surrounding tissue. Some are serious and potentially life-threatening, while others can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 

Here are a few noncancerous breast conditions:

• Fibroadenoma: A small, rubbery lump that feels like a bouncy ball. Fibroadenomas are usually painless and benign. These lumps are most commonly found in the upper outer section of the breast.

• Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that can affect any part of the breast – including the nipple. Inflammation from the infection can cause intense nipple pain.  

• Intraductal papillomas: These are small growths that form in the milk ducts, causing nipple pain. They can lead to blockages, resulting in swollen and engorged breasts.  

Infection

Infections around the breast and nipples can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Here are some factors that increase your risk of developing a nipple or breast infection:

Cracked nipples: Cracks in the nipples provide an entry point for bacteria and germs, making infection more likely.  

Open wounds on the breast: Any open wound can allow bacteria to enter the body and cause infection.  

Weak or compromised immune system: People with weakened immune systems, due to illness or medications, are less able to fight off everyday infections, leaving them more vulnerable.  

Nipple piercings: Piercings can provide a direct path for bacteria to enter the nipple, especially if they’re not properly cleaned. This can lead to various complications.

Blocked milk ducts: When milk ducts are blocked, they can become inflamed and develop into cysts or abscesses, which can cause infection.  

What are Some Treatments for Sore Nipples?

Sore nipples can be incredibly frustrating to deal with, especially after giving birth when your baby needs constant care. Here are a few treatments that may help alleviate nipple pain:

Home remedies for sore nipples

Cabbage: This is an old-fashioned but effective remedy. Freeze a few cabbage leaves and mold them to your breasts, covering the nipples. You can also use an ice pack or frozen vegetables in the same way.  

Breast milk: Breast milk has natural antibacterial properties. After expressing, apply some of your breast milk to your nipples to help soothe pain.  

Moisturizer: Any gentle moisturizer can help soothe and relieve nipple pain by keeping the skin hydrated.  

Nipple shields: These are soft, flexible plastic covers designed for breastfeeding. Nipple shields have a small hole to allow milk to pass through, making them a helpful option if you're experiencing pain during breastfeeding.  

Use proper breastfeeding techniques

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but without the proper technique, it can lead to nipple pain and breast tenderness. 

If you're experiencing discomfort, seek help from a doctor or lactation consultant (a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding support) to ensure you're using the right methods.

Here are some key breastfeeding techniques to help prevent nipple pain:

• Set yourself up comfortably: Make sure you're in a comfortable position before starting, as this will help both you and your baby to relax.  

• Align your baby’s neck: Make sure your baby’s neck is straight and not turned to the side, as this can cause swallowing difficulties.  

• Position your baby: Hold your baby so they line up with your breast and tilt their head back slightly to make swallowing easier.  

• Let your baby lead: Allow your baby to come to your breast, rather than trying to place your breast into their mouth. This promotes better latching in the future.  

• Align your baby’s nose with your nipple: Position your baby’s nose at the same level as your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide enough for a proper latch.  

OTC medication and cream

Finding the right over-the-counter medication for painful nipples can be challenging, especially if you're breastfeeding. Many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially impact your baby’s health. 

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safe, first-line option for pain relief during both pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is when most nipple-related discomfort tends to occur.

What are Some More Tips for Preventing Nipple Soreness?

Wearing a supportive bra

A poorly fitting bra won’t do its job properly. If it’s too loose, it provides little to no support, making it feel like you're not wearing one at all. 

If it’s too tight, it can cause discomfort by digging into your chest all day. 

Visiting a clothing store to get professionally measured is a good way to ensure your bras fit properly and provide the right support. If you're shopping online, use the detailed size guide and measure yourself carefully to get the best fit.

Avoiding irritants

You should avoid anything that may irritate your breasts or nipples. Common irritants include:  

• Synthetic fabrics  

• Tight clothing  

• Scented soaps or body washes  

• Harsh detergents  

• Perfumed lotions  

• Drying agents in skincare products  

Lifestyle changes

Making a few adjustments to your daily routine can help prevent nipple discomfort and keep your skin healthy. 

Nipple pain caused by habits or lifestyle factors can be prevented by:

• Choosing natural, loose-fitting fabrics when shopping for clothes  

• Using unscented soaps that are gentler on your skin  

• Keeping your nipples moisturized if you are struggling with chapped or sore nipples  

• Choosing comfortable bras that provide adequate support

When Should I See a Doctor for Nipple Pain?

If you experience persistent nipple or breast soreness, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. 

While some discomfort is normal from time to time, certain symptoms require medical attention, such as:

• Nipple discharge  

• Nipple inversion  

• Discoloration and inflammation  

• Abnormal swelling of the breast  

• A lump accompanied by skin changes  

• Fever and other signs of infection  

• Pus discharge from areas other than the nipple  

• Unexplained weight loss

Where Can I Learn More About Breast Health and Managing Nipple Pain?

Do you struggle with nipple tenderness or breast pain? LifeMD can help you determine what’s behind these frustrating sensations.

Whether you’re looking for pain relief from sore nipples or you need to rule out serious health conditions for peace of mind, speak to a doctor via a telehealth consultation today.

Make your appointment to take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

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