Nipple pain is a fairly common problem that can affect both women and men. The causes can be different, including friction with clothing, breastfeeding, and hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are various methods that allow you to relieve discomfort and soothe your nipples, regardless of the cause.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Relieve Pain Caused by Friction
Step 1. Look at the nipples for signs of irritation
Clothing that creates friction and rubs against the skin is a fairly common cause of nipple pain, especially among sportspeople; this disorder is often called "runner's or runner's nipple". If this is the reason for your discomfort, you should experience the following symptoms.
- General pain or soreness
- Redness;
- Dryness;
- Lacerations or cracks;
- Bleeding.
Step 2. Rinse the area with mild soap and water
Like any skin lesion, an abrasion to the nipples can cause an infection. To avoid this, carefully wash the area with warm water and a mild soap. Then dry thoroughly.
- It would be best to let the nipples air dry. If necessary, pat them dry with a towel; rubbing will make irritation and pain worse.
- Do not use an antiseptic product such as alcohol, as this will aggravate the inflammation.
Step 3. Apply lanolin cream to the affected area
Lanolin is particularly suitable for protecting the skin, as it moisturizes, relieves pain and heals chapping and abrasions. You can get it easily in pharmacies and some large supermarkets.
Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly. This will keep moisture on the area and prevent your nipples from coming into direct contact with your clothing
Step 4. Apply ice to reduce pain
If the pain is caused by irritation, you can apply an ice pack to soothe the area.
- Regardless of whether it is a commercial compress or a bag with ice, be sure to wrap it in a cloth. If it is placed directly on the skin it can cause cold injuries.
- Do not keep the ice on for more than 20 minutes, otherwise it will damage the skin. If you are still in pain, wait for the skin to get warm before reapplying.
Step 5. Take steps to avoid further irritation
Once you've taken care of your nipples and eliminated the pain, you need to work to prevent future problems.
- Wear loose fitting shirts when engaging in sports. Also make sure they are made of synthetic material rather than cotton, as cotton is rough on the skin.
- The moisture-absorbing material also helps keep sweat away from the body, preventing possible irritation.
- Women should wear sports bras that fit perfectly. If they are too wide they allow excessive movement of the breasts, thus causing the nipples to friction against the undergarment.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your nipples to protect them and prevent them from cracking.
- Cover your nipples with specific products, such as nipple covers. Alternatively, you could use patches, but keep in mind that removing them may be painful, especially if you have a hairy chest.
Step 6. See your doctor if the problem does not improve within a few days
With proper care, nipple abrasions should resolve in a few days, but if the area doesn't heal, you should see your doctor. there may be other conditions that cause the irritation, such as eczema or psoriasis or a staph infection.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Pain Caused by Breastfeeding
Step 1. Apply a warm, moist compress to your nipples
The heat helps to soothe the discomfort; if you put the compress immediately after breastfeeding you not only reduce the pain, but also clean the breast area.
- Do not replace the hot compress with other methods of warming the area, such as a hair dryer or warmer. These remedies, in fact, have been debunked and are also considered dangerous.
- Nipple pain is the most common cause for women to stop breastfeeding, so it's important to take care of it and relieve the pain.
Step 2. Rub a few drops of your own milk on your nipples
The nutrients contained in breast milk help relieve the discomfort caused by sucking. It also has antibacterial properties, so it avoids possible infections. Air-dry your nipples after applying milk to make sure your skin absorbs as much of the nutrients as possible.
Step 3. Apply lanolin cream to your nipples after breastfeeding
To further protect the skin and avoid pain between feeds, you can spread this cream on your nipples to moisturize the skin and soothe the discomfort. This product is available in most pharmacies and large supermarkets.
- Alternatively, you can apply petroleum jelly, which retains moisture and prevents friction against clothing.
- Regardless of whether you use lanolin or petroleum jelly, be sure to keep the product on your nipples until the next feeding to protect them. Rinse with water before breastfeeding.
Step 4. Ice your nipples before breastfeeding
If they are sore before feeding, you can apply ice to numb the area and reduce pain.
- Whether you're using a store-bought compress or decide to use an ice bag, be sure to wrap it in a towel, as direct application could cause cold sores.
- Do not apply it for more than 20 minutes to avoid damaging the skin.
Step 5. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
If your nipples are very sore even when you are breastfeeding, a pain-reducing medication may help. But make sure you take it without ruling out other methods of relieving the discomfort, otherwise you just hide the pain without treating the underlying problem.
In this case, acetaminophen can be a viable option, although NSAIDs are just as effective. Both types of drugs are safe while breastfeeding, but still ask your doctor for confirmation before taking any type of medicine
Step 6. Change the location
If you are in a lot of pain when you are breastfeeding, you can try adjusting the position. Check out this site for some ideas.
Step 7. See your doctor if the pain doesn't go away
It is not normal to experience persistent or unbearable pain and could be indicative of another problem. Visit your gynecologist to find out the exact cause of your pain or to see if you need to change the way you breastfeed. Sore or cracked nipples may require topical treatment with antibiotics.
Method 3 of 3: Relieve Pain Caused by Hormonal Changes
Step 1. Take into account your hormonal status if your nipples are sore
Hormonal changes in the body can cause swelling or pain in the breast and nipple area. Generally the main cause is estrogen and progesterone imbalance. There are some situations where this kind of hormone fluctuations are normal.
- During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester;
- Just before or during menstruation;
- At the onset of menopause.
- Men can also experience a hormonal shift, typically when estrogen and testosterone imbalance is created. While they certainly may not have the same experiences as women, such as menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, it is still not uncommon for them to have hormonal fluctuations.
- Nipple pain can be caused by obesity and peripheral conversion of estrogen into fat cells, which can lead to gynecomastia.
Step 2. Apply a cold compress to the nipples
If the pain is due to hormonal fluctuations, a topical cream probably does not solve the problem and a cold pack is more suitable to numb the sensitivity. Remember, as previously described, to wrap the ice in a towel and not to keep it on it for more than 20 minutes. If you are still in pain, you can reapply the compress after your skin has returned to a normal temperature and you have regained tactile sensitivity.
Step 3. Take a pain reliever
To manage the pain and tenderness in your nipples caused by hormonal changes, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. This way you stop the signs of distress and you feel more comfortable.
In this case, acetaminophen is a viable option. NSAIDs reduce inflammation, which is not the cause of your problem, but are still effective. Only avoid aspirin if you are under 20, as there is a risk of getting Reye's syndrome, a rare deadly disease
Step 4. Choose a bra that supports better
If your breasts and nipples are sore, a more appropriate bra can help. This is especially important if you are pregnant to avoid stretching the breast tissue.
You could also wear a sports bra when you sleep. If the breasts move during the night, the pain can get worse
Step 5. See your doctor if pain persists
If the nipples hurt over a period of more than a few days or a week, another underlying condition may be the cause. See your doctor for an exam to check for another health problem that is causing your nipple pain.
Step 6. Ask your doctor about danazol
If breast pain persists or is unbearable, he may prescribe this drug for you. It is a medicine that is used for the treatment of various diseases, but it is also indicated to treat pain, swelling and tenderness of the breasts and nipples. However, it can cause androgenic side effects, so you need to limit its use. Ask your doctor if this drug can help for your specific case.
Advice
- Eliminate caffeine, increase your vitamin E intake, and use evening primrose oil to reduce breast pain.
- Do not smear honey or vitamin E on your nipples while you are breastfeeding, as they could be toxic to the baby.
- Diet and training are determining factors for sore nipples. A low-fat but high-carbohydrate diet has been shown to reduce menstrual-related breast pain.
