Itchy Nipples Before Period

Itchy Nipples Before Period
In most cases, itching around nipples is not a serious issue but such may make a you quite uncomfortable. It’s never easy to deal with irritation in the breast area especially when you are in a public place.
Most women with itchy nipples tend to assume its breast cancer. Sudden nipple inversion should raise the alarm, so anything else you feel such as a random itch, tingle or drip is most likely nothing to worry about.
Sometimes irritation is as a result of a skin condition. It can also be as a result of pregnancy. There are several reasons why your nipple could be itchy.
There are many causes of skin itching around your nipples. Here are some of the most common causes:
One of the causes of nipple itch is dryness or a dry skin condition called eczema. Eczema varies between individuals, ranging from skin that is dry, scaly, red and itchy in some people, to crusting and bleeding in others.
This skin condition is often caused by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus, which worsens it and makes it resistant to treatment. However, topical steroids and other prescribed ointments and creams will help relieve the itchy dry nipple.
During pregnancy, itching is often a common occurrence. The primary cause of this during early pregnancy is the stretching skin on the breasts due to the increasing size of the breasts. This happens as the breasts prepare to meet the demand of the baby after birth.
Breast increase in size often leads to a formation of stretch marks as well. Nipple itchiness becomes worse in the third trimester as the breasts become very big by this stage. The sensitivity of the nipples may also increase causing the breasts to become sore even as the hormones build up in the body.
This is a common condition experienced by athletics or those who do heavy exercises and workouts. The nipple often chafes against the clothing during physical activity. The symptoms of the jogger’s nipple include irritation, soreness, redness of the skin and excessive dryness.
If proper moisturizing is not done, the nipples might crack and bleed. Consider using a petroleum jelly on the nipple or a surgical tape to prevent frictional harm during your workouts.
This is a rare type of breast cancer, affecting one or two women out of every 100 with breast cancer. It presents with eczema-like symptoms and appears as a red rash on the nipple or the surrounding areolar. It is sometimes combined with an itchy or burning sensation.
There may be bleeding and discharge from the nipple. The symptoms are sometimes not conclusive proof of Paget’s disease and can be confused with eczema. It is therefore important to seek medical advice.
Mastitis is the infection of the breast tissue that results in swelling and redness. It may lead to an abscess when not treated. Mastitis is common with breastfeeding women, simply occurring when the bacteria from the baby’s mouth get into the breast.
Mastitis can also occur when the milk-carrying ducts become blocked. Milk then builds up within the breast tissue and may result in infection. If not treated, it might lead to the formation of breast abscess.
An abscess is a localized collection of pus within the breast tissue. Severe cases of mastitis can be fatal when not treated promptly. Symptoms include:
Is it normal to have your breast and nipples itchy before your period? This is one of the most common premenstrual symptoms occurring 1 to 2 weeks before your period starts. Usually, at this time the hormones are fluctuating and leading to several changes in the body.
The symptom usually clears on its own after you start bleeding. Having nipple itchy after menstruation is not normal. It might be a sign of a serious underlying problem. It is advisable that you seek medical attention.
Pregnancy comes with both physical and hormonal changes to the body. Can itchy nipple be an early sign of pregnancy? Tender or itchiness in the breast is expected a week after implantation has taken place.
Hormonal changes are intense in the first trimester and also as the woman adds weight in pregnancy, the accumulation of fat in the breast may also be a cause.
During the first and second trimester, there is a lot of milk-formation producing cells and milk ducts, a second reason why you are experiencing persistent nipple itch.
If you experience sore nipples and not pregnant, chances are you are ovulating. During the egg release from the ovary, the pregnancy hormones increase in levels in preparation for implantation.
Other causes of nipple soreness after a negative pregnancy test could be a sign of underlying health problem. In such an instance you should visit your doctor for detailed examinations.
Majority of the women feed their infants through breastfeeding. There are so many good benefits of breast milk compared to formulas. Thus it becomes hectic when one cannot breastfeed their baby due to the pain and itchiness in the breast.
The main cause of itching during breastfeeding is yeast infection caused by the baby’s oral thrush. To diagnose a yeast infection on the nipple, check your baby for white coating in the mouth and tongue. You can also look for white raised bumps inside the mouth.
A thrush infection is caused by a fungus called candida albican. The infection is more common in children than adults. Your pediatrician may prescribe anti-fungal medications for your baby. To reduce your pain and inflammation, medications may also be prescribed.
Itching could be a sign of a rare breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer. In this type of cancer, the skin that covers the tumors becomes red and inflamed, painful and itchy. When the causes of breast itchiness are breast cancer, the signs include the following:
Irritated breasts can cause you to go through embarrassing moments. Using chemicals over delicate breast tissue might result in serious effects. Natural treatments are most effective to manage your nipple itch. Here are the top five remedies you can try at home to get rid of itchy nipples:
One of the best remedies used to treat skin itching and dryness is coconut oil. It contains specific anti-acids that are easily absorbed to moisturize the skin.
Coconut oil is both anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. For this reason, it can be used to get rid of nipple itch and painful bumps on the breast skin.
Baking soda is crystalline although it appears as a fine powder. It is alkaline and contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. This natural treatment is effective when used for short periods because it has the potential to damage your skin when used for long.
Vinegar is another natural treatment for itchy nipples. It is also a good cleansing compound because of its antiseptic properties.
To prevent your skin from drying, always make sure it is moisturized. Oatmeal contains one of the best natural treatments for dry skin.
Avoid bathing in hot showers for a longer time. This will make your skin drier, thereby increasing itchiness. If you prefer bathing in warm showers, then avoid the continuous flow of water over the nipples. You are advised to just wipe your breast using a cloth soaked in cold water.
Medical Disclaimer: This website is intended for informational purposes only. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe. See your physician or ObGyn for proper diagnosis and treatment of your ailments.

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on January 19, 2022
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Lots of things can make your nipples itchy. They’re sensitive in general. They also stick out, and they can get irritated from friction, eczema, breastfeeding, or pregnancy. Rarely, itchy nipples can be a sign of a more serious condition. Even if your urge to scratch is great, the problem is usually easy to treat. If you’ve been using over-the-counter products for a couple of weeks and the itch isn’t gone, check with your doctor.
Cold, dry weather can lead to major itching all over your body, including on the breasts and nipples. If that’s the cause, your nipples may look raw or chafed. Keep baths and showers to under 10 minutes. Use lukewarm water, since hot water washes away essential oils and dries out your skin even more. Gently pat your skin with a towel until it’s almost dry, and moisturize with a thick cream or ointment. Run a humidifier to add moisture.
It can cause a crusty rash on your nipples and the flat part around it, especially if you’ve had eczema before. Use a thick moisturizer with ceramides, a waxy ingredient that helps heal the skin. A topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone can help with swelling and itching. Your doctor can prescribe stronger prescription ointments. See them right away if you notice any oozing or tenderness, which could be a sign of infection.
Your new soap, lotion, or laundry detergent could be behind your itchy nipples. The chemicals in many cleansing products can cause a rash called contact dermatitis. It can show up as itchy red patches on your body. Switch to soaps and cleansers that are hypoallergenic, unscented, and free of dyes, and you’ll know if that’s the problem.
Your breasts and nipples may be reacting to the elastic or dye used to make your bra or lingerie. Contact dermatitis can cause redness and itching on the areas of the skin that touch the fabric, like your nipples. If you’ve recently started wearing a new bra, go back to your old one for a while and see if the itch goes away.
Your nipples can chafe when they rub against clothing while you exercise or because your bra is too tight. It’s usually more painful than itchy, but some women say the friction can feel like itching or burning. Apply petroleum jelly to the area before workouts to protect it from irritation, and make sure your bra fits well.
Weight gain, morning sickness, hormone swings, and ... itchy nipples? Yep, add that to the list of symptoms of pregnancy. Blame it on hormone changes and skin stretching as your breasts and nipples expand to get ready for a nursing baby. Cocoa butter, coconut oil, or a lanolin ointment rubbed on the nipples can help lessen the itch.
Milk residue, plugged milk ducts, and problems with your baby latching on during feedings all can make nipples itchy and sore. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry and to continue to pump or nurse. Lanolin ointment and silicone gel pads cooled in the refrigerator can help ease your discomfort.
If you’re breastfeeding, and if your nipples and surrounding area are not only itchy but shiny or flaky, and you feel sharp pain while nursing, see your doctor. Those are signs of thrush, a fungal infection. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream to put on your nipples and breasts, as well as a mild antifungal medication you take by mouth.
This stage of your life can make your skin thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. Blame it on your hormones going up and down and on lower levels of estrogen. Your body makes less oil, so it’s harder for your skin to retain moisture. The itch can strike just about anywhere on the body, including the vagina and nipples. Fight the dryness by using mild cleansers, moisturizing often, and taking fewer hot showers.
Treatment for breast cancer can lead to severe itching in the breasts and nipples, even long after it ends. Radiation kills skin cells and causes dryness, burning, and itching as the skin peels off. Massage the area with an ice cube, wear soft, loose-fitting clothes, and drink plenty of fluids. Oral antihistamines can help. Your doctor also can prescribe a corticosteroid to rub on the skin.
This rare form of breast cancer starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and nearby area. It can look a lot like eczema, with crusted, scaly, and itchy skin. But it often affects just one nipple, and you may also see blood or yellow discharge. If the rash doesn’t respond to eczema treatments, you may need a biopsy of a tissue sample to be sure. Paget's disease usually is treated with surgery, followed by radiation.
Sometimes, a noncancerous tumor in the breast duct can cause an itchy, crusted nipple. You may feel a small lump or notice a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. To make the diagnosis, your doctor may X-ray your breast duct or order an ultrasound, mammogram, or biopsy. The treatment is usually surgery.
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Lauren Eckert Ploch, MD, dermatologist, Augusta, GA.
Meghan Feely, MD, dermatologist, New York.
Leena Nathan, MD, assistant clinical professor, UCLA department of obstetrics and gynecology.
La Leche League International: “Is thrush causing my sore nipples?”
Oregon Health & Science University: “Loving Your Skin Through Menopause.”
National Cancer Institute: “Causes of Pruritus in Cancer Patients.”
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center: “Itching.”
American Cancer Society: “Paget Disease of the Nipple,” “Intraductal Papillomas of the Breast.”
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Dry, flaky nipples. Irritated underboob. Breast skin so itchy you spend half the workday secretly reaching into your blouse to scratch your rack. If you've ever had to deal with these annoying chronic itches, you know how uncomfortable things can be behind your bra. But how common is breast and nipple itching, and what’s actually bringing on your need to scratch? (Apart from annoying underwire, that is.)

It's a complaint many patients bring to her during office visits, says Christine Greves, MD, ob-gyn at the center for obstetrics and gynecology at Orlando Health in Florida. “It’s not the number one concern I hear, but it definitely comes up.”

Lots of factors come into play making your breasts itch, from benign issues like dry skin to serious conditions such as certain types of breast cancer . But even when it's not life-threatening, all that scratching can really cut into your quality of life. We asked doctors to outline for us all the possible causes, then explain easy ways to get rid of this bothersome breast issue.

People with eczema commonly develop dry, itchy patches of skin in the folds of their arms or knees. Psoriasis, on the other hand, causes raised red and white plaques on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Yet both inflammatory skin conditions can cause itchiness on the nipples and the entire breast as well, says Shari Lipner, MD, a dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Whether your itchy nipples are due to one of these skin conditions or your skin is naturally on the dry side, you can combat the itch by keeping baths and showers short and using lukewarm water, since the hot kind dries out skin even more. “Use a very gentle soap and pat yourself with a towel instead of completely drying off,” suggests Dr. Lipner. “Follow up with a good moisturizer too. Thick creams or ointments work better than lotions.”

Chemicals added to cleansing products that directly touch your skin can trigger something called irritant contact dermatitis. Since your breasts probably get a good soaping up in the shower every day and are almost always covered by fabric treated with laundry detergent, no wonder your girls are prone to this itchy condition. “Tons of people will get a rash or red, flaky, itchy skin if they’re exposed to an irritant soap or detergent in large enough quantities,” explains Dr. Lipner.

If a cleansing product is the cause of your itch, you’ll probably feel scratchy on other parts of the body as well. To know for sure, switch to an additive-free product and see if the itch goes away. If it does, always opt for hypoallergenic detergents and fragrance-free soaps so it's unlikely to return.

You don't have to be a hard-core athlete to leave the gym and realize your nipples are inflamed, rashy, and itchy. It's not just your nipples that end up itching; your sports bra can leave the skin of your breasts crazy-itchy as well. Says Dr. Lipner: “In this case, the skin will have a rash that looks more linear, rather than red, scaly patches.”

Try a sports bra that is supportive but isn't too tight, which will give your nipples and breasts some breathing room. Less restrictive workout tops in general are a good idea as well. Or try this anti-itch trick: apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the itchy area before working out.

Sweat is mostly made of salt, which can dry out the skin if it lingers. After the skin dries, the itch strikes. Sweat left behind on the skin under your breasts (aka, your underboob) can also promote itching by attracting yeast and leading to a skin yeast infection, says Marie Jhin, MD, a San Francisco–based dermatologist.

To keep moisture from collecting under the skin, wear breathable clothing and rinse off with soap after a sweat session. Ah, that's why gym locker rooms have showers, right?

When a woman becomes pregnant, hormonal changes and weight gain cause her breasts and nipples to get larger. It sounds strange, but the stretching of skin in these areas can result in itchiness, says Dr. Jhin.

“When I was pregnant, it was so itchy,” Dr. Greves tells Health. To stop the urge to scratch, she suggests applying a hypoallergenic lotion to your chest post-shower. The good news about this kind of nipple and breast itch is that at least it's only temporary. After delivery and breastfeeding, your boobs will return to their original size (or closer to it).

Speaking of breastfeeding, this also can trigger itching, especially around the nipple. Residue from breast milk can cause irritation, as can the constant sucking (or biting) of a hungry infant.

Be sure to see your doctor if the itch is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or cracking of the nipples. These are all signs of mastitis, a common issue for nursing moms. The symptoms can also signal the yeast infection thrush, says Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist.

You've probably noticed that your breasts feel more tender during the week before your period and/or during your period itself. Like so many other menstruation-related issues, pin the blame on hormone changes. “When hormones fluctuate, the breasts tend to get more sensitive ,” says Dr. Greves. “That means they may be more prone to irritation and itching.” Hormone swings during menopause can have the same itchy effect.

Another reason for PMS itching has to do with the fact that breasts enlarge slightly at this time in your cycle. As the skin of your breasts and nipples stretch, you feel the urge to scratch, says Dr. Shah.

Radiation therapy has many side effects, and itching is one of them. Here's what happens: radiation can change the texture of the area of skin that's absorbing it. This increases skin sensitivity and promotes itching in the targeted area.

If you're undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer, that means your breasts and nipples can start itching, even whe
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