Why nipples hurt

For some people, this pain can be severe, while others may not feel anything at all, Delaney says. More than a third of people who seek help for breastfeeding report that they have ongoing nipple pain, and it's the most common reason parents give up on breastfeeding. To properly latch, your baby should have some breast tissue in their mouth, with your nipple deeper in the mouth.

If your baby doesn't latch onto enough breast tissue, your nipple can get painfully pinched and you may end up with chronically sore nipples. If your nipples feel sore to a light touch and or you have burning pain when not feeding, these may be signs that you have a latching problem, Delaney says. You can also try using different breastfeeding positions like the football, laid-back, and cradle positions described here.

Your breasts and nipples can become infected if bacteria get in through a break in your skin. This happens most often while you're breastfeeding, but you can get a nipple infection any time you have cracked or injured skin, Delaney says. Infections can be painful, especially when your breast swells and pushes on the milk ducts attached to your nipples.

If you think you have an infection, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible to get antibiotic treatment. Nipple chafing usually happens when your nipples rub against your clothing and become irritated, but it can also happen from friction during sex. Nipple chafing is even more likely when you run in cold weather, when your nipples may be erect. In rare cases, nipple pain can be a sign of breast cancer, particularly if only one of your nipples is affected.

The skin may also become dry or chapped. Furthermore, longer periods of exercise mean extended periods of friction, too. People who are sensitive to friction may choose to take extra precautions, such as wearing surgical tape on their nipples during exercise. Nipples that have already been injured by friction, an allergic reaction, or are cracked or bleeding have a higher risk of infection.

Lactation and breast-feeding may also increase the risk of infection. It is possible to get a yeast infection of the nipples, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. This can be the result of damage to the surrounding tissue, recent antibiotic use, or when a person has a history of fungal infections. A yeast infection, also known as thrush, at the nipples is often felt as a burning, stinging pain that does not go away by reducing sources of friction.

The nipples may be bright pink and the areola may be reddish or flaky. Many breast-feeding women describe thrush as sharp, hot pain immediately after the feed. Signs of the infection may also appear on their baby. Mastitis is possible during pregnancy if milk becomes trapped in one of the milk ducts. Bacteria can start to grow in the duct and spread. This type of infection can cause a swollen, red, sore breast and nipple. Mastitis needs to be treated with antibiotics.

If it is left untreated, an abscess can form. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms as well as nipple and breast pain should see a doctor:. Pain and irritation accompanied by flaky, crusty, or blistering skin may be a sign of an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis eczema. There are a variety of household products that can irritate the nipples or trigger flare-ups of existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.

These include:. Other signs of an allergic reaction include red or chapped skin around the nipple and areola, and persistent itchiness. In some cases, a rash may occur. Therefore, you should seek medical help if you have sore nipples and breastfeeding is painful.

Doctors can discuss the different feeding positions and techniques that should be comfortable for you and your baby. At Breast Care Center Miami, we also recommend our patients to do the following:. You may have breast cysts , which are round and oval lumps, and these can develop in one or both breasts. They can cause pain and tenderness and can increase in size and become more painful before the period starts. A doctor can determine if the cyst is what is causing your symptoms or if it is something serious.

However, if you do have symptoms, these can be helpful to ease the pain:. Breast and nipple pain and sensitivity are common in pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding or taking medications.

Call our reception desk today to set up an appointment with us — We are open on weekdays from a. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment. For more information click here. Reason 2: You Have a Muscle Strain If you are an athlete or a weightlifter, you have a great chance of experiencing muscle strain.

However, other symptoms that can occur in the early pregnancy stages include the following: Nausea and vomiting. An increase in vaginal discharge. Frequent urination. Another cause for sore nipples while breastfeeding is thrush.

Thrush is a yeast infection you can get if your nipples dry out and become cracked from breastfeeding. Your baby can also get thrush in their mouth. It shows up as white patches on their tongue, gums, and other surfaces inside the mouth.

Avoiding tight clothes and wearing a more supportive bra can help control nipple pain. Every time you buy a new bra, try it on. It can help to visit a store where the salesperson measures you to make sure you get the right fit. They can watch you breastfeed and provide tips and guidance to help make it easier. Your outlook depends on which condition is causing your nipple pain. Soreness related to your period should go away on its own.

Breastfeeding pain caused by an infection should improve with treatment. Breast cancer outlook depends on the stage of your cancer and what treatment you get.

Read this article in Spanish. Premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. A burning nipple can be extremely uncomfortable, but is it serious? Sore nipples are common in breastfeeding women. Here are 13 ways to prevent and manage sore nipples while breastfeeding, plus signs that you may need…. Here are other symptoms to watch for and when to see your doctor.

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