Nipple pain is quite common in both women and men. This pain can occur for many reasons, such as irritation caused by clothing, breastfeeding, or hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce and eliminate nipple pain, no matter what is causing it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Soothing nipple pain caused by friction
Step 1. Examine the nipples for signs of irritation
Rubbing against clothing is a common cause of nipple pain. This pain is common in athletes and is often referred to as "runner's nipples." If the pain is caused by rubbing against clothing, you are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- General pain and sensitivity.
- Redness.
- Dryness.
- Cracks and cracks.
- Bleeding.
Step 2. Wash your nipples and skin around them with mild soap and water
As with other skin lesions, rubbing the tissue against the nipples can lead to infection. To prevent infection, gently wash your nipples and the skin around them with warm water and mild soap. Then let the skin dry completely.
- It is best to wait for the nipples to air dry. If necessary, gently pat dry with a towel, but do not wipe your nipples with it, as this will increase irritation and pain.
- Using an antiseptic such as alcohol is undesirable because it can increase inflammation.
Step 3. Apply lanolin cream to the damaged areas
Lanolin is specially formulated to protect the skin: it moisturizes it, relieves pain, heals cracks and chafing. Lanolin creams are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Petrolatum can be used instead of lanolin cream. This product will moisturize your nipples and protect them from rubbing against clothing
Step 4. Apply ice to your skin to relieve pain
If you experience pain from chafing, you can apply an ice pack to the painful area.
- Whether you're using a commercially available cold compress or a plain ice pack, wrap it in a towel. Applying ice directly to the skin can cause frostbite.
- Do not apply ice pack for longer than 20 minutes. Otherwise, you can damage your skin. If the pain persists after the first compress, wait for the skin to warm before reapplying the ice compress.
Step 5. Take measures to prevent chafing on the nipples in the future
After getting rid of nipple pain, care should be taken to prevent it in the future.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing when playing sports. Wear synthetic tees and shirts, as cotton tends to chafe your skin more.
- Moisture-wicking fabrics will absorb sweat and also prevent chafing.
- Women are better off wearing sports bras that are the right size. Bras that are too loose should be avoided as they do not support the breasts well enough and the nipples rub against the fabric.
- Apply petroleum jelly or petrolatum to your nipples. This will protect them and prevent chafing.
- Cover your nipples with special tools such as NipGuard. You can also cover your nipples with adhesive tape, but it can be painful to remove it later, especially if you have hair on your chest.
Step 6. If your condition has not improved within a few days, see a doctor
With proper care, nipple chafing should go away within a few days. If this does not happen, see your doctor. The nipple irritation may be due to some other cause, such as eczema or psoriasis, or an infection with Staphylococcus aureus.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Nipple Pain Caused by Breastfeeding
Step 1. Apply a warm, damp compress to your nipples
The warmth of the compress will help relieve pain. Applying this method immediately after feeding will not only reduce pain, but also cleanse the nipples.
- The warm compress should not be replaced with other warming agents such as a hair dryer or heater. These home remedies have been found to be unhealthy.
- Nipple pain is the most common cause of milk loss in breastfeeding women, so it is very important to get rid of this pain.
Step 2. Rub a few drops of breast milk into the nipples
Natural nutrients in breast milk can help relieve pain associated with breastfeeding. Milk also has antibacterial properties, so this method is also good for preventing infection. Then wait for the nipples to air dry to absorb as much of the nutrients as possible.
Step 3. After feeding, apply lanolin cream to the nipples
For better skin protection and to prevent pain between feedings, you can use lanolin cream on your nipples. This cream will moisturize the skin and relieve pain. Lanolin cream is sold in most pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Petrolatum can be used instead of lanolin cream. It will moisturize the nipples and protect them from rubbing against clothing.
- Regardless of whether you use lanolin cream or petrolatum, leave them on your skin until your next feed to protect your nipples. Rinse off the cream with warm water immediately before feeding.
Step 4. Before feeding, apply an ice pack to the nipples
If your nipples are sensitive, apply ice packs to them before feeding to help numb the pain.
- Whether you're using a commercially available cold compress or a plain ice pack, wrap it in a towel. Applying ice directly to the skin can cause frostbite.
- Do not keep the ice pack on for longer than 20 minutes to avoid damaging your skin.
Step 5. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever
If you are experiencing severe irritation in your nipples and breasts, pain relievers can help. Be sure to use medications along with other methods aimed at eliminating nipple pain, otherwise you will only mask this pain without eliminating its cause.
In this case, acetaminophen is the best choice, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will help. Both of these drugs are safe for breastfeeding, but you should consult your doctor before using any drug
Step 6. Change your pose
Sometimes changing posture while breastfeeding can help relieve pain caused by breastfeeding. Try different poses to find the best one.
Step 7. If pain persists, see a doctor
Constant and severe pain is not normal, it can be caused by some other reason. Visit your doctor: he will examine you and determine if the pain is caused by something more serious, or if you just need to change the way you feed. An antibiotic ointment may be needed to treat cracked or chapped nipples.
Method 3 of 3: Relieving Nipple Pain Caused by Hormonal Changes
Step 1. For nipple pain, pay attention to your hormonal status
Hormonal changes in the body can cause swelling and pain in the breasts and nipples. As a rule, this leads to an imbalance between the content of estrogen and progesterone. In some of the cases listed below, these hormonal changes are considered normal.
- During pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
- Just before or during your period.
- When women enter menopause.
- Men can also experience a similar phenomenon. This is usually due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Although men do not experience menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, the amount of hormones in their bodies also changes over time.
- Nipple pain can result from obesity and local transformation of estrogen molecules in fat cells. This phenomenon can lead to gynecomastia.
Step 2. Apply a cold compress to your nipples
If nipple pain is caused by hormonal changes, creams probably won't help. It is best to use cold compresses to relieve pain. However, remember to wrap the ice packs in a towel and apply them for no more than 20 minutes. If the pain persists after the first compress, remove it and let the skin warm up, after which you can reapply the compress.
Step 3. Take a pain reliever
Use over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve nipple pain and irritation caused by hormonal changes. They can help reduce pain and make you feel better.
In this case, acetaminophen is best suited. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation, but in this case, it is not the cause of nipple pain. However, NSAIDs can also help reduce pain. If you are under 20 years old, do not take aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome
Step 4. Choose a bra that better supports your breasts
If you are experiencing pain in your nipples and breasts, a bra that supports your breasts more tightly can help alleviate them. This is especially important during pregnancy as it helps to avoid stretching.
You can also wear a sports bra while sleeping. The pain may worsen if your breasts move freely while you sleep
Step 5. If pain persists, see your doctor
If the pain continues for several days or an entire week, it may be due to some other cause. See a doctor who will examine you and determine if the nipple pain is due to something more serious.
Step 6. Ask your doctor to prescribe danazol for you
If you have severe pain for a long time, your doctor may prescribe danazol for you. This drug is used for several purposes; It is also used to treat swelling, pain and irritation in the breasts and nipples. However, danazol has an androgenic effect, which limits its use. Ask your doctor if this drug will help you.
Advice
- There is evidence that avoiding caffeinated foods can help reduce chest pain; Applying primrose oil and products rich in vitamin E to the breasts also helps.
- Do not apply honey and vitamin E-rich products directly to the breast during breastfeeding as they can be toxic to the baby.
- Diet and exercise are the most influential factors for chest pain. A low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet has been shown to reduce recurrent chest pain.