What Causes Sensitive Nipples? Causes And Treatment

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Medical News TodaySubscribe8 causes of sensitive nipples

Medically reviewed by Sirisha Yellayi, DO — Written by Adam Rowden on October 1, 2020

Friction and chafing
Allergic reaction
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Infection
Breast cancer
Paget's disease
Summary

There are many possible causes of sensitive nipples, most of which are benign, such as friction and chafing. However, in rare cases, this symptom may be due to a condition that requires treatment, like breast cancer.

People who have sensitive nipples may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

sore nipples
burning or stinging pain
skin discoloration on the nipple
dry or chapped skin on the nipple
soreness of the breast

In this article, we discuss some causes of sensitive nipples.

Friction and chafing

A woman who may have sensitive nipples — Credit Image: Markanja/Getty Images

Runner’s nipple, or jogger’s nipple, can cause the nipples to become sensitive.

Runner’s nipple occurs due to friction and chafing — for example, if the nipples rub against ill-fitting clothing, particularly when running or doing other sporting activities.

Nipple sensitivity that occurs due to friction may lead to other symptoms, such as:

sore nipples
stinging pain
dry or chapped skin

Treatment

Applying topical ointments or moisturizers may help soothe the skin and reduce the symptoms.

People who know that they are sensitive to friction can also try several methods to prevent their nipples from hurting during exercise.

These include:

wearing smooth fabrics
wearing suitable clothing that fits correctly
wearing a properly fitted sports bra
applying anti-chafing balm
putting waterproof tape or bandages over the nipples

Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction can cause the nipples to become sore or sensitive. Many household products can cause an allergic reaction or irritate a person’s nipples. These products include:

laundry detergent
soap
body lotions and creams
perfume and aftershave
certain fabrics

Other symptoms that can occur if a person is experiencing an allergic reaction include:

flaky skin
blisters
a burning sensation
itchiness
a rash

Treatment

A person can try using an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory cream. If the symptoms do not improve, they should contact a doctor.

A person should also stop using any products that caused the allergic reaction or irritated the nipples.

Hormonal changes

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the changes in hormone levels that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can cause breast pain. Healthcare professionals refer to this as cyclic breast pain.

These hormonal fluctuations may also cause premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the symptoms of which include tender, sensitive breasts.

According to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), more than 90% of females say that they have experienced some symptoms of PMS.

Hormonal birth control and hormone therapy for menopause are other causes of hormone changes that can lead to breast pain and nipple sensitivity.

Symptoms of PMS and other menstrual hormone changes include:

swollen or tender breasts
sensitive nipples
headaches and less tolerance for noise and light
constipation or diarrhea
feeling bloated
irritability and mood swings
less interest in sex
fatigue
problems sleeping
feelings of sadness and crying spells

Treatment

The treatment for sensitive nipples due to hormonal changes will depend on the cause. However, some treatment options may include OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and hormonal treatment, such as hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy.

A person can try the following to help relieve PMS symptoms:

doing regular exercise
maintaining a healthful diet
trying to sleep for 8 hours a night
quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke

Pregnancy

The OWH state that the breasts will increase in size and fullness during pregnancy.

Toward the end of the pregnancy, hormone changes cause the breasts to get even larger in preparation for breastfeeding. The nipples may darken and ache during this period, and they might become more sensitive.

Other symptoms that may occur alongside nipple sensitivity include:

the breasts may feel full, heavy, or tender
small bumps may appear on the nipples
closer to delivery, colostrum may leak from the breasts

Treatment

According to the OWH, wearing a maternity bra that offers plenty of support can help prevent pain in the breast and nipples during pregnancy. People can also place pads in the bra to absorb any leakage.

Breastfeeding

According to La Leche League International, breastfeeding is a common cause of sensitive nipples. In many cases, this is due to the baby’s latching position.

If a baby latches poorly, the nipple may rub against their gum and hard palate, which can result in the nipple becoming sensitive and sore.

Learn more about the best positions for breastfeeding here.

Treatment

Sensitive nipples and nipple soreness that occur due to breastfeeding often go away once the person breastfeeding has found a good position, and the infant has latched onto the nipple comfortably.

A person can try one of the following methods to avoid or minimize sensitivity in the nipples during breastfeeding:

varying breastfeeding positions to find the most comfortable latch
breastfeeding on the least sore side until the nipple sensitivity reduces
rubbing some expressed milk or colostrum on the sensitive nipples after breastfeeding

Infection

Sensitive or sore nipples may be a sign of an infection, such as periductal mastitis. An infected nipple can be sore, and if the issue persists, the person should visit a doctor.

Yeast infections can also cause nipple sensitivity and pain. In people with these fungal infections, the nipples may also appear flaky.

The main symptoms of an infected nipple are:

inflammation
sensitivity
abscesses
discharge from the nipple
flaky skin

If the cause is a yeast infection, a person may experience:

itching or burning
cracked nipples
shooting pains in the breast
intense nipple pain

Treatment

Antibiotics can help treat an infected nipple.

If the cause is a yeast infection, a person may need to use topical antifungal medications.

Breast cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among females.

Breast cancer cells usually form a painless tumor, which typically feels like a hard lump with irregular edges. However, the lump can also be soft and round in some cases. Although it is uncommon, some people may find the tumor tender to the touch or even painful.

Most breast lumps are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. However, it is important to see a doctor if any new lumps appear.

Although breast pain and nipple sensitivity are not usually symptoms of breast cancer, in some circumstances, they can be related.

Other symptoms of breast cancer include:

a lump or mass within the breast
a swollen breast
skin dimpling
dry, flushed, flaking, or thickened nipple or breast skin
nipple discharge

It is also possible for the cancer to spread to the lymph nodes beneath the arm or near the collarbone. A lump or mass in these areas can often appear before the lump in the breast is large enough to be noticeable.

Treatment

Breast cancer treatments vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the age and general health of the individual.

The main treatments for breast cancer are:

surgery
radiation therapy
hormone therapy
chemotherapy
targeted therapy
immunotherapy

Paget’s disease

Paget’s disease is a rare type of breast cancer that involves the skin of the nipple and the areola. The ACS note that it usually affects only one breast.

A person with Paget’s disease will often also have tumors within the same breast. A healthcare professional can perform a biopsy to diagnose Paget’s disease. This procedure involves removing some of the breast tissue and sending it to a laboratory for examination.

Signs and symptoms of Paget’s disease include:

crusty, scaly, or discolored skin on the nipple and areola
blood or yellow fluid coming out of the nipple
flat or inverted nipple
sensitive nipple
burning and itching feeling

Treatment

A surgeon may remove only the cancerous cells from the breast during breast-conserving surgery. However, a person may sometimes require a mastectomy, which is the removal of the entire breast.

After the surgery, a person with Paget’s disease will receive radiation therapy.

Summary

There are many common causes of nipple sensitivity. Most of these causes are relatively benign, and a person can treat them quickly and easily.

However, a person should visit a doctor if the issue persists or occurs alongside symptoms of more serious health conditions.

Allergy
Breast Cancer
Cancer / Oncology
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Benign breast problems and conditions. (2017).https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/benign-breast-problems-and-conditions
Body changes and discomforts. (2019).https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts
Breast cancer. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
Breast cancer treatment (adult) — patient version. (2020).https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq
Breastfeeding with sore nipples. (n.d.).https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/breastfeeding-sore-nipples/
Learning to breastfeed. (2018).https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed
Menstrual cycle. (2018).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle
Paget disease of the breast. (2019).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/types-of-breast-cancer/paget-disease-of-the-nipple.html
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). (2018).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome/
Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). Clinical characteristics, classification and surgical treatment of periductal mastitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949503/

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Medically reviewed by Sirisha Yellayi, DO — Written by Adam Rowden on October 1, 2020

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