8 Reasons Behind Itchy Nipples (and Breasts)

If there’s anything more boring than the itchis when it appears in unusual areas, such as itchy nipples. The painting is not always a reason for concern, but when the symptom persists, it is important to investigate.

8 reasons behind itchy nipples

We talked with the dermatologist Andre Lauthfrom Curitiba, and with Mônica Travassos, member of the Brazilian Society of Mastologyfrom Rio de Janeiro, to better understand the factors behind scratching.

1. Drying

Our whole body suffers from the lack of hydration – the nipples especially, where the skin is more sensitive. In the cold, the situation gets worse: dry weather, low temperatures and hot baths are the ideal combination for cracks and itching to show up.

“Avoiding excessive use of soap and very hot water are practices that help keep part of its hydrolipidic mantle on the skin, that is, its natural hydration”, says André. A good moisturizing cream complements the protection.

2. Wrong choices at bath time

“The ideal is to use a soap based on glycerin”, explains the dermatologist. Exfoliation in this region is only indicated under medical guidance. Also pay attention when drying yourself: use a fluffy towel so you don’t hurt your breasts. “Squeeze the towel from the edges to the nipple”, teaches Mônica.

3. The fabric of the bra

You may not even want to take that beautiful lingerie off your body, but if it bothers you every time, it’s time to rethink its use. Another option is to buy an areola protector, one of those adhesive ones.

4. Progressive brush

“I have seen many patients who do progressive brush and, when taking a shower, let the product run all over the body. This is not correct, as formaldehyde irritates the skin”, says the mastologist. So if you’ve had any kind of chemistry recently, remember to keep your head well away from your body when rinsing your hair for the first time.

5. Poorly washed underwear

O sweat favors the proliferation of fungi and bacteria that, in addition to causing bad odor, can cause mycoses and boils. “The breast is a sweat gland, so it sweats a lot and releases secretions”, explains Mônica. The ideal thing is that bras, tops and gym pieces are changed daily.

6. Rises and falls of hormones

The hormonal variations of TPM and pregnancy can also be the cause of itching. “In these stages, it increases the production of hormones that stimulate circulation in the breasts”, says the doctor. Mothers-to-be also suffer from breast tissue expansion during this phase – another reason for irritation.

7. Dermatitis

If none of the above causes apply to you, the problem could be dermatological. “A disease that is quite common in this area is atopic dermatitis, which causes itching and redness in and around the area, says André. But don’t worry: with proper treatment, it tends to get better quickly. Talk to your doctor.

8. Cancer sign

Paget’s Disease also causes redness and itching of the nipples and indicates an early stage of cancer, according to Mônica Travassos. But calm down: the problem is accompanied by excessive peeling of the skin and does not improve with traditional treatments. In that case, you should see a doctor.