Why Do My Nipples Hurt? An Ob-Gyn Shares 5 Causes and Remedies for Pain Relief
Plus find out when nipple pain might be an early warning sign of cancer
Our breasts are rather sensitive, and the nipple particularly so. It may seem the most common answer to “Why do my nipples hurt?” is related to pregnancy or breastfeeding, but there are actually quite a few common causes of sore nipples that are unrelated to giving birth. Here, an ob-gyn explains likely triggers and offers home remedies to ease discomfort around your breasts or nipples.
Why do my nipples hurt? 5 causes and tips for pain relief
“There are plenty of reasons your nipples might be feeling sore, irritated or even sharp and burning,” says Michael Reed, MD, ob-gyn at The Cosmetic Gyn.
Here, Dr. Reed shares what causes nipple soreness and how you can relieve discomfort naturally.
Woman's World Answers
Friction from clothing
Constant rubbing from poorly-fitting bras, rough fabrics or repetitive movement during exercise (like running) can create irritation and even micro-tears in the delicate skin of the nipples, Dr. Reed explains.
Additional signs of nipple irritation include redness or chafing; dry, cracked or peeling skin and a burning sensation (especially when showering).
This is not something you typically need to see a doctor for, as it can be easily managed using natural remedies, Dr. Reed says. However, if the skin is broken and shows signs of infection (swelling, pus, warmth), then it’s time to check in with a doctor.
How to fix it: “Apply petroleum jelly or nipple balm before workouts to reduce friction,” Dr. Reed advises. “Wear a well-fitted, moisture-wicking sports bra or use nipple covers. If skin is already irritated, use soothing ointments like lanolin and avoid further irritation until healed.”
Chronic skin conditions
Certain skin conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis could also cause nipple tenderness. If you have sensitive skin or a history of eczema, your nipples might react to harsh soaps, laundry detergents, perfumes or even the material in your bra, explains Dr. Reed. This reaction can cause inflammation and make the nipples feel itchy, raw or even cracked.
You might also notice dry, flaky or peeling skin around the nipple; an itching or burning sensation or small red bumps or a rash, notes Dr. Reed.
“If symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks despite switching to gentle products, or if the area is severely inflamed and not improving, a doctor can prescribe a cream,” offers Dr. Reed.
How to fix it: Dr. Reed recommends switching to fragrance-free soaps, lotions and laundry detergents to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Additionally, you can apply gentle, hydrating creams like ceramide-based moisturizers or pure coconut oil to encourage healing. And, if itching is severe, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help—just be careful not to overuse it, Dr. Reed cautions.
Hormonal changes
For women wondering “why do my nipples hurt?”, hormone changes are often to blame. Your menstrual cycle, menopause or any significant hormone fluctuation can easily lead to nipple discomfort. This is because changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can make breast tissue—including the nipples—more sensitive, Dr. Reed explains. This is most common before periods or during menopause.
If this is the cause of your nipple pain, you may also notice breast swelling or tenderness; mild lumpiness (fibrocystic changes) and nipple sensitivity that comes and goes.
“If the pain is cyclical and mild, it’s normal,” affirms Dr. Reed. “But if it’s severe, persistent or comes with a lump, discharge or skin changes, it’s worth a visit to your doctor.”
How to fix it: If you experience nipple pain during periods of hormone changes, you can take magnesium supplements the week before your period to reduce breast sensitivity, says Dr. Reed.
“Magnesium helps regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which directly impact how sensitive your breast tissue (and nipples) feel,” he explains. “It acts as a natural muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory, helping to ease discomfort.”
It can also be extremely beneficial for women going through perimenopause and menopause, adds Dr. Reed. He recommends magnesium glycinate in particular because it’s easier on the stomach and absorbs well, but you can also up your intake naturally by eating more dark leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate.
Also smart? Apply warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, or take an Epsom salt bath for relief, recommends Dr. Reed. To prevent exacerbation, cut back on caffeine and high-sodium foods, which can make breast swelling and tenderness worse.
Infections
Fungal or bacterial infections (including thrush or mastitis, even if you’re not breastfeeding), are also possible. “Yeast and bacteria love warm, moist environments,” Dr. Reed explains. “If you sweat a lot, wear tight bras or have a weakened immune system, you could develop a fungal or bacterial infection in the nipple area.”
Thrush (also known as a yeast infection) may also present with bright red, shiny and itchy skin with a burning sensation around the nipple. A bacterial Infection such as mastitis or cellulitis may cause swollen, hot or painful breast tissue, sometimes with pus or fever, says Dr. Reed.
How to fix it: In the event of a yeast infection, Dr. Reed suggests applying an antifungal cream (like clotrimazole or miconazole). Keeping the area clean and dry and wearing loose, breathable fabrics can help speed healing. That said, you should visit a doctor if there’s swelling, pus, fever or severe pain. Bacterial infections will likely need to be treated with a prescription antibiotic.
Paget’s disease
This is rare but important to know, notes Dr. Reed. It’s a form of breast cancer that starts in the nipple and can cause pain, itching or changes in the skin. While uncommon, it’s something to be aware of, especially if nipple pain doesn’t go away even after allowing it time to heal, he explains.
Other symptoms include persistent scaly, crusty or oozing skin around the nipple; flattened or inverted nipples; burning or tingling sensation and a possible lump in the breast.
How to fix it: If you have persistent nipple pain with skin changes or a lump, it’s critical to get it checked out by a doctor, says Dr. Reed, as it could potentially be a sign of breast cancer. Your doctor can guide you through the best course of treatment.
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