Nipple pain is pain that occurs in the breast tissue around the area of the nipple. Nipple pain can be associated with other symptoms and signs that may include breast pain, nipple discharge, breast lump or mass, itching, or skin changes. Breast cancer typically does not cause nipple pain or breast pain, although inflammatory breast cancer can be associated with redness, warmth, and swelling of the breast. Infections of the skin of the breast or of the breast tissue itself can cause nipple pain. Trauma from any origin, including sexual activity or tight or poorly fitting undergarments, can irritate the skin of the nipple, leading to pain or soreness. Breastfeeding can in some cases lead to chafing or chapped nipples that may be sore. The breasts overall, including the nipples, may be sore or tender at certain times in the menstrual cycle (typically just before the start of the menstrual period) or in early pregnancy.
Other causes of nipple pain
- Bacterial Infections
- Breast Abscess
- Breastfeeding
- Chafed or Chapped Nipples
- Mastitis
- Normal Menstrual Cycle
- Tight or Poorly Fitting Undergarments
- Trauma
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Causes of Nipple Pain
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Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Can Inverted Nipples Be Corrected Without Surgery?
Learn what medical treatments can help with inverted nipples without the need for surgery. Some inverted nipples can create issues including problems achieving a deep latch, difficulties finding a comfortable breastfeeding position, and sore nipples, skin chapping, cracks, or blisters. Inverted nipples can make breastfeeding difficult for nursing mothers. Learn how to identify an inverted nipple, why inverted nipples can make it difficult to breastfeed, and what you can do to treat inverted nipples.
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs after exposure to an irritant. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include a red, elevated rash at the site of contact with the irritating substance. Contact dermatitis treatment may involve creams, application of cool water compresses, and applying topical steroids.
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Eczema
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from oozing blisters to crusty plaques of skin. Treatment varies depending upon the type of eczema the person has.
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound. Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include pain in the breast, skin change in the breast area, bruise on the breast,sudden swelling of the breast, nipple retraction or discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. Symptoms of thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever. Treatment of thrush depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Infants, toddlers, and children with thrush often do not require treatment.
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Breastfeeding may not come naturally to all women. Common breastfeeding problems include sore nipples, breast pain, engorgement, infections, and more.
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Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer of American women, but it can also occur in men. Every year in the U.S., there are over 266,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer. A woman has a risk of one in eight for developing breast cancer at some point during her lifetime.
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