What Causes Dry and Itchy Nipples?

If you are experiencing a case of dry nipples, there are a number of measures you can take to remedy the problem. Itchy nipples cause a great deal of discomfort and may even be a pointer to something more serious. The possible reasons, treatment options available and when to seek medical intervention…all will be mentioned in this article.

Causes of Itchy and Dry Nipples

1. Environmental Factors

When it comes to environmental factors, the presence of chemicals is largely responsible. The chemicals found in bathing soaps or laundry detergents, in man-made fabrics or deodorants, and those found in swimming pools are largely responsible for the itch that comes about when your skin comes into contact with them.

Other environmental factors include extreme weather such as during the winter or the summer season. Extreme weather, exposure to the sun rays during sunbathing, or when one is exposed to a room with low humidity may cause dry skin.

2. Skin Conditions

The second culprit is skin conditions. There are several skin conditions that are responsible for itchy nipple:

3. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is also largely responsible for cases of dry nipples in two significant ways. In the first scenario, a woman will have her breast skin stretched, especially around the areola since the breasts tend to increase in size to prepare the body for milk production. This stretching of the skin is accompanied by some degree of irritation.

In the second scenario, the irritation around the breast could be as a result of an infection during lactation-mastitis. There are two causes of mastitis, and the one that is responsible for an itching nipple is attributed to bacteria that infect a break in the skin/nipple during lactation, causing inflammation.

4. Breast Cancer: Paget's Disease

Cancer is also a possible cause. However, diagnosis should be done by a professional.  Possible symptoms of breast cancer include the presence of a lump in the breast, the build-up of scales around the areola and even fluid leakage. As this is the worst case scenario attributed to an itching nipple, the detection of any symptom should be reported immediately to a physician near you.  

Treatment Options for Itchy Nipples

You must want to know how to treat the itchy/dry nipples after you found out the underlying problem that contributes to your condition. The treatment options available are as follows:

Note: If you are losing the battle against dry nipple or itchy nipple despite applying all possible remedies, then it is time to see a doctor.

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