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Itchy nipple: causes

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
Itchy nipple

At some point or another in their lives, many women have complained of itchy nipples. Itchy breasts are a widespread problem, but we should not let it go by and not pay the attention it requires.

In most cases, it is something temporary, which goes from one day to the next, but if the itching in the nipple is persistent and does not stop, it can be a sign of many diseases, some benign and others more serious.

In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about nipple itching: causes and possible conditions behind this sensation and the conditions in which it usually appears.

Benign conditions that can cause itchy nipple

In most cases, the diagnosis of the cause of itchy breasts focuses on some benign conditions that are usually to blame for this sensation. Here are some mild conditions that cause itchy nipples in men and women, except for some obvious ones that only affect them:

  • Dry skin: Like the skin of any other part of the body, if the nipples are not adequately hydrated, they can cause itching and even stinging. This condition is widespread during menopause when hormonal changes in a woman’s body dry out the skin and dehydrate it.
  • Infections: most of the time, they are due to fungi. This occurs in those people who have a weakened immune system, so they have more options to develop this type of infection, such as candidiasis.
  • Allergic reactions: this is another of the most common cases in which itchy breasts develop. The causes can be multiple, but they are usually due to taking some medicine or the fabric of the bra and clothing, especially in the synthetic.
  • Menstruation: on those days of the month, a woman’s body undergoes numerous hormonal changes that, among other symptoms, can manifest with itchy breasts. If you always feel itchy or even sore nipples shortly before, during, or after menstruation, hormones are most likely to blame.
  • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, many women think of itchy nipples. This is one of the first symptoms in pregnant women. When a woman becomes pregnant, the blood supply to the breasts increases, especially in the area of ​​the nipples, and initially causes itching. Over time the woman gets used to it and is relieved. In the following article, we explain everything about itchy skin in pregnancy.
  • Mastitis: it is pretty standard among breastfeeding women. It is due to an infection in the breast tissue that, in addition to itching and pain, causes fatigue and fever.
  • Skin conditions: some skin diseases and other dermis conditions manifest in the nipples. Dermatitis and psoriasis are two of them, but the opposite of the above cases, if you suffer any of these will also appear red spots and signs.

Benign conditions that can cause itchy nipple

Itchy nipple: diseases

Visiting the doctor when you notice an alteration in your body is essential. Caution is necessary to be able to tackle problems before they become more serious. We have already explained that, generally, itchy nipples do not usually have any seriousness, but in other cases, it can mean other more critical diseases:

  • Jaundice is a disease caused by a failure in the endocrine system or a blockage in the bile ducts that accumulates bile in the bloodstream and, consequently, in the entire body’s tissues. Bile is made up of yellowish pigments that make the skin, to a large extent, accumulate, and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. If you have noticed changes in your skin color in addition to itchy breasts, it may be due to this.
  • Diabetes: despite being a well-known disease, few people know that itching is one of the most common first-time symptoms of this disease. When there is an increase in sugar in the blood, known as hyperglycemia, problems in the blood supply manifest as itching both in the nipples and in other parts of the body, such as the hands or feet, in young patients, it is implausible that it is diabetes. Still, it is more common in older people.
  • Breast cancer: Although not all, the truth is that some types of breast cancer can cause itchy breasts. It is unknown why, but it is believed to be due to the body’s reaction to the tumor.

Can an itchy nipple be cancer?

We have already answered this question, but we will address it more deeply since many women ask this question. Considering the prevention programs for breast cancer and that women are increasingly aware of their symptoms, it is even more important to be clear about all the details.

When can itchy nipples be cancer?

If itching or itching appears only in the nipple or areola, primarily if it only occurs on one side, that is, there is itching on the left or right nipple, it must be taken into account that it may be one of the first symptoms of the disease Paget’s breast.

  • It is a not very common cancer, and its involvement is usually located on the skin of the nipple and areola.
  • Generally, when Paget’s disease appears, there are also tumors inside the breast.
  • Its first symptoms resemble the benign conditions explained above, making diagnosing this disease complex.

Itchy breasts: symptoms to look out for

  • If, in addition to itching, there is pain, redness, swelling, or the skin becomes similar to that of an orange, it may be inflammatory breast cancer.
  • Especially in summer, if the breasts are enclosed in the bra and you sweat, you will likely get rashes or fungal infections.
  • If the itching is also present in other body areas, it is a general problem.
  • Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy breasts, change the soap and remove any irritants such as perfumes or creams.
  • In adolescence, it is widespread and is caused by the growth of breast tissues.
  • The same happens during pregnancy.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Itchy nipple: causes, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.

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