10 Causes Of An Itchy Nipple And How To Treat It

  references
  
      Mayo Clinic: "Dry Skin"
    
      National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: "Chafing"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Contact Dermatitis"
    
      Mayo Clinic: "Cholestasis of Pregnancy"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Nipple Yeast Infection"
    
      National Library of Medicine: "Hydrocortisone, Topical"
    
      Association of Professional Piercers: "SUGGESTED AFTERCARE FOR BODY PIERCINGS"
    
      Peace Health: "Body Piercing Problems"
    
      Sutter Health: "Skin Changes and Conditions"
    
      Mount Sinai: "Breastfeeding - skin and nipple changes"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

As with other dry skin, applying a heavy-duty moisturizer to your nipples may help to alleviate the itch.

Image Credit: Ridofranz/iStock/GettyImages

Dry Skin
Chafing
Allergic Reaction
Eczema
Irritated Nipple Piercing
Pregnant
Breastfeeding
Yeast Infection
Menopause
Serious Causes
Treatment
When to See a Doctor

Fix it: Try common remedies for dry skin, such as avoiding long, hot showers, running a humidifier and using lotion.

Fix it: Look for bras or tops made of soft, smooth fabric like 100 percent cotton, or if you’re active, choose bras or tops designed for your specific sport, recommend the National Institutes of Health (NIH). You can also apply petroleum jelly or baby powder to chafed nipples while they heal — both act as a barrier to minimize irritation.

Fix it: While these allergic reactions can be uncomfortable, they’ll will typically clear up within a week or two as long as you steer clear of whatever caused the rash. If you’ve tried a new body product or detergent, see if the itchiness abates when you stop using it.

Fix it: While eczema is an incurable condition, there are some strategies that can help alleviate itchy nipples. These including moisturizing, taking corticosteroids (either topically or orally), avoiding triggers and phototherapy (aka light therapy), per the Cleveland Clinic.

Fix it: Some itching is normal during the healing process, according to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). That is, you may just need to wait it out. If you’re allergic to the jewelry’s material, you may need to remove the nipple ring. Reach out to a professional to swap out jewelry, per the APP. If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling, or have a fever, swelling or other signs of an infection, you should get in touch with your doctor, according to Peace Health.

Fix it: Try avoiding soap on your nipples, which can dry them out, according to Sutter Health. Using unscented lotion and avoid lengthy exposure to hot water can also help alleviate itchiness, per Sutter Health.

Fix it: If the skin on your nipples is flaking and scaly as well as itchy, it could be a sign of an infection, per Mount Sinai. Your doctor can recommend treatment options. If you don’t have these symptoms, try avoiding soaps and placing breast milk on your nipples after nursing to care for your nipples while breastfeeding, per Mount Sinai. When nipples are cracked, you can rub lanolin on them after feeding, according to Mount Sinai.

Fix it: Try applying a topical antifungal medication to your nipples, per the Cleveland Clinic. If your baby has oral thrush, they’ll need to be treated as well, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your health care provider can recommend an appropriate treatment.

Fix it: The at-home remedies noted for dry skin — such as moisturizing and avoiding harsh soaps — may help ease this itchiness.

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      Mayo Clinic: "Dry Skin"
    
      National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: "Chafing"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Contact Dermatitis"
    
      Mayo Clinic: "Cholestasis of Pregnancy"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Nipple Yeast Infection"
    
      National Library of Medicine: "Hydrocortisone, Topical"
    
      Association of Professional Piercers: "SUGGESTED AFTERCARE FOR BODY PIERCINGS"
    
      Peace Health: "Body Piercing Problems"
    
      Sutter Health: "Skin Changes and Conditions"
    
      Mount Sinai: "Breastfeeding - skin and nipple changes"