What do tender nipples mean

If it is left untreated, an abscess can form. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms as well as nipple and breast pain should see a doctor:. Pain and irritation accompanied by flaky, crusty, or blistering skin may be a sign of an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis eczema.

There are a variety of household products that can irritate the nipples or trigger flare-ups of existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. These include:. Other signs of an allergic reaction include red or chapped skin around the nipple and areola, and persistent itchiness. In some cases, a rash may occur. A topical anti-inflammatory cream can treat minor cases, but a person should speak to a doctor if the rash or redness increases, spreads, and does not respond to an over-the-counter treatment.

Sexual activity can be another cause of nipple pain. Body friction or sexual activity that involves the nipples can cause soreness. This pain is usually temporary and is often treated by simply giving the nipples time to heal. Using moisturizers or nipple guards may help keep friction to a minimum and prevent symptoms from getting worse. These symptoms are usually felt in the days just before her period starts, when increases in estrogen and progesterone levels draw more liquid to the breasts and cause them to feel swollen.

The pain associated with hormonal changes usually subsides when the period begins. If this pain continues for more than a few days, a woman may want to speak to her doctor. Some nipple pain and other symptoms can be a sign of issues such as cancer, although tumors do not usually cause pain. Nipple pain caused by cancer will often only affect one breast and nipple. Nipple pain is also common during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The breasts may become larger and feel sore. The nipples and areola may darken and ache, and small bumps may pop up around the nipples. Well-fitting support bras may help reduce friction and ease soreness. Some pregnant women find it helpful to wear a supportive sleep bra overnight, such as the one shown here.

Your doctor can help diagnose your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. Medication can often help clear your symptoms within a week or two. Can breast massage reduce stretch marks or increase milk supply? Discover the benefits, plus tips for self-massage. A lump under your breast at the bra line can be caused by many things, from a bra to infection and more.

We explain what to do if you have one. Many hard breast lumps are harmless, but some signs may mean a doctor's visit is necessary.

Learn the causes of hard breast lumps and what to do next. Breast calcifications are small pieces of calcium deposited into breast tissue and are very common. Often not cancerous, breast calcifications are….

Nipple wrinkling is often caused by hormonal changes or skin dryness. But it can also signal a serious underlying condition. Learn more. Breast lumps in women and men can happen for a variety of reasons.

Most are not cancerous. We explore the types, causes, and treatment for normal…. LCIS is a benign breast condition involving abnormal growth of cells. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Is this cause for concern? When to see your doctor. Read this next. What to Do Now. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Understanding Breast Calcifications.

Back to Health A to Z. There are many reasons breasts can be painful. Breast pain by itself is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer.

Crusting , flaking, or blistering around your nipple in addition to pain may indicate that you have a skin condition called dermatitis. Eczema is one type of dermatitis. Dermatitis happens when immune cells in your skin overreact and cause inflammation.

Sometimes you can get dermatitis from coming into contact with irritating substances like detergents or soaps. Nipple pain is one sign of breast cancer. Along with the pain, you might also have symptoms like these:. Nipple pain is most likely not cancer. If the cause is friction, switching to a better-fitting bra or shirt may help. Dermatitis is treated with steroid creams and lotions that bring down inflammation.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and what seems to trigger the soreness. For example, they may ask if your nipples hurt right before your period or when you breastfeed. Then the doctor will examine your breasts and nipples. If you suspect you might be pregnant, your doctor will do a blood test to confirm it. Women who breastfeed can sometimes develop sore nipples from the suction, especially when your baby first starts to latch on.

Expressing milk with a breast pump can also cause nipple pain if the shield is ill-fitting or if the suction is too high. Mastitis is an infection that makes the breast swell up, turn red, and become sore.

Other symptoms include a fever and chills. You can develop mastitis when milk gets trapped in one of your milk ducts and bacteria start to grow inside. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Untreated mastitis can lead to a collection of pus in your breast called an abscess.