J,
From your description, it sounds like it is the skin on your nipples that is irritated, painful and at times, itchy. Since it is both breasts, and was relieved when leaving off your bra, have you considered that your bra may be the culprit? Do you have an ill-fitting bra that is causing pressure on your nipples (some bras have seams that run right across the nipple...I have no idea why this is!). It could be as simple as your bra causing chaffing on your nipples; chaffing can be very painful to the touch, and may not be noticeable when you are wearing the bra...only when you remove the bra.
A few thoughts for you:
1. Seek out a bra-fitting specialist in your area, and try on a few different bras. It really could be as simple as this.
2. Just to rule out the obvious: have you changed detergents or soap that could be causing the skin irritation? Skin irritation caused by an outside irritant or allergen is usually referred to as "contact dermatitis", and is treated by avoiding the irritant or allergen.
3. There are also hair follicles around the areola of the nipple, and you may have an ingrown hair by your nipple (it could happen in both breasts, if you pluck or shave the hair)
4. The last thought I have, if the above do not help, is that your breasts do contain many glands, and general breast pain can be caused by hormonal imbalances. It sounds like your pain/irritation is more external, but may not hurt to rule out this possibility if the others do not relate.
5. Your options are to contact a Dermatologist or your Gynecologist, to be medically examined, if the pain does not dissipate. Pain in your nipples are most likely not cause for alarm, but whenever you are experiencing pain, your body is trying to tell you something, and your GYN would rather you be seen and rule out "nothing".
Comment Reply
J,
From your description, it sounds like it is the skin on your nipples that is irritated, painful and at times, itchy. Since it is both breasts, and was relieved when leaving off your bra, have you considered that your bra may be the culprit? Do you have an ill-fitting bra that is causing pressure on your nipples (some bras have seams that run right across the nipple...I have no idea why this is!). It could be as simple as your bra causing chaffing on your nipples; chaffing can be very painful to the touch, and may not be noticeable when you are wearing the bra...only when you remove the bra.
A few thoughts for you:
1. Seek out a bra-fitting specialist in your area, and try on a few different bras. It really could be as simple as this.
2. Just to rule out the obvious: have you changed detergents or soap that could be causing the skin irritation? Skin irritation caused by an outside irritant or allergen is usually referred to as "contact dermatitis", and is treated by avoiding the irritant or allergen.
3. There are also hair follicles around the areola of the nipple, and you may have an ingrown hair by your nipple (it could happen in both breasts, if you pluck or shave the hair)
4. The last thought I have, if the above do not help, is that your breasts do contain many glands, and general breast pain can be caused by hormonal imbalances. It sounds like your pain/irritation is more external, but may not hurt to rule out this possibility if the others do not relate.
5. Your options are to contact a Dermatologist or your Gynecologist, to be medically examined, if the pain does not dissipate. Pain in your nipples are most likely not cause for alarm, but whenever you are experiencing pain, your body is trying to tell you something, and your GYN would rather you be seen and rule out "nothing".
I hope this helps!
December 20, 2009 - 9:03pmThis Comment
Reply