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It started last night where both of my nipples started to be really painful and almost with a burning sensation. I am 26, not pregnant (never have been). The nipples look perfectly fine with no discharge or swelling or anything. Today is started again in my right nipple. Can anyone give me some insight on what this might be or how to make it go away? Thanks.
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Hi Stephanie - Are you seeing a gynecologist for your contraceptives? If so, have you asked your gynecologist for information about what you're experiencing? If you're worried about this and would like another opinion, your gynecologist would be a good resource for you. Second opinions are always a good idea when a condition is affecting your peace of mind and you have the right to get one.
February 9, 2010 - 6:36pmTake care, Pat
This Comment
Hi, thanks for your response. No there is no warmth or heat sensation. My last period ended 5 days ago. I'm not taking any medication for anything. No trauma. It is sometimes accompanied by itching. There doesn't seem to be any chapped or broken skin. It does seem to be irritated by something external. I left my bra off for a while and it went away for a bit. I'm just worried it will come back. What baffles me the most is that its in both breasts. Thoughts?
-J
December 20, 2009 - 8:36pmThis Comment
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
Hi,
It is good to know that there is no discharge or swelling in your nipples.
I have a few more questions for you: do your nipples or breasts feel unusually warm to the touch? (It would be a noticeable heat "radiating", another indicator of an infection). When is your next menstrual period expected, and are you currently taking any medications (including hormonal contraceptives?).
The only distinction I can make regarding pain in your nipples is if the pain is coming from the outside of your body (more like just the skin is sensitive, cracked, raw, chapped), or if the pain is within your body (more like the muscles, nerves, etc). Have you had any recent trauma or sexual experience that would have caused pain a few days after the fact?
December 20, 2009 - 4:13pmThis Comment