Itchy Nipple? Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You

It's fine to give your arm or back a quick scratch when you're out and about. But an itchy nipple? Not so much. Thing is, the area can be surprisingly prone to irritation. So if you're dealing with itching or dryness that won't ease up, you'll want to find a way to solve the problem stat.

"It's not uncommon for nipples to be a site of skin inflammation," says Beth Goldstein, MD, a Durham, North Carolina-based dermatologist and Modern Ritual founder. "The skin is thin and susceptible to dryness, low humidity and irritating fabrics. Stress in any form can trigger itching."

Plus, like any part of your body, nipples can itch for a variety of reasons. Here's a look at some of the most typical triggers for itchy nipples and what you can do to find relief:

Parched skin can be itchy, tight, scaly or flaky in general. And since nipple skin is so thin, it can be particularly prone to dryness, Dr. Goldstein says.

Sometimes dry skin can be related to an underlying condition like eczema (more on that later), but other times, it's just a matter of an arid environment. Cold, windy conditions can dry out your skin, as can central heating and space heaters, since they zap humidity from the air, according to the Mayo Clinic. Being overzealous with bathing is another culprit, since hot water can strip skin of its natural hydrating oils.

Rubbing up against rough fabrics, especially when you're active, can cause nipple skin to become chafed and irritated, Dr. Goldstein notes. For some people, that soreness might translate to itching.

Recently started using a new laundry detergent, soap, lotion or even began wearing a different kind of fabric? If the skin around your nipples is red, itchy, swollen, flaky or burning, you might be dealing with a case of contact dermatitis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These allergic reactions can occur when skin comes in contact with an irritant.

About 20 percent of itchy, rash-prone nipples are caused by underlying eczema, Dr. Goldstein notes. If you're experiencing an eczema flare, your nipples might be dry or inflamed, feel itchy or painful or have discharge. It's also common to develop a patchy or crusty rash or small bumps that ooze fluid, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

It's not uncommon for a new nipple piercing to itch while your skin heals, Dr. Goldstein says.

But if the problem doesn't seem to be easing up or you notice the itching starts after trying a new piece of jewelry, you're probably dealing with an allergic reaction to the jewelry metal, she notes. Nickel is notorious for making skin red and itchy, but chromium, copper and cobalt can also cause problems.

Shifting hormones and stretching skin during pregnancy can make you more prone to itchy, sensitive skin. And your nipples are no exception, says Ohio-based ob-gyn and Medzino medical advisor Kimberly Langdon, MD. While mild itchiness during pregnancy isn't usually cause for concern, pay attention if your itching becomes intense, especially when you're trying to sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic. These could be signs of a cholestasis of pregnancy, a serious complication that requires medical attention.

Itchy nipples might stick around after pregnancy if you're nursing. "Breastfeeding can make nipples itch as milk dries on them," Dr. Langdon says. Dry, cracked nipple skin — which is common in the early days of breastfeeding — can contribute to itching too.

If you're breastfeeding, itchy or cracked nipples accompanied by a feeling of deep, stabbing pain in your breast could be the sign of a nipple yeast infection. Cracked or broken skin around the nipples can make them more prone to becoming infected, as can warm, moist environments (like a milk-dampened bra), the Cleveland Clinic notes. If your baby has an oral yeast infection, called thrush, the fungus from their mouth can also get passed on to your nipples.

Menopause can make your nipples itchy too, Dr. Langdon says. As your body's levels of the hormone estrogen drop, skin becomes drier and thinner. That can make it more prone to itching and irritation.

Itchy nipples aren't usually a sign of a major health problem. But it's possible that an itchy or scaly breast rash could be a sign of certain breast cancers including inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's disease, Dr. Goldstein notes. These cancers are rare, but if your nipple or breast symptoms aren't going away, it's important to have them checked out, especially if there are changes in the look of your nipples or breasts or if you feel any underlying lumps or bumps.

You can often manage itchy, irritated nipples just like other types of dry skin. Depending on what's causing your discomfort, these soothing strategies may help.

• ‌Apply an anti-itch cream.‌ Slathering on an anti-itch ointment containing 1 percent hydrocortisone can ease itching fast. Try Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($10.84, Amazon) or one of these picks. Hydrocortisone is safe to use in small amounts if you're breastfeeding, but be sure to clean your nipples thoroughly before you actually nurse so your baby doesn't ingest any of the ointment, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Be gentle because excessive cleaning and rubbing of the nipples can worsen chafing and exacerbate a rash or itching.
  
• ‌Try a cool, damp cloth.‌ If you don't have an anti-itch ointment handy or would prefer not to use one, this can also ease itching.
  
• ‌Use a nipple balm if you're breastfeeding.‌ A moisturizing balm can keep nipple skin supple and hydrated, reducing the risk for dryness, cracking and irritation. Try Earth Mama Organics Organic Nipple Butter ($12.59, Amazon).
  
• ‌Keep baths or showers short.‌ Just dealing with a case of dry skin? Limit your baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes max and stick with warm water instead of hot, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
  
• ‌Apply a heavy-duty moisturizer.‌ A thick ointment or cream will lock in hydration after bathing and protect your skin from the elements. Pick an option that's fragrance-free if you're prone to irritation, like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12.10, Amazon).
  
• ‌Run a humidifier.‌ A humidifier adds moisture to indoor air to help combat dryness, especially in the winter. Try one of these expert-recommended picks.
  
• ‌Look at your personal care products and detergents.‌ Suspect a new soap, lotion, fragrance or detergent is making you itchy? Stop using it and see how your skin responds. If the itching clears up, you've found your culprit.
  
• ‌Choose the best bra fabrics for your activity.‌ Cotton is gentle and breathable and may be the most comfortable option for everyday wear, but for activewear, a soft, moisture-wicking material is better than cotton.

There's a good chance your itchy nipples will ease up with at-home measures. But if those changes aren't doing the trick, let your doctor or dermatologist know. Reach out to your doctor, too, if nipple itching is associated with signs of a possible infection, like a rash, oozing, crusting or fever or if you notice any significant changes in your nipples or breasts, especially if you feel lumps or bumps.