Most often, pain in the nipples worries pregnant and lactating women. This symptom is most likely not associated with any pathologies and is easily eliminated. But pain in women who do not bear a child can be a sign of a large number of diseases.

Causes of pain in the nipples

Feeling pain in the nipples, a woman must first visit a doctor. However, this kind of pain can be very disturbing before and after menstruation, as well as during them, so it is necessary to find out their exact cause.

Pain may be of the following nature:

• spicy
• pricking
• cutting
• pulling
• aching

If a woman takes such medications, like antidepressants, hormonal, contraceptive or fertility drugs, nipple pain can be their fault. It is these drugs that undermine the normal hormonal balance in female body. Also, with pain in the nipples, seals, discharge and other pathological accompanying factors may be present.

In addition to menstruation, the cause of pain in the nipples is rare sexual intercourse. In the body of a woman with low sexual activity accumulates a large number of hormones, which causes pain, severe nipple itching and chest discomfort.

A sore nipple can be sensitive to touch, so take care of it as much as possible (for example, make sure that a man takes good care of your breasts)

Another reason for the appearance of pain in the nipples is the presence fibrocystic mastopathy. A doctor who has read the results of mammography (chest X-ray) will be able to establish an accurate diagnosis. Mastopathy is called pathological growths connective tissue in the mammary gland. Its characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain in the nipples before menstruation and its disappearance after their onset. Over time, the pain stops disappearing and begins to intensify.

Pain in the nipples during menstruation

The main causes of pain in the nipples before menstruation are hormonal disorders, in which the female body produces increased amount sex hormones. Menstruation can increase the sensitivity of the nipples and significantly reduce the quality of life of a woman during this period.

If nipple pain occurs in young people nulliparous girls after menstruation, it is necessary to consult a mammologist as soon as possible

Premenstrual syndrome provokes the appearance of pain in the nipples, swelling and enlargement of the breast, as well as pain in the mammary gland. To relieve pain, you can drink a non-steroidal pain reliever, which is prescribed by a gynecologist.

Pain in the nipples in pregnant and lactating women

The increased sensitivity of the nipples in pregnant women is caused by hormonal changes in the body - the tissues of the mammary gland and the nipple begin to grow rapidly, unlike the nerves that do not keep up with them. As a result, the chest and nipples begin to hurt, itching, burning and other discomfort appear, which is aggravated by wearing underwear that squeezes or rubs the skin.

The cause of pain during feeding can be improper attachment of the newborn to the breast, poor hygiene, incorrect posture of the mother during feeding, as well as underwear that is not suitable for a nursing woman.

You can reduce the pain of feeding a baby by preparing the nipples for this procedure - you need to regularly wipe them with a coarse cloth during pregnancy. So the nipples will more easily endure the feeding of the baby

Also causing nipple pain is waterlogging, dryness, or injured nerves. If a woman does not change the lining for leaking milk or underwear, the wet tissue irritates the breast, making the nipple hypersensitive and, as a result, causing pain. Excessive dryness of the nipples is caused by the use of products containing alcohol in breast skin care.

If the pain in a nursing woman is concentrated in one nipple, this may be a symptom of mastitis. If there is a temperature and discharge from the nipple, you should consult a doctor.

Pain in the mammary glands is often observed not only in pregnant or lactating women. They can occur in all representatives of the weaker sex. Very often there are pains in. There are a number of pathologies that can cause them. Pain in the nipples is often the only symptom of a pathological condition, but sometimes they are accompanied by hardening of the glands or secretions from them. In this case, a woman should definitely contact a mammologist. Why do nipples hurt?

The most common causes of pain

Why do women have sore mammary glands, and in particular, nipples? The causes of this pathological condition may be different. Moreover, unpleasant sensations are sharp, pulling, aching and others. The most common reasons are listed below:

Unpleasant sensations can be caused by the following reasons:

• coarsening of the skin on the nipple;
• softening of dense skin under the action of milk flowing from the glands, accompanied by irritation and inflammation;
• washing the nipples with hot water and soap, which causes dry skin, and when feeding there is pain;
• improper attachment of the child to the chest;
• excess milk production (lactostasis);
• use of uncomfortable breast pumps;
• blockage of the external opening of the mammary duct of the glands;
• a crack, which is a defect in the nipple and areola itself;
• mechanical irritation with linen or a rough towel, constant friction.

There are cases when the nipple of a nursing mother has irregular shape(drawn in). The baby cannot properly take such a breast and eats poorly. It also causes pain in the nipples. In this case, special pads for feeding the baby can help. For any pathological conditions nipples and mammary glands of a nursing mother, the attending physician will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What pain can indicate

Sometimes the nipple hurts not because of any disease, but for a reason. hypersensitivity glands and wearing improperly selected underwear. Unpleasant sensations of this kind will disappear when wearing a normal bra made from high quality materials.

In some cases, pain can be triggered by the following irritants: chemicals (soaps, gels, lotions), low-quality fabric dyes.

Pain in the nipple area is a symptom that in each case of pathology has its own specific characteristics. All the sensations that a woman experiences, complaining of pain in the mammary glands, she must convey to the doctor. It is he who will be able to establish an accurate diagnosis of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

Constant and severe pain during menstruation may indicate fibrocystic mastopathy, which requires serious therapy. In this case, the pain syndrome occurs long before menstruation, and disappears after it.

Particular attention should be paid to pain in the nipples of young girls or women who have not given birth, especially if they are accompanied by redness and an infectious and inflammatory disease of the mammary gland. These symptoms are a sign of mastitis. When they appear, you should immediately contact a mammologist.

Often, pain in the nipples is caused by infections and various diseases of the epidermis. So with psoriasis, which is allergic in nature, the skin in the nipple area is often affected. Main symptom this skin disease: red spots and pain, therefore, with a long-lasting pain syndrome and skin rashes, you should consult a dermatologist.

Often the skin of the nipple is affected by non-infectious eczema. It manifests itself in the form of redness, small bubbles, weeping and crusting on the skin. It is also accompanied by itchy and burning pain in the nipples. A dermatologist establishes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy during a visual examination.

Such viral disease, as herpes sometimes manifests itself in the form of lesions localized in the nipple area. Such a disease is accompanied by pain of an itchy nature, redness of the skin, the appearance of groups of small bursting vesicles, covered with crusts. If such symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist and gynecologist.

Pain in the nipples can also cause other diseases such as candidiasis, impetigo, fibromyalgia, and some others. Each disease requires its own diagnosis and serious therapy. That is why, not only pain in the nipples, but also other external symptoms of a change in the state of the mammary glands are the reason for an early visit to the doctor.

Today's conversation is on an extremely delicate female topic: why the nipples on the breasts of women sometimes hurt a lot. Many are embarrassed to talk about this problem, and in vain. Because the most sensitive part of the female body is the nipples, and the pain, which is incredibly strong, brings a lot of inconvenience.

Sometimes hypersensitivity goes away on its own, but then it reappears, we are scared and spinning in our head bad thoughts. Let's figure it out together when pain in the nipples is a temporary and completely harmless process, and when it is a formidable symptom of a dangerous disease.

Why do nipples hurt in women

The reasons why nipples hurt in women and girls are associated with diseases, but sometimes this is a consequence of physiological processes in the body. Let's find out why the discomfort occurs:

1. Cyclic mastodonia. Periodically, pain occurs in 60 percent of women. More often, they are associated with changes in hormonal levels shortly before menstruation.

• In this case, the pain begins before menstruation, a few days before they begin, in rare cases in the middle of the cycle. The reason is an increase in the level of the hormones prolactin and progesterone in the blood.
• As a result, fluid retention occurs in the body, in the mammary gland, in particular. There is tension, pain, the breast becomes larger in size, the nerve endings are squeezed at the nipples, which leads to their engorgement, swelling and causes pain. With the onset of menstruation, the discomfort disappears.

2. Noncyclic mastalgia. Occurs when the pituitary gland malfunctions thyroid gland and adrenal glands, is associated with impaired liver function, inflammatory processes in the chest and neoplasms.

• The cause of non-cyclic mastalgia can be intercostal neuralgia, reflex pains and other diseases of the central nervous system.

3. Stress, depression. The next answer to the question of why nipples hurt. Unpleasant emotions, stress and conflicts, especially sexually motivated, can lead to chest pain.

4. Taking antidepressants is the cause of uncomfortable sensations in the nipples.

5. Hormonal contraceptives. Pain may occur if the contraceptive is not chosen correctly, hypersensitivity is pronounced, which indicates hormonal imbalance. It is enough to consult a doctor and choose a different remedy for protection.

6. Pregnancy. One of early signs the onset of pregnancy may be the appearance of painful manifestations in the nipples.

• The body begins to prepare for feeding the child, the restructuring of the milk ducts begins in the mammary glands.

7. Lactation. During lactation, pain appears with wrong position baby during feeding, when wearing a tight bra, in case the skin near the nipple is dry and cracks occur.

Pay attention to whether you take the breast from the baby correctly after feeding, as the baby takes the nipple at the beginning - this can provoke discomfort.

• Take care of the nipples: after feeding, wash your breasts with warm water, treat cracks and wounds immediately, lubricating them with a healing ointment. In some cases, pain signals the onset of mastitis.

8. Wearing an incorrectly selected bra that is inappropriate for the chest shape.

Alarming symptoms of pain

Dear readers, if, in addition to chest pain, the following symptoms appear, urgently contact a mammologist and gynecologist! This is a signal of a serious illness, possibly cancer!

• Bloody, purulent and bloody discharge.
• The shape, color of the nipple itself and its area, size has changed.
• There were cracks, erosions, ulcers on the nipples and around them.
• Breast swelling, pain, redness.
• Pain in the chest and nipples is permanent, the pain is growing, radiating to the axillary region.

I hope you have no reason to worry? And if there is pain, then for reasons that are not life-threatening. Stay healthy and don't forget to visit. glad you!

I picked up a useful video, be sure to watch it, it is extremely important for women to know the signs of oncology.

The question of why a woman's nipples hurt is asked in different periods many lives. This phenomenon is very common and most often cannot be considered as a pathology, as it is a natural physiological process. However, this anomaly cannot be taken lightly. When asked why the chest hurts, you have to answer the doctor at the same time as the appointment medical procedures. In other words, nipple soreness can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. In any case, the problem should be under control, and if warning signs appear, you should contact a specialist.

The question of why a woman's nipples hurt is asked at different periods of life by many.

Pain in the nipples of the breast, or mastalgia, is periodically recorded in almost 2/3 of women, and the nature of the discomfort can be very different. The entire breast area is recognized as one of the most sensitive areas, and halos stand out especially in this regard. The skin here is delicate and thin, and the tissues are permeated with numerous nerve fibers and blood vessels.

This physiological feature leads to the fact that with the slightest damage to the skin, nipples can hurt. They are able to get sick with violations in the functioning of the mammary gland, changes in the state of the ducts. In any case, when pain in the nipples is detected, the causes may have a physiological basis that is not associated with the disease, or a pathological nature, when the pain syndrome becomes a symptom of the disease. In the first case, no special treatment is required, but it is important to eliminate provoking factors.

If nipples hurt in women for pathological reasons, then additional signs are observed. It is necessary to be able to assess the degree of danger in a timely manner and upon detection severe symptoms see a doctor. An assessment of discomfort is important:

• how the nipple hurts (cutting, pulling, aching);
• duration and intensity of manifestations;
• the frequency of relapses;
• the presence of accompanying symptoms.

Pain in the nipples of the breast, or mastalgia, is periodically recorded in almost 2/3 of women, and the nature of the discomfort can be very different.

Men also sometimes have sore nipples. The main causes are associated with injuries and damage to nerve fibers.

However, in rare cases, a disease is fixed - gynecomastia. This pathology is caused by excessive production of male body female hormones, which leads to breast enlargement. Other diseases are also possible.

Why nipples hurt (video)

Non-pathogenic circumstances

Most often, when answering the question of why the nipples of the breast hurt, an answer should be given to reasons that are not related to pathological processes in the body. This physiological mechanism due to exogenous influences. The following main non-pathological causes of pain in the nipple can be distinguished:

1. neurogenic factor. With frequent and prolonged psychological overload, as well as nervous stress, the hormonal balance is disturbed, which leads to malfunctions in the functioning of the mammary gland. The result is pain in the nipple area.
2. Wrong choice of bra. In such cases, rubbing occurs, which causes pain.
3. Sexual contact after prolonged sexual abstinence. The phenomenon occurs due to a sharp hormonal surge.
4. A bruise in the chest. Physical impact on the mammary gland leads to its swelling and stretching of delicate tissues, which affects the nerve fibers.
5. Use of poor quality detergents. When washing the nipple area, for example with soap, the skin is dried. It is this effect that can cause painful discomfort.
6. Allergic reaction. It occurs as a painful skin irritation. Allergens are often synthetic fabrics and detergents.
7. taking hormonal drugs and contraceptives. They provide the female body with an additional portion of estrogen and progesterone, which increases, which sometimes causes pain.
8. Overstimulation. With intense stimulation of the breast, blood begins to actively flow into the nipple region, which may explain why the nipple hurts in this case.
9. Piercing and tattoo. When such procedures are performed with damage to the mammary gland, the nipples are very sore, and both the right and left nipples may be affected.

Most often, when answering the question of why the nipples of the breast hurt, an answer should be given to reasons that are not related to pathological processes in the body.

Specific female causes

The female body may be under specific stress associated with the menstrual cycle, the process of conception, pregnancy, lactation. To the question: why the chest hurts, an analysis of the following situations can answer:

1. The influence of the menstrual cycle and cyclic mastodynia can cause nipples to hurt when touched. They can whine, both on the right and on the left chest, in some periods menstrual cycle. The most typical premenstrual syndrome, usually starting 3 days before menstruation. At this time, the level of estrogen, prolactin and progesterone rises significantly, resulting in an increase in the size of the gland.
2. In addition, the nipples hurt when pressed during ovulation and immediately after it. Cyclic mastodynia is usually felt within 5-7 days, but with a delay in menstruation, this period may increase. The pain syndrome disappears with active bleeding. The process is a natural reaction of the body, and, therefore, special treatment is not required.
3. The period of puberty in a girl. At this stage of development, there is an active growth of the mammary gland and an increase in the size of the nipple, and changes in the nerve fibers sometimes do not keep up with this development. As a result, the papilla often hurts in girls, and pain can be felt in the left or right nipple, as well as in both at the same time. With normal development, the completion of the formation of the gland automatically eliminates the pain syndrome. If the chest hurts for too long and intensely, then you should consult a doctor.
4. Pregnancy. It is believed that pain in the nipples often indicates pregnancy. After conception, blood flow to the breast increases, prolactin production increases, which causes proliferation of ducts. As a result of this effect, tension appears in the nerve fibers, which provokes pain. Pressure increases the intensity of pain, there is a burning sensation.
5. Immediately after the birth of a child, iron prepares for its intended purpose. An active flow of milk begins, which often leads to cracking of tissues, even causing bleeding. When you touch the nipples during this period, there are burning pains. To reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome, ointments are used to heal wounds. You can expect problems if the nipples are reddened.
6. Breastfeeding. This period for inexperienced mothers often becomes a real test. Incorrect positioning of the baby, unsuccessful extraction of the nipples, bite injuries - this is what makes the nipples (one or both) hurt. An important role is given to the hygiene of the papillary zone. If elementary hygiene standards are violated, then irritations on the skin can be expected.

What to do if the nipples hurt during physiological processes, and quite intensely? To eliminate the pain syndrome, therapeutic ointments and folk remedies are used. Inflammatory reactions effectively remove ointments such as Actovegin and Solcoseryl.

The use of cabbage leaves is quite popular. A small amount of honey and butter is applied to it, after which it is applied to the sore chest. A compress from a mixture of chopped cabbage and yogurt helps well. The prepared gruel is placed on the nipple and fixed with a bandage. If swelling occurs, you will need the help of cold compresses, you can apply ice for 18-25 minutes.

Why does the chest hurt (video)

Pathological manifestations

All the cases of pain in the chest discussed above can be attributed to physiological processes that are not associated with diseases, although with their frequent occurrence they can lead to pathologies. In addition to these circumstances, pain can be a symptom of various diseases.

The nipple of the breast hurts according to the following main pathological reasons:

1. Laktostasis. The retention of milk in the ducts can lead to blockage. With this pathology, redness appears on the chest and red nipples are found. With lactostasis, the pain syndrome is usually unilateral, i.e. the right nipple or chest hurts on the left. The most effective way to combat this phenomenon is to carefully express milk residues.
2. Mastitis. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland or ducts of an infectious nature. Often it appears as an aggravation of lactostasis when an infection is attached. Another way of infection is the penetration of the pathogen through microscopic cracks. In this case, the pain in the nipples colitis, pulls, burns. When the nipples are red and sore, mastitis can be suspected. The infection is fought with antibiotics.
3. Mastopathy. This disease is caused by a change in breast tissue, which occurs due to excessive production of progesterone with a reduced level of estrogen. Seals in the form of cysts form in the gland. Pain occurs in the nipples and is aggravated by touch.
4. Non-cyclic mastalgia. This pathology is not associated with a change in hormonal balance. The following factors become the causes of the disease: various inflammatory reactions in the chest area, violation metabolic processes in the female body, intercostal neuralgia, disruption of the pituitary gland, diseases of the adrenal glands and liver, CNS disorders. Provoke the development of the disease weakened immunity, depression, surgical treatment in the chest area.
5. Tumor formations. Pain in the nipples can cause both benign and malignant tumors. Neoplasms are noticeable by the appearance of nodules, discoloration of the skin, deformation of the nipples and the entire breast. Transparent or whitish discharges are found, and with oncology they may have blood impurities.

Pathological pain in the nipple area is accompanied by additional symptoms. Be sure to consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• discharge that does not look like lactation;
• swelling in the nipple area;
• redness;
• bleeding;
• change in the shape or color of the nipple and surrounding tissues;
• rash or noticeable cracked nipples;
• itching and burning;
• increase in body temperature;
• nausea and vomiting, indigestion;
• general weakness.

Pathological pain in the nipple area is accompanied by additional symptoms

Pain in the nipples of the breast in women is most often due to natural physiological processes and is not considered dangerous to health. However, cases are often recorded when pain is a symptom of pathology. It is important to correctly assess the degree of danger of pain. If there are particularly alarming signs, you should consult a doctor.

Redness of the nipples

Reddening of the nipples can be a signal that has a different etiology.

The inflammatory process, mechanical trauma, allergic reaction, dermatitis, a symptom of lactostasis, as well as a sign of developing oncopathology - this is not a complete list of the causes of reddening of the nipple areola. In any case, this is not the norm for the condition of the mammary glands; only a doctor can establish and eliminate the cause of reddening of the nipples.

Causes of redness of the nipples

The causes of reddening of the nipples are identified with the help of a timely visit to a doctor (mammologist, gynecologist, obstetrician, oncologist). The symptom itself - reddening of the nipples is not always the basis for determining the disease, so a woman needs both an examination and a consultation and, possibly, some types of diagnostics associated with instrumental examination and analysis. Among the causes of redness of the areola of the nipple, the following are most common:

• If a woman is breastfeeding, the most common causes are:
  1. Mechanical injury to the nipple. This may be due to the incorrect position of the baby when feeding, an incorrectly formed bite of the child, or wearing uncomfortable underwear.
  2. When breastfeeding, a common cause of reddening of the nipples is candidiasis, which develops simultaneously with the infection of the baby with a fungal infection.
  3. Stagnation of mother's milk in the ducts of the breast can also cause redness in the nipples. Lactostasis is caused by a violation of the rhythm of the inflow and outflow of milk, redness is often caused by stagnation.
• If a woman is not included in the category of women in labor, the cause of reddening of the nipples, first of all, must be sought in an incorrectly selected bra. Mechanical friction provokes skin irritation and hyperemia.
• Causes of reddening of the nipples may have an allergic etiology. In turn, an allergic reaction is a response to such factors:
  1. Synthetic underwear.
  2. Linen, when washing which synthetic fragrances, washing powders are used.
  3. Allergy to aerosol products for excessive sweating.
  4. Irritation from poor-quality body cream.
  5. Food allergy (the areola of the nipple rarely reacts to a similar factor).
• Impetigo scabiosa - impetigo or rash associated with staphylococcal infection. Impetigo in the nipple area is quite rare and most often this disease is preceded by dermatitis or even contact scabies.
• Inflammation of the gland of the areola (tubercles of Montgomery, glandulae areolares).
• Psoriasis of the nipples. This is an allergic autoimmune disease in nature, accompanied by burning, redness of the areola and the nipple itself. Reddish spots are usually not well defined and may not cause discomfort (pain or itching) at the onset of the disease.
• herpetic infection, most often it is HSV1 (herpes virus 1). Redness of the nipples quickly transforms into the formation of characteristic herpetic vesicles.
• Periareolar atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis.
• Eczema-like breast cancer. In 90-95%, Paget's disease is combined with another type of breast cancer. Most often, this disease is diagnosed in women of mature age, but in general, such a neoplastic pathology is quite rare - no more than 5% of all detected breast cancers.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis that would explain such a phenomenon as reddening of the nipples cannot be briefly described. By itself, a symptom cannot be considered an unconditional indicator of one, specific disease. Therefore, we list the most serious nosologies, excluding mechanical injuries and physiological conditions, for example, those associated with childbearing and subsequent feeding of the child.

Symptoms of reddening of the nipples

Symptoms of reddening of the nipples can be considered one of the signals of the disease, but most often this is associated with physiological changes in a woman's life, that is, either with pregnancy or with childbirth and the subsequent process of feeding the child. Oncopathology can also be manifested by redness of the areola or the nipple itself, but this is extremely rare.

The most common symptoms are associated with the following conditions:

1. Inflammatory process in the tubercles of Montgomery. These are specific glands that are considered vestigial. The bumps become noticeable during pregnancy, become inflamed, sore, and may turn red due to inflammation. At the same time, the skin in the peripapillary zone becomes very sensitive, any irritation causes itching.
2. Eczema of the nipples (or eczema of the pigmented area of ​​the nipples). The skin in this area becomes inflamed, foci of a characteristic red color, covered with a scaly crust, are visually noted. Symptoms of redness of the nipples are accompanied by severe itching, burning. The development of the process leads to the appearance of cracks, weeping sores.
3. herpetic infection. Symptoms of redness, blisters, itching, pain, burning - all this can affect the nipples and areola. The rash is in the form of vesicles, accompanied by severe itching, hyperemia, general bad condition patient.
4. Areola dermatitis of the nipples. The process has clear boundaries, redness of the nipples looks like a symmetrical circle. The skin is swollen, often eroded, exudation is observed, the cracks are covered with a weeping crust.
5. Candidiasis or thrush of the nipples. This condition is characterized by general nervousness, the nursing mother quickly gets tired. Redness of the nipples can be considered the first signal of the development of the process, then white plaque appears, cracks, weeping sores, itching and pain.
6. Mechanical irritation of the skin around the nipples. Symptoms of redness are a consequence of wearing uncomfortable underwear that irritates delicate skin. The sensations are rarely painful, most often the redness is accompanied by a slight itching.
7. Cancer of the nipples or Paget's cancer. Symptoms of eczema-like cancer do not always appear in the early stages of the process. Therefore, any discomfort in the area of ​​the areola or the nipple itself should alert the woman and give a reason to see a doctor. Redness, less often itching, burning or pain - this is already an alarming sign. In most cases, the disease begins with small seals in the mammary gland, they do not cause pain, do not cause discomfort. A hyperemic area near the nipple may look like eczema, and uncharacteristic discharge from the nipples is also present. As a rule, Paget's cancer is diagnosed in women older than 50-55 years during preventive examinations.

For any worrisome symptoms, including redness of the nipples, a woman needs to establish the cause as soon as possible with the help of a doctor's consultation and a complete breast examination.

Redness around the nipple

Redness around the nipple, which is not associated with a serious pathology, is most often the result of irritation during breastfeeding, and refers to physiological postpartum discomfort. However, one should not forget about the danger of other diseases that a mammologist, dermatologist or obstetrician-gynecologist can determine.

We list the reasons that can provoke redness around the nipple:

• Eczema of the nipple. Redness is the initial stage, which does not last long. The process develops quite quickly and is accompanied by the appearance of hyperemic skin lesions. The patient feels severe itching, burning with any touch or mechanical action on the skin of the chest. Characteristic signs for eczema, in addition to redness around the nipple, can be considered small rashes(papules), they often burst, releasing exudate. The skin in the area of ​​eczematous lesions is edematous, the cracks are covered with weeping crusts.
• Mechanical damage in the form of cracked nipples. Redness as the first stage of the condition turns into bleeding cracks, which is inevitably accompanied by pain. Launched Forms mechanical injury the nipple is potentially dangerous and can lead to an inflammatory process, fever. Most often, this phenomenon is typical for the postpartum period, when a woman feeds a baby without first preparing the mammary glands. Also, the reason may be the incorrect position of the baby during feeding, the bite of the teeth of a growing child. Cracks are dangerous because any infection can get into small wounds and infect not only the mother's body, but also the baby. In addition, redness of the nipples and further inflammation provoke damage to the subcutaneous tissue and capillaries. Infiltration of the inflammatory process inside is the risk of developing mastitis.
• Thrush is also accompanied not only by itching and burning, but also by reddening of the nipples in the initial period of development fungal infection skin. Later, after hyperemia, the woman has a painful sensation, especially while feeding the baby. The skin of the nipples acquires a characteristic red color with a white coating, shines and is very irritated.
• Redness around one nipple with an absolutely healthy and unchanged second is a serious symptom that indicates the risk of oncopathology. Paget's cancer often does not show clinical signs in the initial stage, pathology can be determined already when there is redness of the nipple, irritation of the skin of the areola. More often this disease affects one breast, but in the practice of doctors there are also bilateral cases. Burning around the nipple serous discharge, a change in the shape of the nipple is an occasion to immediately consult a doctor.

Redness near the nipple

Redness near the nipple is not necessarily a symptom of a serious illness. In most cases, this is an irritation of the areola (the area near the nipple). Mechanical reason(tight underwear), trauma (bruise, fall) and other "household" factors can cause temporary redness of the nipples. Also, redness occurs in nursing mothers if they have not prepared the mammary glands in time for the feeding process. However, hyperemia, redness near the nipples can be a cause for alarm, and this is due to such reasons:

• Redness near the nipple associated with childbearing. During this period, many systems of a woman's body change their mode of operation. Pain, changes in the color of the areola and nipple are considered quite acceptable, transient physiological phenomena. Usually, the first symptoms of changes in the mammary gland occur 2-3 weeks after conception, due to hormonal changes, general sensitivity increases, breast tissues, ducts begin to “prepare” for childbirth. Any friction (uncomfortable clothing, underwear), mechanical irritation (carefully performed hygiene procedures) can cause both hyperemia and pain.
• Redness may form near the nipple, and then weeping, pink vesicles with thrush. The areola looks like a continuous irritated spot, the nipples swell, hurt. Candidiasis is usually associated with a pre-existing fungal infection of the breastfeeding mother (candidiasis oral cavity or vagina).
• Redness near the nipple can be triggered by improper feeding technique, when the baby is applied to the breast in such a way that catching the nipple causes injury
• Mastitis is also a factor that provokes redness near the nipple. This inflammatory process most often develops against the background of stagnation of breast milk (lactostasis). Signs of incipient mastitis - pain in all mammary glands, there may be redness near the nipple, fever body.
• Fibrocystic mastopathy periodically manifests itself with signs similar to mastitis. Pain appears in the chest and in the nipple area, the areola changes color, sensitivity. This disease is diagnosed in women before the monthly cycle (that is, not in pregnant women). The mammary gland significantly increases in size, the nipples also change shape, the areola is slightly hyperemic.
• Redness of the nipples and the skin around them may be evidence of the onset of the tumor process. Often, oncology in women does not manifest itself symptomatically, neither with pain, nor with other signs, and may only have visual signs. Any discoloration of the skin near the nipple or deformation of the nipple itself should cause the woman to immediately consult a doctor for thorough examination and identify the cause of the disease.

Pain and redness of the nipple

What can cause pain and redness of the nipple?

• Puberty of a girl. At puberty, the hormonal system is rebuilt in leaps, all organs associated with its functioning react to the slightest jump. Pain and redness of the nipple at this age can be considered a physiological norm if these signs are transient. Otherwise, the girl should consult a gynecologist.
• The period of menopause, during which the hormonal background affects the organs associated with it.
• Pregnancy. During the period of waiting for the birth of a baby in the body future mother literally everything changes. Pain and redness of the nipple may be due to increased sensitivity of the gland itself, a rush of blood and an increase in the size of the ducts. The reason may be an increased level of prolactin.
• PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Hormonal cyclic transformations provoke a temporary increase in the mammary gland, the nipple, as its most sensitive part is the first to react to readiness for regulation. Pain and redness in such cases are considered physiologically acceptable and disappear with the onset of menstruation.
• The period of feeding a newborn. This is the time for the "work" of the mammary glands as a whole, if they were not prepared in advance, then pain in the nipples, redness may be the result. In addition, during the period of feeding, pain in the nipples may occur due to the appearance of a “milk bubble (blockage of the duct). In turn, blockage carries the risk of developing lactostasis. Therefore, enduring pain, redness of the nipple should not be ignored, you should consult with an obstetrician, gynecologist and correct feeding techniques (the technique of applying the baby to the mammary gland).
• Cystic mastopathy - benign formations in the mammary gland. Seals in the form of cysts, pain in the chest and nipples, their possible redness, discharge from them, uncharacteristic of the physiological state of a woman - all these are symptoms of mastopathy. Of course, the diagnosis should be made by the doctor after the examination.
• Purulent mastitis as an inflammatory process in an acute form can also cause pain and redness of the nipples.
• Intraductal (intraductal) papilloma is a benign small tumor process that can develop in women no older than 50-55 years. Any amount of purulent discharge from the nipple is considered the first symptom, but pain at the site of papilloma growth, redness of the areola of the nipple and pain in it itself can be secondary signs.
• Inflammatory process in the milk duct, not associated with pregnancy and childbirth - ectasia. Pain and redness in the nipple area are one of the clinical manifestations of inflammation.
• BC (breast cancer). To prevent the development of an oncological process, any discomfort in the chest area should be monitored and immediately consult a doctor. A pain symptom, redness of the nipple is not yet a diagnosis, but a possible sign of a developing pathological process.
• Psoriasis - redness and pain can become initial signs disease that is localized in the chest area.
• Herpetic viral infection in the breast area most often affects the nipples. They develop rashes, specific characteristic vesicles, pain appears, the skin of the nipples acquires a bright red hue.

Nipple redness and induration

Redness at the nipple, thickening can be caused by the accumulation of either lipid cells, or a sign of an incipient purulent process, but it can also be a signal that an oncological process is developing in the mammary gland. As a clinical manifestation, redness at the nipple, combined with the dense structure of the breast, is a reason to immediately consult a doctor and undergo comprehensive survey.

We list some factors that can provoke redness in the nipple area and compaction of it:

• Atheroma or retention cyst of the sebaceous gland. The skin in the areola of the nipple is rich in glands, including sebaceous glands. In turn, the sebaceous glands constantly secrete a specific substance - a sebaceous secret. For various reasons, it is not completely removed from the gland and clogs a barely noticeable duct in the nipple area. The disease is not life-threatening for a woman, it is quite rare in the nipple area, however, atheroma is prone to inflammation, can fester and often recurs.
• Another type of atheroma is a galactocele or congestive process and subsequent blockage of the milk duct in women who are breastfeeding.
• Cystadenopapilloma or intraductal papilloma. A benign neoplasm of a small size that looks like a cyst. Such papillomas can form in all sectors of the breast and parts of the nipple where there are ducts. Papillary cystadenoma can be single (solitary) or multiple. If it is not treated in a timely manner, papilloma can provoke an intraductal oncological process. Therefore, compaction and redness at the nipple is a signal to start examination and treatment.
• Fibrocystic mastopathy can also cause pain, redness at the nipple. The disease is characterized by the fact that a woman begins to examine (palpate) the breast on her own and finds a seal in one of the sectors, possibly closer to the nipple. These manifestations need a doctor's consultation, diagnosis and treatment.
• Thickening and redness of the nipple often appear in breastfeeding women. This condition is considered transient and associated with incorrect feeding technique, as well as with the natural hormonal changes in the body.
• Pregnancy can become a factor that provokes redness, enlargement of the mammary glands and the actual nipples. Nipples may become tighter and more sensitive. These are acceptable symptoms of a general restructuring of the systems of the expectant mother.
• Mastitis. In addition to a hyperemic nipple, painful sensations and a clearly palpable seal, mastitis may be accompanied by high temperature body, headache and general malaise. Treatment consists in neutralizing stagnant processes in the lymphatic system and in the mammary gland as a whole.

Itching and redness of the nipples

Itching, redness of the nipples is an uncomfortable and disturbing condition for women. If redness of the nipple is accompanied by burning, itching, then we can safely speak at least about the reaction of specific neurons of the ANS (vegetative nervous system) to an irritating factor. specific reason itching and redness of the nipples is determined by a mammologist, gynecologist or dermatologist.

If the symptoms are transient and disappear with a simple change of synthetic underwear, clothes for cotton, comfortable products, then the itching was most likely caused by excessive dryness of the delicate skin of the nipple and irritation.

In addition, itching, burning and redness of the nipples may indicate dermatitis. Dermatitis, in turn, is divided into several types:

• Neurodermatitis, allergic dermatitis.
• Simple dermatitis (artificial) - develops only at the site of contact with the irritant.

Distinguishing these skin diseases is quite simple, especially in the initial stage.

1. Contact (simple) dermatitis is characterized by a clear localization of symptoms, that is, itching, redness of the nipples will be only at the point of contact with the irritant. If such dermatitis is not treated in a timely manner, cracks may form on the nipples and an inflammatory, often purulent process may develop.
2. An allergic reaction on the skin of the nipples is characterized by a brighter, red color. Specific vesicles (vesicles) appear on the skin of the nipple, which itch severely when opened.

Also, redness and itching can be symptoms of developing nipple eczema.

How to spot the signs of eczema?

• Redness, erythema, itching.
• The formation of small papules (specific nodules) and scratches on the skin of the nipple.
• Papules transform into fluid-filled vesicles (vesicles).
• The fluid in the vesicles becomes purulent, the vesicles pass into the pustular stage.
• Bubble formations become wet, redness increases, the skin of the nipple becomes inflamed and crusted.
• The process of a kind of recovery skin with eczema, it is characterized by the formation of scales, keratinized elements.

Atypical coloring of the nipples, itching may be due to such reasons:

• fungal skin lesions, most often this happens during breastfeeding in the presence of Candida albicans fungi in the oral cavity of an infant.
• expansion of the ducts of the breast (mammary gland), when, in addition to hyperemia in the areola, a woman notes discharge, swelling and deformity of the nipple.

It should be noted that redness and itching of the nipples is one of the signs oncological process- nipple cancer (Paget's cancer), therefore, when the first disturbing symptoms appear, a woman needs to exclude such a serious, life-threatening disease.

Redness of the areola of the nipple

Redness of the areola of the nipple can be a normal, physiological phenomenon, provided that hormonal changes occur in the woman's body - pregnancy, menopause. Areola - this is the skin that surrounds the nipple, the skin color can vary from red to dark brown. Pigmentation is the "work" of melanin, which in turn also consists of several components - pheomelanin and zumelin, their ratio affects the shade of the nipple areola.

The color of the areola of the nipple depends on many factors:

• genetic factor.
• The age of the woman.
• Nationality.
• Taking certain medications (tetracycline group or salicylates).
• The onset of menstruation.
• Pregnancy.
• puberty.
• Climax.
• Dermatological diseases.
• Viral, bacterial infections.
• Oncopathology.

Let us consider in more detail the most common causes that cause redness of the areola of the nipple:

1. Pregnancy and discoloration of the nipple itself, including the areola, is the most common cause. Reddening of the areola can be caused by the intensive production of melanocytes, which are also interconnected with the hormonal system.
2. Elementary irritation of the skin around the nipple. The reason is improper attachment of the baby to the breast during feeding and injury to the delicate skin of the areola.
3. The use of an incorrectly selected breast pump during the period of feeding a newborn baby.
4. Often, redness of the areola of the nipple is caused by a rather joyful event in the life of mother and baby, associated with the eruption of the first teeth. The inevitable irritation of the nipples, the skin around them is a kind of "payment" for the growing up of the baby. Fortunately, this period does not last long, and the child grows up, and the nursing mother, as a rule, quickly adapts to the new feeding technique.
5. Intoxication of the whole organism, often drug-induced. If a woman suffers from a chronic disease and takes a course of drugs from the tetracycline group for a long time, one of the side effects of the drugs may be redness of the areola of the nipples as an allergic reaction.
6. Candidiasis while breastfeeding a newborn baby. Symptoms of candidal infection are typical - redness of the nipple, surrounding tissues, cracks, itching. You should also pay attention to the baby's oral cavity, as a rule, candidiasis is found in both the mother and the child.
7. Eczema - Pretty rare disease in the region of the mammary glands. but running cases can give similar symptoms when eczematous inflammation affects both the nipple and areola
8. Herpes. A viral infection often manifests itself in the nipple area, but the areola can also be subject to a pathological process and change its color.
9. Atopic dermatitis in combination with dry skin of the nipple and areola is characterized by typical redness, itching and the appearance of microcracks on the nipple.
10. Cancer of the breast (mammary gland). Redness of the nipple, its areolas are very similar to signs of eczema or psoriasis. The early symptoms of cancer are not too pronounced outwardly, so it is dangerous. Therefore, for any atypical manifestations on the chest, in the area of ​​the nipples, areolas, a woman should see a doctor as soon as possible in order to exclude oncology or start treating it on early stage. Paget's cancer can manifest itself in three forms:
    • Discoloration and dermatological symptoms in the nipple-areolar zone.
    • Redness of the areola of the nipple in combination with a change in shape.
    • Oncoprocess in the mammary gland without clinical manifestations in the area of ​​the nipple and areola. Redness, burning in the nipple and surrounding tissues is usually a sign of a running process.

It should also be noted that Paget's cancer almost never affects both mammary glands. If redness of the areola, itching, pain are observed only on one breast, it is necessary to immediately be examined and begin treatment.

Redness of the nipples during pregnancy

During pregnancy, redness of the nipples is considered normal change associated with the restructuring of the whole organism and the hormonal system in particular.

Most often, it is not the nipple itself that changes in color, but its areola, which becomes darker, sometimes almost brown. Redness of the nipples and areola is explained by an increase in the production of a specific protective pigment - melanin. In turn, the production of that pigment is needed to prepare the mammary glands for the lactation process, for feeding. The degree of color change, the timing depends on the trimester of pregnancy, more often it occurs in the middle of the period. Closer to childbirth, as the mammary glands increase and the physiologically explainable stretching of the horse cover, the nipple and areola acquire a normal, former color. Redness of the nipples can also "bypass" a pregnant woman in the same way as skin pigmentation in other parts of the body (chloasma), it all depends on the genetic predisposition and other individual characteristics.

What exactly happens to the breast during pregnancy?

• Strengthening the brightness of the color of the nipple and its areola.
• A so-called secondary areola may appear, containing Montgomery's glands (tubercles that disappear over time after childbirth).

What symptoms can accompany reddening of the nipples during pregnancy?

• Slight pain associated with enlargement of both the breast and the nipple.
• Often the skin of the nipples itches and itches, this is caused by growth, enlargement of the mammary gland and stretching of the delicate skin.
• Changing the size and shape of the nipples.
• The skin of the nipples may become drier and more prone to cracking. This condition needs to be treated with harmless, neutral moisturizing creams and ointments.
• The areola of the nipple may be somewhat darker than the nipple itself.
• The skin of the nipples becomes more sensitive and reacts to any irritation factor. However, it is during this period that a woman needs to prepare her breasts and nipples for the period of feeding the baby, so you should not be afraid of aggravating sensations. On the contrary, the mammary glands should be “trained” by performing the procedures recommended by the doctor.

What symptoms of a future mother should immediately consult a doctor?

• If the redness of the nipples during pregnancy is accompanied by persistent severe pain.
• If the local temperature of the skin changes upward (the skin becomes hot, dry).
• If the redness of the nipples is accompanied by uncharacteristic discharge from them.
• If pain in the nipple area is localized only on one breast.
• When the redness of the nipple is accompanied by the appearance of vesicles, papules.

In general, redness, enlargement of the nipples can be one of the first signs of the onset of conception, which is not only normal, but for many women and a reason for joy in anticipation of the birth of a baby.

Redness of the nipples when feeding

When feeding, redness of the nipples is considered quite common. In most cases, this is due to improper preparation of the breast during pregnancy, with the individual characteristics of the skin of the mammary glands, as well as with non-compliance with the feeding technique.

Consider how the process of feeding a baby takes place in order to better understand how to avoid reddening of the nipples during feeding.

The production of breast milk is a process of active formation of a specific secretory fluid. In order to have enough milk, the mammary gland during pregnancy increases, its blood supply increases. The skin of the nipple is characterized by the presence of smooth fibers, which are also supplied with blood flow, so the nipple is able to secrete not only breast milk after childbirth, but also different kind secretory fluid outside of pregnancy or lactation. At the stage of feeding, the nipple is subjected to additional stress, becomes denser, thickens, and due to these changes, its color also changes. Such phenomena are considered acceptable if the skin of the nipple retains elasticity, is not covered with cracks and, in principle, does not cause discomfort to the woman.

In addition, changes in women who give birth for the first time, and in those who are included in the category of multiparous, differ both in appearance and in the activity of manifestations.

1. The first birth - the growth of the milk ducts, the change in the shape of the nipple breast, local pigmentation develops more actively, but at the end of the feeding period it also quickly recovers, returning almost to its original parameters.
2. Repeated births - changes in the breast and nipples induced by the period of pregnancy proceed slowly, and partially remain after the end of feeding.
3. The third and subsequent births are characterized by the fact that reddening of the nipples, enlargement of the mammary glands, pigmentation can remain unchanged for quite a long time (in some women, the changes are persistent).

Redness of the nipples during feeding can be provoked by other factors:

• Abrasions, the appearance of cracks is inevitably accompanied by reddening of the nipples during feeding. The reason may be anomalies in the shape of the nipple itself (flat), dry skin, incorrect technique for attaching the baby to the mammary gland. Cracks heal quite quickly with proper treatment, neglected conditions can lead to infection, inflammation.
• Laktostasis. This is not a pathology, not a disease, but a stagnant process, blockage of the duct. The causes of lactostasis may be different, but the symptoms are typical - pain, a feeling of heaviness in the mammary gland, fever, there may be redness of the nipples, local seals are detected on palpation. The condition of milk stagnation can lead to an inflammatory process, up to mastitis. Therefore, with any emerging signs of lactostasis, a nursing mother needs to self-massage her breasts, and even better, consult a doctor.
• Redness of the nipples during feeding, combined with changes in the areola, breast swelling, pain, may indicate mastitis or mastopathy. With mastopathy, redness of the nipples can be combined with their slight retraction, but without obvious changes in shape.
• An allergic reaction in the presence of an allergy in the anamnesis of a nursing mother. Redness of the nipples during feeding with allergies is a reason to see a doctor, a temporary refusal to feed and adequate treatment, taking into account the fact that the need to feed the baby should come first (taking antihistamines is undesirable, the woman's diet should be reviewed, the trigger should be found and eliminated reactions).
• If a woman uses a low-quality breast pump, the redness of the nipple and areola can also be explained by this factor.
• Candidiasis, which is characterized by redness in the nipples, pain, itching and inflammation of the areola. Thrush, as a rule, also affects the child, often it is the candidiasis of the infant's oral cavity that causes reddening of the nipples in the mother.
• Rarely, reddening of the nipples and areola during feeding may indicate Paget's cancer. This disease is quite rare among breast diseases in pregnant and lactating women.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of reddening of the nipples depend on the cause and severity of the condition.

If the redness of the nipples is associated with physiological changes - pregnancy, menopause, feeding the baby with breast milk, the consequences do not disturb the woman because they are practically non-existent. The red hue of the nipples and areola, as a rule, disappears, giving way to the usual color of the skin.

An exception may be the second or third pregnancy, when the hormonal background habitually transforms and the production of pigment (melanin) is fixed.

However, symptoms that are not diagnosed in a timely manner and have not received adequate treatment can lead to serious diseases, including cancer.

We list some of the most dangerous consequences for a woman's health:

• Melanoma of the nipple, the symptoms of which are very similar to ordinary dermatitis. This, in addition to redness of the nipples, may be itching, irritation of the skin of the areola, peeling. Often a woman begins to treat her nipples, believing that she will neutralize a transient allergic reaction. The result can really be achieved, the symptomatology subsides for only a few days, but then returns again and worsens. Relapses of redness of the nipples, peeling of the skin become more frequent, pain appears, burning sensations in the nipple and atypical discharge from it. The diagnosis of oncoprocess is denied or confirmed by a biopsy. The consequences of a disease not detected in a timely manner can be deplorable, therefore, with any disturbing signs that appear in the breast area, a woman should consult a doctor and immediately begin treatment.
• Cancer of the nipple or Paget's cancer. In the advanced stage, the areola changes color, the skin becomes dark red, flaky, covered with a characteristic crust. Nipple cancer most often affects one breast, this is its specific symptom. Therefore, if a woman notes redness of the nipple on only one mammary gland, an appeal to a mammologist, an oncologist should be immediate. Timely diagnosed disease, started therapy significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of negative consequences.
• Mastopathy. Its consequences are the return of symptoms, that is, relapses, as well as the risk of developing breast cancer. The severity of the consequences is directly related to the etiology of the disease. If the cause of mastopathy is hormonal disruptions in combination with thyroid dysfunction, then the treatment should be comprehensive. Without the use of specific drugs to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland, relapses are almost inevitable. If mastopathy develops in the form of nodes, there is a high risk of the disease developing into an oncological process. It is believed that redness of the nipples is not main feature mastopathy, however, it is he who can be a signal that the pathology is moving into a critical stage. It is possible to prevent serious consequences only with the help of regular examination of the breast by a mammologist and adequate treatment started in a timely manner.
• Eczema, neurodermatitis of the nipple. Its consequences often bring psychological discomfort, as the color is disturbed, sometimes the shape and appearance nipple, areola. For a woman, this not entirely aesthetic spectacle can be a reason for a low mood, up to a depressive one. In such cases, it is necessary to reduce the level of anxiety by informing about the consequences of eczema of the nipple. In fact, with complex treatment, compliance with all medical recommendations, the skin is restored quite quickly, the redness of the nipples disappears. If neurodermatitis proceeds for a long time in a severe form, recurs, the appearance of the nipple and areola after treatment can be corrected using cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery. The consequences of eczema of the nipple really do not look very beautiful, but they do not pose a threat to life and can be corrected.

Complications

Complications with reddening of the nipples are, as a rule, a neglected form of cancer. All other types of complications are not threatening, although they can cause quite unpleasant sensations, discomfort and visually do not look aesthetically pleasing. If redness of the nipples is treated in time, proper skin care, follow all the doctor's recommendations and observe personal hygiene, complications can be corrected, and difficult cases are corrected with the help of cosmetic procedures or minimally invasive operations.

What can provoke complications: and what they can be:

• Thrush. A complication can be considered an interruption in feeding the baby, as well as rather deep erosive damage to the skin of the nipples, of course, if the disease is diagnosed late and is not treated adequately.
• Milk ducts can become blocked if reddening of the nipples is a symptom of mastitis. Changing the feeding regimen can help reduce the severity of the complication, it must be agreed with the attending physician. Blockage is not considered a formidable consequence, but leads to refusal of breastfeeding, and this, in turn, is undesirable for the baby (everyone knows that mother's milk is the best way to strengthen the immune and other systems of a newborn baby).
• Cracks in the skin of the nipples are also fraught with complications. An infection that penetrates the wound surface causes an inflammatory process in the nipple. Inflammation is potentially dangerous in itself and carries the risk of inflammation of the entire breast (mastitis). In addition, Candida enters the nipple through cracks, respectively, there is a “field” for the development of thrush, which is treated in a complex way - therapy is indicated for both the mother and the child.
• Mastitis, in which redness of the nipples is possible, should be considered separately. Complications of mastitis - an infiltration form of the disease, it is also possible and purulent mastitis. All such complications are dangerous inflammation of the lymph nodes, extreme forms of complications - phlegmon or gangrenous process.
• If the redness of the nipples is not treatable, or the woman does not pay attention to the symptom and starts the condition of the breast skin to an extreme degree, infection is possible, up to an abscess. Complications associated with suppuration are fraught with surgery and a corresponding recovery period after it.
• Sepsis. This complication is extremely rare, but it should be mentioned. Septic intoxication of the body is a consequence of an extremely neglected infectious process.
• Pagett's cancer. oncological process.

Diagnosis of redness of the nipples

Diagnosis of reddening of the nipples begins with the woman's visit to the doctor. The following is a standard procedure that any professional doctor performs:

• Questioning the patient, collecting an anamnesis. Redness of the nipples is a sign that cannot be considered the only clinical manifestation of one disease. A gynecologist or mammologist may ask when the redness of the nipple or areola first appeared, what uncomfortable sensations accompany this symptom, under what circumstances reddening of the nipples occurred.
• Inspection (palpation) of the breast. In this way, the doctor checks the breast for the presence or absence of tumor processes, seals and other signs of a serious pathology. Palpation examination is not the only method of examination, therefore, having identified an alarming symptom, the doctor may prescribe additional diagnostic procedures.
• Ultrasound of the mammary glands to clarify the localization of the seal, its shape and stage of development.
• According to indications, a biopsy may be prescribed, it is necessary if Paget's cancer is suspected. Atypical cells can be detected in the skin material, and the fluid secreted from the nipple is also taken for examination under a microscope.
• If the redness of the nipples is provoked by an inflammatory process, a woman may be prescribed blood and urine tests to identify the causative agent of inflammation.
• It is quite difficult to diagnose reddening of the nipples with suspected eczema. The process often develops quickly, and the woman does not immediately go to the doctor, trying to cure the problem on her own. Getting an appointment with a gynecologist, the patient demonstrates the nipples in such a way that the inflammation can be considered polymorphic, that is, the symptoms indicate several possible causes at once. To specify the diagnosis, a blood test or skin tests for allergens are prescribed to rule out an allergic reaction.

Analyzes

Tests for redness of the nipples are usually not required. Most often, it is enough for a doctor to collect an anamnesis (information about the occurrence of a symptom), examination and observation of treatment in dynamics. However, there are reasons that provoke redness. skin irritation of the nipples that need clarification.

What tests can be ordered:

• Blood test for hormones. Often, changes in the hormonal background provoke pathological processes in the mammary glands and, as one of the symptoms of the disease, reddening of the nipples
• Blood test to determine the causative agent of the inflammatory process.
• A blood test to specify the causative agent of a bacterial infection.
• Allergic reactions that cause redness of the skin of the breast, nipples or areola require the identification of a specific allergen. Allergy tests can be prescribed for a woman - both by examining the skin and blood.
• If a nursing mother notices signs of thrush in her child and in herself, which is characterized by specific symptoms, including reddening of the nipples, the doctor may prescribe an analysis to determine the type of candidal infection.
• With a herpetic rash, it is recommended to donate blood for research and identification of the type of herpes.
• If an oncological process is suspected, the patient is assigned tests for tumor markers.
• With intraductal papilloma, both hardware diagnostics (ultrasound, mammography) and tests (immunoenzymogram, complete blood count, analysis to specify metabolic disorders) can be prescribed.

Also, with reddening of the nipples, the list of a comprehensive examination includes standard tests - KLA ( general analysis blood), biochemical analysis, analysis for the determination of baked samples and other clinical blood tests.

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnosis with redness of the nipples is prescribed as a way to specify the diagnosis. Redness of the nipples can be a sign of many diseases, therefore, in addition to examination and analytical research doctor needs blood additional information and information.

What types of instrumental diagnostics are used in the diagnosis of a symptom - reddening of the nipples?

1. Ultrasound of the mammary glands to identify or exclude hidden tumor processes, as well as to clarify the localization, shape, size of seals (cysts, neoplasms).
2. Mammography is a specific instrumental method designed to study exclusively the mammary glands.
3. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging for visual clarification of changes in the shape, size of the nipples, as well as to specify the type, type of tumor.
4. Sonography to visualize the condition of the milk ducts and vascular system, which provides nutrition to the tissues of the mammary glands.
5. Biopsy. Analysis of the tissue material of the mammary gland or nipple to identify atypical (cancerous) cells, their type, number. Biopsy as a method of instrumental diagnostics allows differentiating the tumor process and prescribing adequate, effective treatment.

Instrumental diagnosis for redness of the nipples is needed to exclude or confirm Paget's cancer. Early detection oncological pathology significantly increases the chances of recovery in general, and also affects the quality of life of the patient, even in the most severe stages of breast cancer.

Accurate diagnosis allows you to differentiate the type, severity of the disease, the risk of development and spread of the process to nearby areas of the mammary gland, lymph nodes and organs. Mammography, MRI, ultrasound, immunohistochemical scrapings (cytology) - this is not a complete list of instrumental methods that help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis with reddening of the nipples is necessary to specify the cause of the symptom and prescribe an effective treatment. This is especially important if a mammologist or gynecologist suspects the development of an oncological process in the mammary gland. Padgett's cancer has a characteristic feature - changes in the shape, color of the nipple. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made with such a pathology, the more successful the complex therapy is and the more likely it is to have a positive result.

What is the differential diagnosis for Paget's cancer?

• Collection of information and the beginning of the development of symptoms, the circumstances of its appearance, about general condition health, including the presence of chronic diseases.
• Examination of the mammary glands, palpation.
• Breast ultrasound.
• mammographic study.
• The study of tissue material (nipple skin, adjacent area - areola) is a histological or cytological analysis. Cytology involves taking tissue or secretions from the nipple and examining the imprint using a special glass. The analysis technique is quite simple, unlike further action and interpretation of the result. The glass is applied to the affected area of ​​the skin of the nipple, the resulting imprint is stained and examined microscopically. Histology differs from the cytomethod in that tissue material is obtained using a special needle. Local anesthesia is performed, tissue is taken with a needle and then examined using a microscope. Diagnostic material can be obtained both directly from the tissue of the nipple, areola, and from nearby lymph nodes, if the disease is advanced and develops for a long time.
• Immunological tests needed to detect oncoprotein compounds and cytokeratin. This allows you to confirm or completely rule out breast cancer, as well as clarify the stage of development of Paget's cancer.

If the doctor, on examination, in addition to redness of the nipples, finds clinical signs of neurodermatitis, eczema or psoriasis, differential diagnosis may include examining tissue for infectious agents. Such actions are needed to clarify the diagnosis and prevention of a secondary inflammatory process in the mammary gland. In addition, redness, irritation, itching in the nipple area can be a signal of both allergies, retention hyperkeratosis of the nipple, lichen, impetigo, and a more serious pathology, such as melanoma. Differentiation is the ability to exclude medical errors, choose drugs and methods for treatment, return a woman a sense of comfort and health in general.

Differential diagnosis divides such diseases:

• Eczema.
• Intraductal papilloma.
• Pityriasis versicolor.
• Milkman's nipple.
• Dermatitis.
• Eczema.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.
• Paget's cancer.
• Mastitis.
• Allergy.

Treatment of redness of the nipples

Treatment of redness of the nipples is directly related to the etiology of the underlying disease.

The most common causes of reddening of the nipples and standard treatments are:

1. Cracks in the nipples of the mammary gland. A similar skin condition is usually diagnosed in breastfeeding women. The most effective way to quickly heal cracked nipple skin is to pre-prepare the mammary glands for feeding. Prevention of the disease largely prevents the development of deep erosive processes. Even if cracks appear, they do not cause discomfort, do not interfere with the feeding regimen and heal successfully. Treatment of reddening of the nipples with cracks consists in careful breast care, treatment of the nipples antiseptics, dieting and most importantly - changing the schedule and technique of feeding itself. External medications are prescribed by the attending physician, these can be anti-inflammatory solutions, moisturizing lotions, creams and antibacterial ointments.
2. Thrush. Redness of the skin of the nipple or areola is accompanied by severe itching, so the treatment necessarily includes agents that relieve irritation. In addition, in without fail the woman's diet changes, drugs are prescribed that activate the immune system and eliminate the cause - infection of the body with candida. It should also be noted that thrush almost always affects both the mother and the newborn baby, so both the woman and the baby are treated.
3. Allergy. First of all, the causes of the allergic reaction are neutralized. After the diagnosis, when the allergen is detected, all risks of contact with it are excluded. If the redness of the nipples is caused by a food allergen, the system and diet change. Elimination of an aggressive allergenic agent allows you to quickly eliminate external clinical manifestations diseases and prevent their occurrence in the future. Antihistamines may be prescribed, both in the form of external agents and in tablet form.
4. Tumor processes in the breast, in which redness of the nipple is considered one of the clinical manifestations of Paget's cancer, are subject to complex treatment. Therapy, procedures are prescribed by an oncologist. Surgical intervention is indicated for a certain degree of severity of the process, when the operation stops the development of the spread of atypical cells.
5. Mastopathy, mastitis, in addition to external preparations and drugs in the form of tablets, is also treated with physiotherapeutic procedures. Physiotherapy allows you to dissolve congestion in the mammary glands and speed up recovery.

Women who find redness in their nipples often resort to alternative methods of treatment. Such methods can indeed be effective, provided that they are recommended by a doctor. Self-medication and breast diseases are unacceptable, especially considering that breast cancer is still the leader among all oncological pathologies in women aged 20-25 to 55 years.

Medications

Medicines that are prescribed for redness of the nipples can be both external and in the form of tablets. Category, classification of drugs depends on the cause of the disease in the same way as the entire treatment system. We list the most common drugs that can reduce the intensity of the symptom and give a therapeutic effect.

• With cracks in the nipples, drugs are prescribed in the external form. These can be ointments containing non-aggressive anti-inflammatory substances, given that cracks are most common in breastfeeding mothers. Here is a list of the most popular remedies for the treatment of cracks:
  • Lanovit.
  • Solcoseryl.
  • Avent (Avent).
  • Bepanten.
  • Ointments containing beta-carotene or tocopherol.
  • Dexpanthenol.
  • Cream-balm for healing cracked nipples.
  • Desitin.
  • Sudocrem.
  • Lanovit.
  • Retinoic ointment.
  • We see.
  • Vulnuzan.
  • Actovegin in the form of a gel.
  • Chlorophyllipt solution.
• Eczema of the nipples requires long-term persistent treatment, since eczematous dermatitis is allergic in nature. Means that are prescribed for eczema may be as follows:
  • Prednisolone, which has antiallergic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Hydrocortisone ointment. An effective remedy for allergic eczema. The ointment has its own contraindications, so it is not recommended to use it on its own.
  • Dermasan, an effective drug, if neurdermatitis, eczema is diagnosed for the first time and at the initial stage of development.
  • Since redness of the nipples with eczema is accompanied by severe itching, worsening general well-being, patients may be prescribed tranquilizers, antidepressants.
  • Etimizol, which has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory action.

Severe stages of eczema of the nipples suggest the use of corticosteroid hormonal drugs. All types of eczematous dermatitis require drugs that have an immunomodulatory effect:

• Thrush on the nipples is treated with antifungal drugs - fluconazole, diflucan and from a variety. Medicines are selected and prescribed by a doctor, especially if the therapy is intended for a nursing mother.
• Paget's cancer. Medications are prescribed strictly in accordance with the type of oncopathology. So, in the case of ulcerative cancer, in addition to traditional antitumor therapy, external agents can be recommended that adequately relieve skin inflammation. If the cancer develops in an eczematous type, drugs are selected as part of a treatment similar to that of eczema.

Medicines for reddening of the nipples are the prerogative of the doctor, only a specialist can differentiate the clinical manifestations, make an accurate diagnosis and choose effective, effective drugs.

Ointment for redness of the nipples

Ointment for redness of the nipples is selected depending on the cause that provokes the symptom. You should also take into account the anamnestic data of the woman and her state of health at the time of the start of treatment.

Reddening of the nipples in most cases is associated with hormonal changes in the body or with pregnancy or lactation. Oncopathology can also be the cause of nipple skin irritation, changes in its shape, but in such cases, treatment and ointments should be specific, like the disease process itself.

The list of ointments for redness of the nipples:

• With lactostasis (milk stagnation), it is recommended to use cooling or absorbable ointments. This effect has Traumeel, all ointment preparations with arnica, calendula, chestnut extract, heparin gel.
• Cracked nipples are also successfully treated with ointments. Ointment for redness of the nipples with cracks should have an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect in order to quickly stop the spread of the infection and not “let” it deep into the breast tissue. Solcoseryl, ointments containing lanolin, synthomycin ointment, Purelan, Bepanten, sea buckthorn oil ointment, Panthenol, Tsindol, Desitin and other drugs are effective, which can be very effective if prescribed by a doctor according to indications and after clarifying the diagnosis.
• Candidiasis, which provokes redness of the nipples, is treated with external agents that neutralize the fungal infection. Ointment for redness of the nipples with thrush is nystatin ointment, flucanazole, lamizol. However, it should be remembered that thrush is a phenomenon that occurs during breastfeeding. Consequently, any ointment can get into the baby's gastrointestinal tract, so only a doctor should prescribe medications, including ointments.
• Eczema is treated in a complex way, like allergies in general. Ointment for eczema of the nipples can be effective if it is combined with taking drugs in the form of tablets. Medications for eczema fall into the category of antihistamines, and corticoids can also be prescribed if eczema goes into a severe stage - Prednisolone, Skin-cap, Soderm, Dermasan. An ointment with a drying effect is also effective.

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatment of redness of the nipples can be very effective if the exact cause of the symptom is established and the treatment is prescribed by a specialist, a doctor. This is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Not all herbal teas, herbal infusions, decoctions can be harmless, in addition, with the illiterate use of herbal medicine, precious time is lost, and the disease can become severe. Traditionally, alternative treatment is used simultaneously with basic therapy, or after it as a means of fixing the result.

Phytotherapy for redness of the nipples is the following procedures:

• Lotions (decoctions, infusions).
• Production and use of ointments based on extracts from herbs and plants.
• General baths for the whole body with a decoction of herbs, medicinal plants.
• Compresses with infusion of phytocollection.
• Ingestion of specially prepared decoctions.

Herbal preparations should have the main properties that help neutralize the redness of the nipples:

• Safety and no side effects.
• Anti-inflammatory or antibacterial action.
• Softening effect.
• Healing action.
• Drying weeping wound properties.
• Resolving, anti-edematous effect.

Alternative treatment for redness of the nipples involves the use of such plants or herbs:

1. St. John's wort.
2. Mint.
3. Plantain.
4. Chamomile.
5. Althea root.
6. Series.
7. Oak bark.
8. Highlander snake.
9. Violet.
10. Dandelion.
11. Leaves and flowers of clover.
12. Japanese Sophora.
13. Birch leaves.
14. Blueberry leaves.
15. Juniper needles.

It is not possible to list all medicinal herbs or plants within the framework of the article, so we suggest studying several proven, effective recipes:

1. Prepare herbal tea - 1 part of oregano, mint, plantain leaves, juniper berries, chamomile, St. John's wort. 1 teaspoon of dry chopped herbal collection is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for 40-45 minutes. The strained infusion is cooled to a comfortable temperature and used as a lotion that relieves itching, irritation and redness of the nipples.
2. Dried geranium leaves, lavender, dandelion root, violet flowers and leaves, fireweed, centaury, celandine, oak bark - 1 part each. 2 tablespoons of the mixture is poured with 1 liter of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 10-12 hours (it is convenient to brew overnight). If the infusion is too concentrated, dark, it is slightly diluted with water and used as a wash of the entire mammary gland, including the nipple. Washing should be carried out at least twice a day for 10-14 days. Also, the decoction works great as lotions. A gauze napkin is moistened in a herbal infusion, squeezed a little and applied to a damaged, reddened nipple for 1 hour. This method is effective for nipple cracks and neurodermatitis.
3. The reception of phytovannes is no less effective. The recipe is as follows - take equally celandine and chamomile (25 grams each), pour 500 ml of cold water, leave for an hour, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain and pour into the bathroom, dilute with warm comfortable temperature water, take baths every other day for two weeks. Alternative treatment for reddening of the nipples will burn to consist in a system of bathing in a bath with an infusion of burdock root - the root is crushed, a tablespoon is poured into 500 ml of water, boiled for 10 minutes, poured into the base volume of water in the bath.
4. A decoction to be drunk within a month. Blackcurrant leaves, nettle, grass and violet flowers, chamomile, rose hips - 1 tablespoon each. The mixture is stored in a dry jar or linen bag. Every day, a decoction is prepared - 1 teaspoon of phytocollection is poured into 300 ml of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes. Strained healing decoction you need to drink in small sips during the day, the course is one month. The tool perfectly cleanses the blood, strengthens the immune system and helps the body cope with inflammatory processes, including in the mammary gland.
5. The category of alternative treatment includes such recipes - applying raw pumpkin pulp, pea flour mixed with cabbage juice to the reddened nipple. Do not forget about the beneficial wound healing and decongestant properties of cabbage leaves or burdock leaves. Purulent inflammation of the mammary gland, which provokes an increase in temperature and redness of the skin of the nipple, you can try to cure with gruel from freshly cooked beans. A dressing with steamed and mashed figs has the same effect.

Alternative treatment of nipple skin diseases brings results only if the cause of the symptom is accurately established and the herbal therapy regimen is drawn up by a doctor.

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment for redness of the nipples helps to reduce discomfort, relieve irritation, inflammation or itching. Properly selected herbs can have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as accelerate the healing of microcracks and wounds. At the same time, it must be remembered that not all herbal teas are neutral and safe, therefore, before using decoctions or tinctures, it is advisable to consult a specialist herbalist or your doctor.

The list of means and methods that are included in the category "herbal treatment":

• Hypericum treatment. A decoction or infusion of St. John's wort heals small wounds, cracks in the nipples well. Decoction recipe - 2 tablespoons of dry grass are poured with 2 glasses of cold water, let it brew in this form for 4-5 hours. Then the liquid is boiled for 10 minutes, cooled to a comfortable temperature, filtered. With the resulting decoction, you can wipe the nipple cracks every 2 hours for 2-3 days. Lotions are also effective - a cotton swab is dipped into a decoction, soaked and applied to the skin of the nipple and areola. Useful properties St. John's wort oil also has it (you can buy it at a pharmacy), it is applied to a gauze napkin, applied to the nipples, leaving for 1 hour.
• Redness of the nipples inflamed skin areola, especially with eczematous dermatitis, it is good to treat pumpkin pulp. The pumpkin is boiled, kneaded with milk to the state of gruel. The resulting poultice is collected in a gauze bag (or wrapped in a thin cotton cloth). The pulp is left on the nipples overnight. This method helps to relieve inflammation and activates the separation of purulent contents from purulent wounds.
• Psyllium seeds are useful for redness of the nipples as an anti-inflammatory agent. Seeds need to be crushed in a coffee grinder or crushed, pour boiling water in the proportion of 1 tablespoon per glass of boiling water. Cooled broth is used as a lotion. Phyto-ointment from seeds is also effective - crushed seeds are poured with a small amount of water to the consistency of thick sour cream. The reddened skin is lubricated with ointment 2-3 times a day until the irritation is completely neutralized.
• beans Japanese Sophora insist on an alcohol basis (1:1). The tincture helps with weeping ulcerative skin lesions of the nipple (dermatitis, eczema). Sophora is effective as a means of drawing out pus, disinfecting wounds.
• Linden leaves and inflorescences have an antiseptic effect. Linden decoction poultices are a great way to relieve redness of the nipples.
• Rice starch is effective in weeping forms of eczema of the nipples. Starch is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area of ​​the chest, leaving for 4-5 hours.
• Infusion of sweet clover (a teaspoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water - leave for 15 minutes) is used as a remedy that relieves redness of the areola of the nipples. Sweet clover ointment - crushed grass is mixed with propolis, applied to the chest with mastitis or on the skin around the nipple with intraductal papillomas.
• Aloe juice is able to heal nipple cracks, small erosive wounds. The aloe leaf is left for 2-3 days in a dark place, ground or crushed, the pulp is squeezed out, the wounds and the skin of the nipple are lubricated with juice.
• Herbal treatment includes the use of celandine. It should be noted that celandine juice can be both useful and have a negative effect. Therefore, the use of this method requires strict adherence to the recipe. 5 drops per 150 ml of boiled water is a safe concentration that has a wound-healing effect on redness, nipple cracks.

Herbal treatment is an excellent method that complements basic therapy for complex diseases nipples, as well as a means for the prevention various damage chest skin.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an additional effective method that consolidates the basic treatment with the help of medicines. It should be remembered that homeopathy for redness of the nipples must be carefully selected, and the course of treatment can be very long. homeopathic remedies work well in the treatment of redness of the nipples for pregnant or lactating women, provided that the complex is prescribed by a specialist. Homeopathy acts gently, does not cause side effects and can be used for almost all categories of patients.

Here are examples of homeopathic regimens that can be prescribed to a woman when reddening of the nipples appears:

• Calcarea carb.
• Graphite.
• Aconite.
• Sulfur.
• Mastopol.
• conium.
• Bryony.
• Phytolacca.

Homeopathy is effective in treating the cause of the symptom, redness, itching and irritation of the nipples as a consequence of the disease often disappears in the first week of taking homeopathic medicines. For example, the treatment of lactostasis (milk stagnation):

• Aconite is effective at the very beginning of the disease, especially with mastopathy. The dosage and course of treatment is prescribed by a homeopathic specialist.
• Bryonia helps as a mild absorbable agent.
• Belladonna works great for inflammatory processes that provoke redness of the nipples.
• Calcarea carbonica helps to normalize the inflow and outflow of breast milk, thus it is possible to prevent the development of lactostasis and, as a result, irritation, redness of the nipples of the mammary glands.
• Pulsatilla nigricans helps to reduce the risk of breast milk stagnation, therefore it can be considered a preventive measure. various problems with nipple skin.
• Local homeopathic therapy is the use of arnica, calendula in various forms. These drugs help heal nipple cracks, minor wounds, including purulent ones.
• Borax helps to dry out weeping, ulcerated sores on the skin of the nipples.

Homeopathy can speed up the process of treating reddening of the nipples, reduce the severity of symptoms even with serious pathologies of the mammary glands, but the course of treatment should be prescribed by a doctor who has special knowledge and experience with homeopathic medicines.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for redness of the nipples, irritation of the skin of the mammary gland is an extreme measure, which is indicated only in severe forms of serious diseases. As a rule, timely preventive measures, breast care, accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment give their result, and the woman has the opportunity to avoid surgery. Surgical treatment is prescribed for oncopathologies or an advanced stage of mastopathy. Moreover, heavy types mastopathy is also treated surgically if the diagnosis shows inflammation of a purulent nature. The abscess is opened, drained, the procedure can be performed both under local anesthesia and under general anesthesia depending on the depth of suppuration and the degree of its spread. Consider the option of surgical intervention for Paget's cancer:

• The method of surgical intervention and its volume is directly related to the diagnosis and stage of cancer.
• Radical mastectomy- this is the choice of method for an invasive form of oncological process.
• Partial removal of a sector, tissue (pectoral muscle) is indicated for non-invasive cancer.
• Resection of a part of the mammary gland may also be indicated at the initial stage of the process, in which case the surgical intervention includes the removal of the nipple and areola. After recovery period a woman can go to a plastic surgeon for breast, nipple and areola mammoplasty.
• If atypical cells are localized only in the nipple area, this particular area is removed, and the spread of cells is stopped using radiation therapy.
• As a rule, surgical treatment for Paget's cancer is accompanied by additional methods and procedures that stop the spread of atypical cells - chemotherapy, gamma procedures, hormone therapy.
• Lymph nodes may also be removed if the cancer cells have spread to lymphatic system. Differentiation of the diagnosis and localization of the lesion is specified using ultrasound, mammography, biopsy, and cytological analyzes.
• Gamma therapy is indicated as an alternative to surgical treatment for patients over the age of 60 years, when the operation cannot be performed due to physiological age.

It should be remembered that timely diagnosis and initiated treatment helps a woman to save her breasts or allow the doctor to prescribe an organ-preserving method of surgical intervention. In addition, early detection of abnormal cells reduces the risk of complications after surgery and increases the chances of survival even in the most severe forms of breast cancer.

Prevention

Prevention of reddening of the nipple, areola consists in a systematic examination of the breast, careful and careful care of the mammary glands in general. General advice on prevention is identical to the recommendations for the prevention of diseases of the mammary glands and pelvic organs in women. This is due to quite high rates prevalence oncological diseases among the fair sex.

Tips for preventing redness of the nipples, diseases associated with the mammary glands in women:

• Careful breast care and hygiene
• Use of comfortable, preferably cotton, underwear (bras, tank tops, tops)
• The mammary glands should be protected from direct sun rays and thermal effect
• Using natural breast care products, avoiding soaps, gels containing chemicals and synthetic fragrances, greatly reduces the risk of irritation to sensitive skin.
• During pregnancy, the breast should be properly prepared for the feeding period to minimize the risk of cracked nipples, redness and irritation of the areola.
• Exclusion of allergenic foods from the diet, adherence to the rules of a healthy lifestyle in general
• strengthening immune system which helps to resist infectious, viral diseases
• Timely appeal to specialists, doctors at the slightest alarming signs, symptoms found in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands
• Conducting regular breast self-examinations.

Forecast

The prognosis for reddening of the nipples is generally one of the most favorable among all typically "female" diseases. Redness of the nipples is treated quickly and effectively, of course, provided accurate diagnosis the cause of the symptom and timely treatment.

We list the options for predicting the treatment of reddening of the nipples:

1. Thrush. Effective treatment completely eliminates the redness of the nipples, the prognosis for the treatment of breast candidiasis is favorable
2. Mastopathy. The prognosis depends on the type, extent of inflammation in the chest, but in general, the outcome of treatment is usually good.
3. Severe forms of mastopathy can lead to oncopathology or become a favorable environment for the development of breast cancer. The prognosis of therapy for breast cancer is directly related to when treatment is started and the severity of the pathology.
4. The prognosis for Paget's cancer is variable. The risk of a negative outcome is associated with the stage of cancer, its activity and the state of health of the woman, more precisely, with the presence or absence of chronic diseases before diagnosis
5. The prognostic panel for oncopathology also has a fairly wide range. Medical science does not stand still, literally every year new technologies, methods, devices and tools appear that help reduce the negative statistics of cancer. If Atypical cells are stopped on time, there is no metastasis, the survival rate of patients is almost 90% within 4-5 years. Further prognosis depends on the likelihood of relapse and preventive measures taken by the woman.

Redness of the nipples is not a life-threatening symptom, however, as a sign, the symptom needs to be clarified by the root cause and adequate treatment. If irritation of the skin of the nipple, redness or cracks is treated comprehensively and in a timely manner, discomfort, pain disappear quickly and without consequences. Protecting the breast, systematically examining and caring for it is the main way to help avoid many of the troubles associated with diseases of the mammary glands in general.

Medical Expert Editor

Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich

Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, specialty - "Medicine"

Pain in the mammary glands is often observed not only in pregnant or lactating women. They can occur in all representatives of the weaker sex. Very often there are pains in the area of ​​the nipple. There are a number of pathologies that can cause them. Pain in the nipples is often the only symptom of a pathological condition, but sometimes they are accompanied by hardening of the glands or secretions from them. In this case, a woman should definitely contact a mammologist. Why do nipples hurt?

The most common causes of pain

Why do women have sore mammary glands, and in particular, nipples? The causes of this pathological condition may be different. Moreover, unpleasant sensations are sharp, pulling, aching and others. The most common reasons are listed below:

Unpleasant sensations can be caused by the following reasons:

• coarsening of the skin on the nipple;
• softening of dense skin under the action of milk flowing from the glands, accompanied by irritation and inflammation;
• washing the nipples with hot water and soap, which causes dry skin, and when feeding there is pain;
• improper attachment of the child to the chest;
• excess milk production (lactostasis);
• use of uncomfortable breast pumps;
• blockage of the external opening of the mammary duct of the glands;
• a crack, which is a defect in the nipple and areola itself;
• mechanical irritation with linen or a rough towel, constant friction.

There are cases when the nipple of a nursing mother has an irregular shape (retracted). The baby cannot properly take such a breast and eats poorly. It also causes pain in the nipples. In this case, special pads for feeding the baby can help. For any pathological conditions of the nipples and mammary glands of a nursing mother, the attending physician will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What pain can indicate

Sometimes the nipple hurts not because of any disease, but because of the increased sensitivity of the glands and wearing improperly selected underwear. Unpleasant sensations of this kind will disappear when wearing a normal bra made from high quality materials.

In some cases, pain can be triggered by the following irritants: chemicals (soaps, gels, lotions), low-quality fabric dyes.

Pain in the nipple area is a symptom that in each case of pathology has its own specific characteristics. All the sensations that a woman experiences, complaining of pain in the mammary glands, she must convey to the doctor. It is he who will be able to establish an accurate diagnosis of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

Constant and severe pain during menstruation may indicate fibrocystic mastopathy, which requires serious therapy. In this case, the pain syndrome occurs long before menstruation, and disappears after it.

Particular attention should be paid to pain in the nipples of young girls or women who have not given birth, especially if they are accompanied by redness and an infectious and inflammatory disease of the mammary gland. These symptoms are a sign of mastitis. When they appear, you should immediately contact a mammologist.

Often, pain in the nipples is caused by infections and various diseases of the epidermis. So with psoriasis, which is allergic in nature, the skin in the nipple area is often affected. The main symptom of this skin disease: red spots and pain, therefore, with long-term pain and rashes on the skin, you should consult a dermatologist.

Often the skin of the nipple is affected by non-infectious eczema. It manifests itself in the form of redness, small bubbles, weeping and crusting on the skin. It is also accompanied by itchy and burning pain in the nipples. A dermatologist establishes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy during a visual examination.

A viral disease such as herpes sometimes manifests itself in the form of lesions localized in the nipple area. Such a disease is accompanied by pain of an itchy nature, redness of the skin, the appearance of groups of small bursting vesicles, covered with crusts. If such symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist and gynecologist.

Pain in the nipples can also cause other diseases such as candidiasis, impetigo, fibromyalgia, and some others. Each disease requires its own diagnosis and serious therapy. That is why, not only pain in the nipples, but also other external symptoms of a change in the state of the mammary glands are the reason for an early visit to the doctor.

Burning in the nipples has various reasons for its appearance. Some of them are related to the physiology of the body. There are some that will make you seriously think about your health.

More than 60% of women may experience pain and burning in the nipples, which brings a lot of inconvenience. This is due, first of all, to the fact that there is a constant cyclical change in the hormonal background of the body. Many consider this phenomenon to be normal, but in vain, because if the chest hurts, then you should immediately seek help from a doctor. Perhaps there is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. First you need to understand the reasons that lead to violations of this part, and indeed the entire mammary gland.

Causes

Give a definite answer to the question "why?" You can’t, because there are several factors that cause this feeling. The main reasons are:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• milk production by the mammary gland (lactation);
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
• fungal infection.

An unpleasant feeling in the chest area can accompany not only a burning sensation, but also general soreness of the chest, which has a different character and intensity. The chest in women may be slightly swollen, and the pain spreads to the shoulder or back, and itching can accompany everything.

The reasons may lie in the recent use of antidepressants, as well as hormone preparations. It can also be a manifestation of mastopathy, cysts in the mammary gland or other pathologies. Let's try to understand in each specific case.

Manifestations

Cyclic mastodynia is manifested by pain and burning in the nipple and breast area a few days before menstruation. For many women, this condition is well known and the main reasons for its appearance lie in menstruation.

The essence of the phenomenon is that there is an active production of the hormone progesterone, its concentration in the blood is constantly growing. When it binds to biologically active compounds, fluid is retained in the tissues of the body. No exception in this and the chest, which can swell, itching joins. The nipples also swell, and often strong pain especially if you touch them.

This condition lasts for a week, and after menstruation begins, discomfort in the mammary gland quickly disappears, because the level of hormones in the blood quickly declines. This kind of pain in women should not be considered an anomaly or a deviation from the norm, as a rule, this is a natural pattern. Such an unpleasant symptom may also indicate a delay in menstruation.

Mastalgia of a non-cyclic nature is manifested by the absence of a connection in women with unpleasant painful sensations in the chest area with their hormonal levels. The cause of this condition is often oncology and the inflammatory process that develops in the tissues of the mammary gland. Often this condition is observed when:

• disruption of the thyroid gland;
• often the pituitary gland;
• adrenal glands;
• liver pathology;
• as well as the nervous system (for example, intercostal neuralgia, etc.).

Pain in the chest or nipples can occur as a result of stress, conflicts in the family and at work, negative emotions that a woman is regularly exposed to.

Often the cause can be a fungus, then in addition to burning on the nipples, constant itching occurs. The skin begins to peel off, changes its normal color and tint. Moreover, the itching is constantly increasing and occurs constantly for no apparent reason. Especially after visiting public places, violating the rules of personal hygiene, wearing someone else's underwear. If itching does not go away for some time, you should consult a dermatologist.

Also, pain and itching can develop as a result of taking hormonal contraceptives and in this case, the symptoms are very pronounced. The reasons for this condition of the breast are in the imbalance of hormones. You will need to consult a specialist and select a new drug. In addition, it is necessary to undergo a breast examination, do an ultrasound, mammography and check the level of hormones in the blood.

During pregnancy

Pain and an unpleasant feeling in the mammary gland may indicate the presence of pregnancy, although this is an unreliable fact. This also happens due to an increase in the amount of the hormone that is responsible for lactation in women - prolactin. The increase occurs so quickly that the nerve endings do not have time to adapt, due to which unpleasant symptoms occur. Burning increases when the nipple comes in contact with tissue or rubbed against it.

Such symptoms occur in the early stages, and then disappear without a trace. Also, burning can occur during feeding, which must be done correctly. You can ask your doctor about this, who leads the pregnancy in the antenatal clinic.

What to do

During pregnancy, menstruation or PMS, it is necessary to touch the nipples as little as possible, to avoid situations that contribute to friction, pressure. Preference should be given to comfortable and spacious underwear that does not have seams. Particular attention is paid to decorations and their length, they should not touch the painful area and bring unpleasant and painful sensations.

After feeding the child, you must constantly adhere to hygiene. The breast and especially the nipple area is washed with warm water, without the use of soap, and then treated with sea buckthorn oil. The nipple area is protected from any kind of mechanical damage, additionally covered with a gasket.

The child must eat properly, for this from the first days he must be taught to capture not only the nipple, but the entire areola. And after feeding, you do not need to pull out the breast immediately, so the child can reflexively squeeze it, which will cause injury. If there are cracks and burning on one breast, it is worth giving the child a second one, and after he has eaten, express all the remaining milk.

When the pain is prolonged, growing and often painful, you should immediately visit a doctor. It is also worth "sounding the alarm" when there is discharge outside the lactation period, skin color, size, shape of the breast and nipple change, any erosion, swelling appear. All this speaks in favor of oncology. Would need additional examination which will help establish the truth.

As you can see, burning can be not only a manifestation of formidable diseases, but also indicate replenishment in the family or a change in hormone levels. In some cases, it’s not worth it to “sound the alarm”, but it doesn’t hurt to play it safe.

From tight bra chafing and lactation to more serious causes that require immediate medical advice and treatment.

In this article, we look at seven possible causes of nipple pain:

Reason #1: chafing

Rubbing with hard underwear or a T-shirt is the main cause of nipple pain. Especially women involved in sports often complain about the problem. Rubbing is typical burning pain; the skin of the chest is irritated, often disturbed by dryness and cracks.

Long workouts mean long friction. With increased sensitivity, doctors recommend wearing a surgical adhesive plaster on the nipples during classes.

Reason #2: Infected nipples

Nipples already suffering from chafing allergic reactions, cracking or bleeding, are most susceptible to infection. Breast-feeding also increases the risk of infection. After courses of antibiotic therapy, women may encounter candidiasis - the fungus Candida albicans.

Be vigilant and take care of your health!

Konstantin Mokanov