Many women complain of itchy nipples while breastfeeding. It may be a sign of minor infection or just a transitional symptom as the body adjusts to breastfeeding.
A lactation consultant or doctor who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding can help, but home treatments are often effective.
Causes
Itchiness while breastfeeding may be in the nipples or the breasts. The itch might feel as if it is on the skin or deep in the breasts. Some common causes include: Cracked, irritated skin, itchy nipples while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can result in dry and irritated skin, as the nipple tissue may be sensitive at first.
Women who are new to breastfeeding may be surprised by how forcefully a newborn can suck. The nipple tissue may be sensitive at first, so forceful sucking can cause dry and irritated skin, especially in people with a history of skin problems.
Women with a history of eczema may develop eczema on their nipples due to the irritation of nursing.
When nipple itching is due to cracked or dry skin, the symptoms will probably be on the surface of the skin. Symptoms typically improve as the breastfeeding pair settles into a comfortable rhythm.
Sometimes, however, bacteria enter the breast tissue through tiny cracks in the skin, causing an infection, such as mastitis which is the inflammation and pain in the deep breast tissue, usually caused by bacteria. It can appear suddenly, often in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
It can cause itching and pain both on the skin and deep in the breast tissue. Some women experience painful shooting sensations. The breasts may feel warm to the touch. Mastitis can also cause a high fever.
It can also cause thrush, a yeast infection in the nipple or breast. It is very common in breastfeeding women and can cause itching and pain on the nipples, as well as deep in the breasts.
It can be difficult to locate the source of the pain, and it may change or get worse with time. Thrush thrives in warm, wet environments, such as a baby’s mouth. A woman and baby can pass thrush back and forth for weeks or even months.
Similarly, contact dermatitis, a pain and itching that occurs after exposure to a skin irritant may resulted. Some women develop contact dermatitis in the nipples in the early weeks of breastfeeding as their bodies adjust to frequent contact with a baby’s mouth. Sometimes, certain creams that some women use to help with breastfeeding may also cause contact dermatitis.
When someone has contact dermatitis, the itching will only occur on the part of the nipple that is in contact with the baby’s mouth or another irritant. Sometimes the nipples turn red or scaly.
Treatment and home remedies
Creams containing antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredients may also help soothe pain.
When breast pain is not due to an infection, a woman can often treat it at home. The following strategies to help with itchy, painful nipples.
Source: Leadership News
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