What causes itchy nipples while breastfeeding?
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.
In this article, learn about the causes of itchy nipples while breastfeeding, as well as how to get relief. We also cover when to see a doctor.
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 of itchy nipples while breastfeeding include:
Cracked, irritated skin
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.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation and pain in the deep breast tissue, usually caused by bacteria. It can appear suddenly, often in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
Mastitis 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.
A doctor can prescribe antibiotics for mastitis. Very rarely, an untreated infection can spread or even become life-threatening.
Thrush
Thrush is 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.
A doctor will often prescribe treatment for both the woman and baby to help prevent thrush from recurring.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is pain and itching that occurs after exposure to a skin irritant. 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.
Let-down reflex
The let-down reflex helps milk flow out of the nipple. Suckling, hearing a baby cry, or even thinking about the baby can trigger the let-down reflex.
Some women also experience this reflex when a feed is overdue, or if they have an excessive supply of breast milk.
Every woman will experience the let-down reflex differently, but sometimes it causes short-lived itching in the nipples or breasts. Itching that lasts several minutes or hours is probably not due to the let-down reflex.
Bad latch and poor positioning
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time for both a woman and a baby to master. When the baby latches onto the breast incorrectly or is in a position that puts unnecessary pressure on the nipple, it can irritate or damage the nipple.
Itching due to a bad latch or poor positioning often happens in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Typically, it goes away on its own as the pair learns how to breastfeed comfortably.
If there is no improvement, a doctor or midwife may refer a woman to a lactation consultant who can help with positioning and address any other issues.
Diagnosis
A doctor, midwife, or lactation expert can usually diagnose the cause of itchy nipples based on a woman's symptoms. Examining the baby can also help, since thrush in the baby usually means the mother has thrush, too.
They may also ask to watch the baby breastfeed. This can provide important details about whether the breastfeeding position is irritating the nipples.
