Nipple Pain is Normal, but Beware if Too Long

Nipples of breast pain usually experienced by a mother who is breastfeeding in the early week of breastfeeding. However, sometimes the pain can be prolonged, and women who are not breastfeeding can also experience sore breast nipples. Know the various causes, so you know when you need to see a doctor. Not only breastfeeding factors, various other factors can be a cause of pain or discomfort in the nipple. Starting from using a bra that is too tight to serious medical conditions, such as symptoms of breast cancer. For this reason, it is important for you to know the causes of sore nipples and when to look out for them.

Causes of Sore Nipples

In general, here are some things that can cause sore nipples:

• Problems when breastfeeding

Various problems that arise when breastfeeding can cause pain in the nipples, for example when the baby can not suckle properly. The mother's nipples may be too far from the baby's mouth, so she has to pull the nipple into her mouth, then pinch it with a hard palate which eventually hurts the mother's nipple. If this happens, do not force the nipple to pull out. Insert your fingers into the baby's mouth and slowly pull your nipples. After that, repeat the process of breastfeeding properly and correctly. Another problem is when the baby starts teething and changing the way he suckles. This is because the baby does not feel comfortable with his teeth, so it tends to bite the mother's nipples. You can avoid biting your nipples by making sure your baby's mouth is wide open when feeding. Sore nipples are a common problem for nursing mothers.

• Mastitis

If the flow of milk does not go smoothly during breastfeeding, the milk can become inflamed or called mastitis. Symptoms include redness on the part of the breast that feels pain, redness, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and weakness. To help reduce pain you can do several ways such as breastfeeding the baby more often, breastfeeding the baby in the affected breast first, squeezing the breast using hands if the breast still feels full after breastfeeding, compressing the breast with warm water or bathing with warm water before breastfeeding, and get enough rest.

• Breast abscess

The formation of pus in the breast or called breast abscess can also cause pain. This can be caused by bacteria entering the breast tissue, or due to blocked milk ducts. Abscesses are often associated with mastitis, or can also be caused by a wound in the breast, for example after piercing the nipple. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and feeling hot around the nipple. Pus in the breast needs to be removed and treated with antibiotics from a doctor.

• Candidiasis

Fungal infections or candidiasis in the nipples can cause nipple pain. Symptoms include pain in one or both breasts, pain can last up to one hour after breastfeeding, nipples appear chapped, dry, or feel sore. Symptoms of candidiasis can be felt a few weeks after starting breastfeeding. However, it can also show no symptoms of infection at all in the breast of the mother. In the baby's mouth, can appear canker sores in the form of white spots. If it's like this, both the mother and baby need treatment with antifungal creams or gels or drugs taken.

• Hormonal changes

Nipple pain or discomfort in the breast is a common occurrence in women in monthly cycles, usually during premenstruation. This is triggered by changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. No need to worry, because this is usually a normal condition. Besides the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes in pregnant women can also make the breast feel fuller, heavier, and sicker. In addition, the areola or dark circles around the nipples become wider and darker in color. Pregnant women experience this condition when they are 6-8 weeks pregnant. To minimize pressure and discomfort in the breast, use a comfortable bra with the right size. Choose a bra made from cotton. Pregnant women can also use a special bra to sleep at night.

• Skin irritation

Breast nipple is a very sensitive area and can react to changes in the surrounding environment, for example due to the use of soap, detergents for washing, certain clothing materials such as wool, or hot or cold weather. Skin irritation of the nipples can also occur due to allergies. Symptoms of skin irritation or dermatitis on the nipples include itching, nipple redness or chapping.

• Friction

When you are active or exercising, your nipples can rub against your clothes and make them feel sick. Therefore, use the right bra, for example a special bra for exercise. In addition, if the skin is already irritated breasts, use a special cream for the nipples and breasts before dressing. In addition to sports, friction in the breast can also be caused by sexual activity, such as feeling the breasts roughly. Usually this pain is temporary.

• Breast cancer

In addition to the above factors, sore breast nipples can also be caused by breast cancer. Symptoms can include lumps in the breast, sore nipples, nipple discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding, and breast nipples pulled in. Changes in the size, shape, and color of the skin in the breast can also indicate the possibility of breast cancer. Because it is important to do regular breast checks to detect breast cancer early.

If you are a nursing mother, a sore breast nipple will not directly affect the baby. However, if the baby does not suckle properly, he will stop breastfeeding before getting enough milk. As a result, babies can have a low weight. The best way to deal with this condition is to improve breastfeeding attachment. If complaints of sore nipples do not improve after a few days, you are advised to see a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.