Nipples Might Hurt Even When You’re Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding: 5 Reasons to Know

Friction and hormonal changes

Sensitive nipple tissue can become irritated by clothing or bras, especially during exercise. This chafing, sometimes called “runner’s nipple,” may worsen when skin stays damp. Changing estrogen and progesterone levels can also make breasts and nipples more sensitive, often in the week or two before a period. Supportive clothing, a warm or cool compress, or over-the-counter pain relievers may help with hormonal soreness.

To ease chafing, change out of damp workout clothes promptly and consider applying petroleum jelly as a barrier. A well-fitting, supportive bra made from moisture-wicking material can help; cotton may hold moisture during exercise.

Skin conditions can cause pain

Eczema commonly affects both nipples and may cause an itchy, red, scaly rash, along with cracks, crusting, or oozing. Fragrance-free moisturizer may help, and a provider may recommend prescription steroid cream.

Psoriasis and other rashes can also affect the breasts and nipples. A healthcare provider can identify the condition and recommend treatment, particularly if irritation does not improve.

Duct inflammation and yeast

Duct ectasia involves inflammation of ducts beneath the nipple and may cause pain and yellow or green discharge. Periductal mastitis is inflammation of milk ducts below the areola.

These infections are generally treated with antibiotics, though aspiration or incision and drainage may also be used. Persistent symptoms after treatment may prompt further testing. Yeast can also grow on breast skin, especially in warm, moist folds, and may cause shiny, flaky redness and sharp, burning pain.

When to contact a doctor

Shannon Dowler, a family physician in North Carolina and an American Academy of Family Physicians board member, advises contacting a doctor if mild discomfort lasts more than a week or two, keeps returning, or occurs on just one side. Seek help more urgently for severe symptoms, a rash that will not heal, discharge, a lump, skin changes, or possible infection signs such as fever, redness, or pus. Breast cancer usually does not cause breast or nipple pain, and most nipple pain is not malignant, but pain can sometimes be a symptom.