Skin conditions Some common skin problems, such as allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) and eczema, can cause nipple pain in men and women if the nipples are affected. Both conditions usually cause flaky and irritated skin around the breast and nipple. In most cases, other areas of the body are affected as well.
Male nipple play is becoming increasingly popular, and it makes sense: male nipples have hundreds of nerve endings, which make them extremely sensitive and therefore sexually stimulating, explains Dr. Laitman. Men have the same glands, nerves, and surrounding tissues that women do.
However, breast pain and swelling may be symptoms of something more serious. You may have an injury, infection, or an underlying medical condition—including cancer. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have any breast pain and swelling, or notice any other breast changes.
Gynecomastia is when male breast tissue grows larger than usual and it begins feeling like a rubbery, firm mass under and around the nipple before it spreads across your chest. Sometimes it only affects one side of your body but it usually affects both. This growing tissue can feel tender or painful to touch.
For women, sore nipples are common during periods, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Any pain in your nipples can make you wonder if you have breast cancer. It's rare for it to be the main symptom of the disease, but you should still see your doctor to have nipple pain checked out if it doesn't go away.
Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.
In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies or friction from clothing. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious disease like breast cancer. Your healthcare provider should evaluate any pain that's accompanied by discharge or lumps as soon as possible.
You can differentiate these two types of gynecomastia by gently pinching the breast tissue together. A glandular tissue usually appears rubbery to firm with concentric circles beneath and around the areola (the pinkish to brownish area surrounding the nipple); while the former usually feels freely mobile and tender.
It may start as a lump or fatty tissue beneath the nipple, which may be sore. The breasts often get larger unevenly. The symptoms of gynecomastia may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Breast pain in women and men has a variety of possible causes, from prescription medication to malignancy. Red flags include lumps, skin changes, pain and fever.
Low testosterone levels can sometimes result in gynecomastia — a form of breast growth that affects men. Gynecomastia can cause your nipples to become swollen or tender.
Typical breast cancer, when it is found, also doesn't cause pain. “If a tumor grows big enough that you can feel it, it will feel like a rock in your breast tissue.
In men, breast pain is most commonly caused by a condition called "gynecomastia" (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh). This refers to an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue that's caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.
Shortly after ovulation, estrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels rise. In some people, these shifts in progesterone may trigger breast pain or sore nipples. If a person becomes pregnant, progesterone levels will continue to rise. This causes breast tissue changes that can make the nipples or breasts sore.
Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes during puberty is relatively common. In most cases, the swollen breast tissue will go away without treatment within six months to two years.
Grade 1 – Very Mild
The breast typically has a localized area of tissue behind the areola. Frequently referred to as “puffy nipple.” Skin quality is generally very good. In most cases, only excess glandular tissue is present.
The Gynecomastia “Pinch Test”
You will be asked to lie on your back while the doctor uses his forefinger and thumb to examine the breast tissue. Doctors do this to check for a concentric, rubbery or firm mass of disk-shaped tissue, which is often movable (not fixed) and located directly beneath the areola.
Friction is the most common reason for the nipples to be sore. Friction can occur if the nipples rub against a shirt or poorly-fitting bra, during sports activities, such as running, surfing, or basketball. Friction on the nipple can often cause soreness and a stinging pain. The skin may also become dry or chapped.
Stress and anxiety can also be linked to breast pain. Non-cyclical breast pain may be continuous or it may come and go. It can affect women before and after the menopause. The pain can be in one or both breasts and can affect the whole breast or a specific area.
Nipples can be sore for many reasons, and most causes are harmless. It is often related to hormonal changes from your periods or pregnancy. It can also be due to friction from clothes or sex. Sometimes, it's from an allergy or other irritation.
It is usually mild discomfort, but some describe it as severe, depending on how they feel pain. However, the pain/discomfort should not continue throughout your nursing session and should not be present in between feedings.
Breast infections are usually caused by common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on normal skin. The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually on the nipple. The infection takes place in the fatty tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts.
Blanching can be the result of a vasospasm, when the blood vessels constrict and spasm,1 or from any other situation that temporarily stops the blood from flowing to the nipples. When this happens, the nipples turn pale or white, and there may be a painful, burning sensation.