Breastfeeding your baby can be a nurturing and inspiring experience; however, you may develop some uncomfortable problems like itchy nipples while you are nursing your baby. The conditions associated with the nipple itch can make breastfeeding itself difficult and -- in some cases -- may lead to more serious problems. You should discuss an itchy nipple with your doctor to get the proper treatment.
Thrush
A frequent cause of nipple itchiness is thrush. Thrush is a Candida fungal infection of the nipple; this fungal overgrowth only occurs in warm, moist areas of the body, according to Sutter Health. You may be at risk of developing this condition if you are taking antibiotics or have cracked areas on your nipples. Cracked areas may develop if your baby does not latch on to the nipple properly or he is positioned improperly for nursing. While itching is common, you may also experience pain, both during and after feedings. You may also notice white patches on your nipples and inside your baby's mouth or on the tongue. Your doctor will want to treat both you and your baby with anti-fungal medication. You will also need to keep your breasts as dry as possible to let them heal. Toys, bottle nipples, and pacifiers will need to be boiled to kill the fungus as well.
Eczema
If you have a history of eczema or asthma, you may develop eczema on your nipples during the first few weeks of breastfeeding, according to St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. Your nipples will become red, swollen, itchy and sometimes have blisters. Nipple eczema may lead to nipple thrush because of the cracked areas of the nipples. You can treat the nipples with lotions like Aquaphor or Eucerin, but you should only apply these products after breastfeeding so your baby doesn't ingest them. Your doctor may also prescribe a cortisone cream to help the nipple heal.
Allergy
You may also have an itchy feeling in your nipples during breastfeeding that is caused by allergic reactions to drugs or foods, according to BetterMedicine.com. You may notice itching in both nipples and perhaps across your entire chest. Get medical care immediately because you may be having a serious allergic reaction. If you can, determine what the offending agent may have been or make a list of medications, foods or other substances that might be bothering you so your doctor can figure out what might have caused the problem. Your physician may recommend systemic therapies like antihistamines or corticosteroids, as noted by the National Institutes of Health. You may not be able to nurse your baby until you complete your treatment.
Psoriasis
Women who have psoriasis may develop the condition on the nipples during breastfeeding, as noted on Psoriasis-Aid.com. The nipple condition may cause itching and discomfort. You may still be able to continue nursing your infant, but it may be more difficult, notes the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. Local treatments with ointments or oils may help soothe the nipples. Many medications used to treat psoriasis may not be acceptable if you are breastfeeding, so discuss your options with your doctor. Fortunately, your baby cannot catch psoriasis through breastfeeding.
Paget's Disease of the Breast
An extremely rare cause of nipple itching when breastfeeding is a form of cancer called Paget's disease of the breast, according to the National Cancer Institute. Most women with this condition also have underlying breast cancer and are over age 50, but this cancer has been diagnosed in women in their 20s. Symptoms include crusting of the nipple, itching, tingling and pain. Even though there is only a slight chance of having this disease if you notice nipple flaking, crusting and itching, visit your physician for proper diagnosis, notes MotherNature.com.
References
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Breastfeeding - Common Problems
- National Institute of Health: Overcoming Breastfeeding Problems
- Sutter Health: Common Problems/Concerns
- St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne: Eczema/ Candida (Thrush) of the Nipple
- MotherNaturecom: Eczema
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance: Fertility, Conception and Pregnancy
