Definition
Burning, painful nipples can have various causes and can occur on one side or both sides. The distinction between unilateral and bilateral nipples is important for finding the cause, as well as whether additional secretion is secreted from the nipples. It is often hormonal changes during the female cycle or pregnancy that make the nipples sensitive. Especially shortly before menstruation many women report a feeling of tension in both breasts and sensitive nipples. However, mechanical irritation, e.g. from an ill-fitting bra or rubbing of the nipples during sport, can also cause a burning sensation in the nipples.
Causes of burning on the nipple
Many women experience a feeling of tension in both breasts shortly before their period, at the same time the nipples are very sensitive and can even burn. The reason for this is the hormonal fluctuations within the female cycle. During pregnancy there are also significant hormonal changes, which can be accompanied by increased sensitivity and pain in the nipples.
During the breastfeeding period, many small micro injuries caused by the baby’s suckling cause sore, burning nipples, especially at the beginning of the breastfeeding period. In addition, friction of the nipples caused by an incorrectly fitted bra or abrasive sportswear leads to permanent irritation of the sensitive skin of the nipples, which can manifest itself as a burning sensation. Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis also often manifest themselves on the nipples in adults, resulting in inflammatory skin changes (eczema).
Burning nipples accompanied by an overheated, painful breast can also be a sign of inflammation of the breast (mastitis). This occurs in both breastfeeding and non- breastfeeding women, and the bacteria that cause it often enter the tissue through small cracks in the nipple (e.g. when breastfeeding, through piercings). Finally, a one-sided burning of the nipple can very rarely be an indication of a special type of breast cancer (Paget’s disease of the nipple or an inflammatory breast carcinoma).
For this reason, a burning sensation and skin changes on the nipple that have been present for a longer period of time should always be seen by the doctor. During breastfeeding, small tears of the nipples often occur, especially in the initial phase, which can be very painful due to the permanent strain on the breast by the baby. Many women suffer from sore, burning nipples during this time.
It can help to optimise the application technique so that the nipples are subjected to as little stress as possible. Cooling between breastfeeding sessions can also soothe burning nipples. There are also a number of aids such as nipple wraps or nipple ointments that can provide relief.
Depending on the type of birth control pill, it contains different concentrations of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which mimic the female cycle. The artificially supplied hormones cause a number of changes in the female body. The estrogens cause the glands to grow in the breasts, which can result in unpleasant breast tightness, and the nipples become sensitive and can burn painfully. If these complaints do not subside in the course of the first weeks after taking the pill for the first time, you should talk to your gynaecologist about changing the pill.