Nipple fissures are common, but they're not normal. A cracked nipple is a sign that there's too much strain on your nipple tissue. Taking steps to prevent further injury while helping the tissue heal can prevent complications associated with nipple fissures.
Cracked nipples most often result from chafing during sports and due to breastfeeding. Cracked nipples are characterized by red, irritated, and scabbed skin on or around the nipple. Using gentle creams and avoiding harsh soaps, chemicals, and tight clothing can help treat and prevent nipple cracking.
Causes range from chafing to hormonal changes. In females, dry nipples can be related to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In rare cases, nipple changes can be linked to breast cancer or Paget's disease of the breast, so it is important to know the warning signs.
Anyone, either male or female, can experience cracked nipples. The areola, the area of skin surrounding the nipple, and the nipple, are more delicate and prone to injury than most of the skin on the rest of the body. Cracked nipples can be caused by breastfeeding, chafing, or underlying skin conditions.
The duration of the healing will vary. Superficial and recent soreness may clear in a matter of hours or days. However, long-established and profound wounds may require a up to 2 or 3 weeks to be entirely resolved even after the cause of the soreness has been eliminated.
Just like with breasts, there's no one way that nipples are supposed to look. Both nipples and areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) come in different sizes and colors, from light pink to brownish black. The color of your nipples usually relates to your skin color.
Nipples are prone to dryness, especially during dry, cold climates. The dry weather deprives the skin of essential oils, hamper the outer skin layer, and lead to dehydration and inflammation. If dryness is the cause of itchy nipples, then your nipples may look chafed or raw.
People should consult a doctor if they have: nipple discharge when they are not breast-feeding. nipple discomfort that lasts for more than a few days. nipple discharge associated with a lump in the breast.
See your provider for treatment. This is most often due to eczema or a bacterial or fungal infection. See your provider for treatment. Flaking, scaly, itchy nipples can be a sign of Paget disease of the breast.
Breast eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, discolored, itchy and bumpy. It may appear in the dark areas around your nipples (areolas), between your breasts, under your breasts, on the sides of your breasts or elsewhere on your chest.
Something you may not have known: Your nipples can clue you in to some serious health problems. If you notice sudden puckering or dimpling of the skin around or on your nipple—particularly if it occurs around just one nipple—call your doctor. This could be a warning sign of breast cancer.
The crustiness you're referring to is likely related to the discharge from the nipple that has dried, forming a crusty scale. In most cases, nipple discharge is nothing to worry about. It could be due to cysts in the breasts, non-cancerous tumors, or infection, among other conditions.
The nipples and the area around the nipples (areola) become darker and larger. Small bumps may appear on the areola. These bumps will go away after you have your baby. You may notice a yellowish discharge, called colostrum, from your nipples as early as the 16th to 19th week.
“The nipple or areola colour can vary from person to person, but anywhere between pink to dark brown is considered normal. The colour can change due to hormonal fluctuations in the body, and also when you are pregnant.
When to see a doctor: If you also have signs of an infection such as fever, redness, drainage, swelling, tenderness, or your nipple is warm, see your health care provider, advises Dr Euhus. If you're breastfeeding and the cracking is interfering with your ability to pump or nurse, check in with your doctor, he adds.
Cracked nipples: not breastfeeding
Nipple eczema: This condition causes itchy, scaly, irritated skin around the areola. It can be caused by irritation from certain fabrics, detergent, soap, or lotion. Nipple eczema usually heals once you find and eliminate the source of irritation.
It is normal to have small bumps on the flat, brown part of your breast called the areola. These bumps are called Montgomery glands. They secrete oil that helps to lubricate the areola. They become slightly larger and slightly red/pink when you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Back in 2017, experts on The Doctors, a daytime medical-related talk show on America's NBC, claimed the best natural lipstick is one which matches the colour of your areolas. Turns out your top lip is the same shade as your nips.
Friction. Too much friction may also irritate the nipple area. For example, long-distance runners might develop what is known as jogger's nipple or runner's nipple. Friction from the cloth of a loose shirt or a poorly fitting bra can rub against the sensitive nipple skin, causing chafing, cracks, and even bleeding.
Tips for soothing sore nipples
Products like Vaseline or lanolin can help with dry or cracked nipples (although there's little evidence to show what really works well). After each feed, let your nipples dry before getting dressed – change your breast pads after every feed.
Nipple eczema
Eczema or dermatitis which affects the skin of the nipple, particularly if it becomes infected, can cause a weeping, crusty nipple discharge. The treatment is the same as for eczema elsewhere on the body; with cortisone-based creams the main first-line treatment.
Globally, a natural female breast has an average size somewhere between a large "A" and a smaller "B" in the US size system. According to European or Australian classifications, this would be a "B".